Japan · Global Market Access
Entering the Japanese Market: TELEC Radio Approval
Type approval and MIC registration for radio equipment.
- Market
- Japan
- Site
- Asia-Pacific
- Mark
- TELEC
01What is it?
TELEC is one of the bodies responsible for the type approval of radio equipment in Japan. For devices within scope, type approval is obtained and registration is made with the MIC.
02Why Does This Scheme Exist?
In Japan the approval of radio equipment rests on spectrum management competence and runs entirely separately from the electrical safety arrangement. Approval is granted by registered certification bodies and an approval number is allocated to the product.
The distinguishing aspect of the arrangement is that frequency allocations are NATIONAL. Japan's band plan and permitted power levels differ from other markets; in certain bands the channel arrangement and conditions of use are specific to the country. A radio approval obtained for another market is therefore not valid here and the tests are partly repeated.
The approval covers two separate items and the two must not be confused: technical conformity relating to the radio equipment itself, and terminal conformity relating to the equipment's connection to a network. A product can be subject to both and then carries two separate approval numbers.
The approval number and the identity of the certification body must be visible on the product or on its screen. For software-defined radio products, display on screen is an accepted route; this is a practical solution for small products.
The module arrangement applies here too: an approved module can be used in a finished product but this depends on the antenna and mounting conditions. Where those conditions are departed from, a new approval is required for the finished product.
03Whose Obligation?
The obligation lies with the party placing the product on the Japanese market; the process is run in coordination with an importer established in Japan.
04Required Documents
- A test report to Japanese radio legislation
- Frequency, power and modulation details
- Device description and block diagram
- The type approval application documents
- A label and marking sample
05Process
- 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.
06Points to Watch
- Japan's frequency allocations differ from other markets
- RED or FCC tests cannot be used directly
- The approval number and TELEC mark are shown on the product
- PSE and TELEC are separate processes; for a wireless electrical product both are required
07Neighbouring Schemes and the Difference
- 01Radio approval and electrical safetyThese are two separate pieces of legislation and separate evidence; radio approval does not take the place of the safety mark and the reverse is also true.
- 02Technical conformity and terminal conformityRadio equipment and a terminal connected to a network are separate items; a product can be subject to both and carries two approval numbers.
- 03Japanese approval and other markets' radio approvalsThe band plan and power levels are national; an approval from another market is not valid and the tests are partly repeated.
- 04Module approval and the finished productAn approved module is a conditional convenience; departing from the antenna and mounting conditions gives rise to a new approval for the finished product.
08Scheme Detail
There is no separate certification page for this mark; the scope and process are as described on this page. The roadmap specific to your product is provided in writing at the quote stage.
09Other Marks in the Japan Market
10Frequently Asked Questions
This section's content is being prepared. The roadmap specific to your product and target market at the quote stage in writing.
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.
Japan · TELEC roadmap for
Tell us about your product; we'll share the required steps, documents and timeline in writing.