Entering the Japanese Market: PSE

PSE is the mandatory conformity regime under Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (DENAN). Products are divided into two groups: diamond PSE (third-party certification mandatory) and round PSE (manufacturer declaration).

The obligation belongs to the importer or manufacturer ESTABLISHED IN JAPAN: the METI notification is made by that party. A foreign manufacturer cannot be the responsible party.

• A test report to the Japanese technical specifications (J standards)
• For diamond PSE, the accredited body's certificate and the factory inspection record
• Details of the PSE-approved plug and cable
• Japanese label and user manual
• The METI notification record

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 04Local Party and RegistrationIf the market requires an established representative, importer or applicant, this party is designated and the necessary registrations are made.
5. 05Tests and Technical FileTests are conducted and the technical file is prepared. Some markets require testing to be performed within their own country.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 08Shipment and CustomsIf a pre-shipment document is required, it is obtained; the document set to be presented at customs is completed.

• The supply is 100 V and there is a regional 50/60 Hz difference
• The use of PSE-approved plugs and cables is expected
• A CB report shortens the process once the national deviations are met
• The responsible party's details appear on the label

1. 01The difference between the two listsIn the high-risk category third-party assessment is mandatory and the mark is diamond-shaped; in the other category a declaration suffices and the mark is round. Determining the scope is the first decision.
2. 02Electrical safety and radio approvalA product carrying a radio is subject to separate legislation and a separate approval arrangement; the safety mark does not satisfy the radio requirements.
3. 03National differences and international standardsThe supply voltage, frequency regions and plug-and-socket arrangement are national; an international report is insufficient if it does not cover these differences.
4. 04The manufacturer and the established responsible partyA foreign manufacturer cannot be the responsible party; the importer or established seller makes the declaration and keeps the records.

This page describes entry into the Japan market. The scheme itself — its scope, process, validity period and required documents — is covered in detail on the certification page.

This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.