Japan METI Filing & PSE Certification Practical Guide — Essential Reading for Appliance Export to Japan
Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (Den'an Law) is the foundational law governing electrical products entering the Japanese market, enforced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Export enterprises must complete both PSE certification and METI filing — neither can be omitted.
PSE Certification: Core of the Den'an Law
PSE (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance & Materials) certification is divided into two categories:
Diamond PSE (Specified Electrical Appliances)
For 116 categories of higher-risk products such as wires and cables, fuses, power switches, electric toys, and rechargeable lithium batteries. Factory inspection and product testing must be conducted by METI-recognized third-party bodies (such as JQA, JET, TUV Rheinland Japan, etc.). Certification cycle is longer (4-8 weeks) and costs are higher.
Round PSE (Non-Specified Electrical Appliances)
For 341 categories of general electrical products such as LED luminaires, humidifiers, electric fans, and audio/video equipment. Manufacturers self-declare conformity with technical standards and retain test records. Cycle is short (1-2 weeks), no factory inspection required.
METI Filing — The Most Easily Overlooked Step After PSE
After completing PSE certification, the importer or manufacturer must complete filing in METI's electronic reporting system and obtain a "Notifying Business Operator" number.
Japan Agent (Domestic Administrator) Requirement
Under the Den'an Law, non-Japanese enterprises exporting electrical products to Japan must designate a "Domestic Administrator" (commonly known as "Japan Agent" or "Notifying Business Operator") to assume liaison responsibility for product safety and labeling compliance. The Japan Agent must be an individual residing in Japan or a registered legal entity. Japan Agent information must be marked on the product itself or its outer packaging.
PSE Compliance Product Scope Examples
| Product Type | PSE Category | Certification Method | Japan Agent Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Bank / Portable Charger | Diamond PSE | Third-party certification + factory inspection | Yes |
| LED Bulb | Round PSE | Self-declaration | Yes |
| USB Charger | Diamond/Round (by power) | Case by case | Yes |
| Electric Kettle | Round PSE | Self-declaration | Yes |
| Electric Toy | Diamond PSE | Third-party certification | Yes |
| Electric Fan | Round PSE | Self-declaration | Yes |
Common Pitfalls and Solutions
- Mistaking Diamond for Round: Lithium battery products (power banks) fall under Diamond PSE — self-declaration is not a substitute
- Ignoring METI filing deadlines: Filing must be completed within 30 days after PSE certification
- Improper Japan Agent selection: The Japan Agent must have actual communication capabilities — a "shell" address is not acceptable
- Label format errors: PSE mark dimensions and font have strict specifications
FAQ
Q: Do appliances sold through Amazon Japan need PSE?
A: Yes. Amazon Japan explicitly requires electrical products to provide PSE certification information and randomly audits METI filing numbers.
Q: What is the Diamond PSE certification process for power banks?
A: Submit samples to a Japan-recognized body (or overseas partner laboratory) for lithium battery safety testing. Upon passing, arrange factory inspection. After passing inspection, the PSE certificate is issued, followed by METI filing.
Q: Can the Japan Agent be changed?
A: Yes, but the filing must be updated with METI, and Japan Agent information on product labels must be updated accordingly.
Q: Can PSE testing be done without a Japan Agent?
A: PSE testing typically does not require Japan Agent information. However, Japan Agent documentation must be provided for METI filing. GreenArk provides Japan Agent matching and PSE+METI full-process agency services.
GreenArk (Shenzhen) Certification Co., Ltd. has extensive experience in Japan PSE certification and METI filing, providing one-stop services including Japan Agent matching, certification testing agency, and full filing guidance — helping electrical products smoothly export to Japan.
GreenArk (Shenzhen) Certification Co., Ltd.
www.greenark-sz.com | sui@greenark-sz.com
