Free resource
Japan compliance checklist for hardware brands
One page, five sections, the questions a registered body or an importer will ask you first. Print it, or run the Quick Check to have the first three sections answered for your product.
1. Radio (技適 / Giteki)
- List every radio in the product: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE, Zigbee, Sub-GHz, UWB, active NFC.
- Get the exact module part number and check it in the MIC certification database.
- Confirm the certification covers your antenna and firmware configuration, not just the bare module.
- Plan where the Giteki mark goes (label or on-screen electronic display).
2. Electrical safety (PSE)
- List everything in the box that plugs into the wall or stores energy: AC adapter, charger, battery cells.
- Match each item to the PSE list: diamond mark (third-party assessment) or round mark (self-assessment).
- Check lithium-ion cells against the 400 Wh/L threshold.
- Decide who is the notifying business in Japan and where test records will be kept.
3. Domestic Administrator (国内管理人) — since 25 Dec 2025
- Will you sell directly to Japanese consumers (Amazon.co.jp, own store, crowdfunding) without a Japanese importer?
- If yes and the product carries a PSE/PSC mark: appoint a Japan-resident administrator and notify METI.
- Delegation contract must cover the five duties METI lists (contact, recall, notices, records, inspections).
- Expect the administrator's name to be published.
4. Customs representative (ACP) — before the first FBA shipment
- Shipping stock to Amazon FBA in Japan? You import in your own name; Amazon does not.
- Appoint a Japan-resident Attorney for Customs Procedures and notify customs before shipping.
- Agree who pays duties and consumption tax, and how (no advance payments by the representative).
5. Marketplace and other rules
- Prepare the PSE certificate or test report, mark photo, Giteki number and business details for Amazon.co.jp.
- Check PSC (lighters, pressure cookers, infant products, laser pointers) and the PMD Act (cosmetics, health claims).
- Small rechargeable batteries: recycling mark and take-back obligations.
Want this filled in for your product?
The Quick Check is free; the full brief adds costs, timelines and who to call.
This is an informational summary generated from public sources and is not legal advice. Final applicability must be confirmed with a registered certification body (登録認証機関) or the relevant ministry (METI / MIC / MHLW). Japanese source documents prevail over any English summary. © Torii Japan Compliance.