Japan PSE Certification

I. Certification Classification

1. Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials

• Wire and cable, fuses, switches, transformers, power adapters;

• Household appliances (refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, microwave ovens);

• Lighting fixtures (fluorescent lamps, LED lamps), power tools, etc.

• Nature: High-risk products, requiring mandatory testing and auditing by third-party certification bodies, classified as "mandatory certification."

• Scope: Approximately 116 product types (subject to the latest regulations), including:

• Mark: After passing certification, the diamond-shaped PSE mark must be affixed (see illustration below).

2. Non-specified Electrical Appliances and Materials

• Small household appliances (hair dryers, electric irons);

• Certain electronic devices (calculators, chargers), etc.

• Nature: Low-risk products, no third-party certification required; the manufacturer/importer self-declares conformity with standards, classified as "voluntary compliance."

• Scope: Approximately 341 product types, including:

• Mark: After compliance, the circular PSE mark must be affixed.

II. Certification Process (Taking Specified Electrical Appliances as an Example)

1. Select a Certification Body: Must go through a third-party certification body designated by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (e.g., JET, JQA, UL Japan, etc.).

2. Submit Documentation: Includes product specifications, design drawings, test samples, factory quality system documentation, etc.

3. Product Testing: Testing is conducted in accordance with Japan's Electrical Appliance Technical Standards (mostly based on IEC standards, with some Japan-specific requirements).

4. Factory Inspection: Initial certification may require auditing the production facility's quality control system (follow-up spot checks may apply).

5. Certification and Marking: Upon passing, a certification certificate is issued, and the product must bear the diamond-shaped PSE mark before entering the Japanese market.

III. Key Considerations

• Importer Responsibility: Japan requires that a domestic importer be responsible for compliance; overseas manufacturers must complete the certification process through a Japanese importer.

• Standard Updates: Technical standards may be revised; it is necessary to monitor the latest versions (e.g., certain product standards were updated in 2020).

• Penalty Mechanism: Selling non-compliant Specified Electrical Appliances may result in fines, product recalls, and even criminal liability.

Summary