- Site
- Asia-Pacific
- Mark / regulation
- 2
- Market
- Japan
01Entering This Market
The distinguishing feature of the Japanese regime is that the obligation rests with the party resident in Japan. A foreign manufacturer cannot notify directly; notification under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN) is made by the importer or manufacturer in Japan. This means that choosing a partner is as decisive in market-entry planning as technical preparation.
02Background to the Regime
Japan's regime is risk-based and TWO-TIERED, and grasping this determines the whole process. Electrical products are divided into two lists: for categories deemed high risk, third-party conformity assessment is mandatory; for the others, the manufacturer makes its own declaration. The same legislation, the same mark, but two different routes of evidence — and if it is not established from the outset which list the product falls in, the process is set up wrongly.
The form of the mark also carries that distinction: the two lists use different symbols. This means packaging and label design can only be finalised after the scope has been determined.
The second defining feature of the regime is that the obligation is placed on THE IMPORTER. A foreign manufacturer cannot be the responsible party; the importer or seller established in the country is responsible for the product's compliance and for keeping records. This directly affects the structure of the commercial relationship.
The electricity supply in Japan is technically distinctive, and this changes the test plan: the voltage level and the existence of two different frequency regions in the country require additional assessment for power supplies and motorised products. The plug and socket arrangement is also subject to its own national standard.
The radio side is tied to separate legislation and a separate approval arrangement; frequency allocations are specific to the country and a radio approval obtained for another market is not valid. An approved product is given an identifying number and that number appears on the product.
03Acceptance of Foreign Test Reports and Documents
- In categories open to manufacturer declaration, foreign test reports can be used; the laboratory being accredited markedly increases the defensibility of the report.
- In categories requiring third-party assessment, a decision from a registered conformity assessment body is required; a foreign certificate does not take its place.
- Radio approval is country-specific: a radio certificate obtained in another market is not accepted and the national approval route is followed.
- Requirements relating to the national supply network and the plug-and-socket arrangement are met separately; these are not closed out by international standard testing.
- The responsible party must be established in the country; records are kept by that party and are requested from them in an inspection.
04Defining Features of the Regime
- PSE is divided into two groups: diamond PSE (third-party certification mandatory) and circle PSE (manufacturer declaration)
- The notification obligation belongs to the importer or manufacturer resident in Japan
- The mains supply is 100 V and there is a regional 50/60 Hz difference; the product is evaluated accordingly
- The use of PSE-approved plugs and cables is expected
- TELEC type approval and MIC registration are additionally required for radio equipment
- A CB Scheme report shortens the process when national deviations are met
05Local Representative and Responsible Party
Having an importer or manufacturer resident in Japan is MANDATORY: the DENAN notification to METI is made by this party, and market-placement responsibility rests with them. A foreign manufacturer can have testing and certification carried out, but a party resident in Japan is needed for notification and responsibility.
07Entry Process
- 01Scope DeterminationIt is determined which legislation and marking scope the product falls under in the target market. This step defines the entire process; getting it wrong wastes all subsequent work.
- 02Determining Applicable StandardsThe standards accepted by the market and any national deviations are identified. The same IEC standard may apply with different deviations in different markets.
- 03Establishing the Test PlanIt is assessed which part of existing test reports will be accepted; missing tests are planned. A CB Scheme report, if available, reduces retesting.
- 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
- 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
- 06Certification or DeclarationDepending on the market's regime, a manufacturer's declaration is drawn up or a certificate is obtained from the authorised body; a factory audit is carried out if required.
- 07Marking and LabellingThe mark and label are applied according to the market's format and language rules. The language requirement is checked at customs in most markets.
- 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.
08Customs and Labelling
- The PSE mark (diamond or circle) and responsible party information appear on the label
- A Japanese-language user manual and warning texts are required
- Mains voltage and frequency information appears on the product label
- The TELEC mark and approval number are marked on radio equipment
- An additional label applies to products within the scope of the energy efficiency (Top Runner) programme
09Common Mistakes
- Starting the process without determining a party resident in Japan
- Incorrectly determining whether the product falls under diamond or circle PSE
- Not evaluating the compatibility of a product designed for 220 V with the 100 V mains supply
- Using plugs and cables without PSE approval
- Skipping TELEC approval for the radio module
10Calendar
The certification timeline varies with the product, the required test workload, sample shipping time and the authority's workload; for this reason, no duration in days or weeks is given on these pages. The main factors determining the timeline are: whether testing must be performed in the target country, whether a factory audit is required, the time to appoint a local representative, and the current maturity of the technical file. A realistic timeline for your product is provided in writing at the quote stage.
Market access regimes change frequently: scope lists are updated, transition periods are extended, new requirements are added. These pages describe the structure of the regime and who bears the obligation; the applicable scope and dates for your product are confirmed from the current legislative text at the quote stage.
11Frequently Asked Questions
Can I obtain PSE without a representative in Japan?
You can have testing and certification carried out, but METI notification and market-placement responsibility belong to the manufacturer or importer resident in Japan. Without this party, the product cannot be placed on the market.
Can my CB report be used for PSE?
Japan is a party to the CB Scheme; a CB report shortens the process provided Japanese national deviations are met. Differences such as mains voltage and plug requirements must be addressed separately.
Japan roadmap for
Tell us about your product; we'll share the required steps, documents and timeline in writing.