Japan PSE Certification Explained: Application Steps, Testing Requirements and Marking Rules

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In our previous article we introduced the history and product categories of the Japanese PSE mark. This article follows the process step by step: who does what, which documents are needed and how products must be marked.

1. The role of METI and the regulatory set-up

The key authority is Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). METI administers the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (DENAN), sets the rules, designates conformity assessment bodies and supervises the market. Three parties are involved in the PSE system:

  • METI – sets the rules and carries out market surveillance;
  • Registered Conformity Assessment Bodies (RCABs) – test and assess Specified products;
  • Businesses (manufacturers in Japan or importers) – notify their business, ensure conformity and apply the mark.

In short: METI sets the rules, RCABs test the products, and the business marks them and remains responsible.

2. The PSE process

Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials (diamond PSE)

  1. Classify the product using METI’s official list of 116 specified items to confirm whether it is a Specified Electrical Appliance or Material.
  2. Choose an RCAB registered by METI, for example JET (Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories) or JQA (Japan Quality Assurance Organization).
  3. Submit samples and technical documents, including specifications, circuit diagrams, material lists, instructions for use and label designs.
  4. Testing and factory assessment – the RCAB evaluates electrical safety and construction; for some product categories the factory quality system is also reviewed.
  5. Conformity certificate – once the technical requirements are met, the RCAB issues a certificate of conformity.
  6. Business notification – the Japanese importer (or manufacturer in Japan) files the business notification with METI.
  7. Marking – the product may be sold once it bears the diamond PSE mark.

Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials (round PSE)

  1. The business tests the product itself (or has it tested) against the DENAN technical requirements and confirms conformity.
  2. The self-declaration and test records must be kept for at least three years.
  3. The importer still has to file the business notification with METI, even though no RCAB assessment is needed.
  4. The product is marked with the round PSE mark to show that the business has confirmed conformity with the safety requirements.

3. Technical documentation and testing

Whatever the category, METI expects a complete set of technical documents, including:

  • product specification and description of construction;
  • circuit diagrams and PCB layouts;
  • bill of materials (BOM);
  • safety test reports (for example insulation, dielectric strength, earthing);
  • EMC test reports where applicable;
  • instructions for use and warning labels;
  • declaration of conformity.

Once documents have been submitted to an RCAB or used for the notification, keep copies on file for possible market checks.

4. PSE marking rules

  • Position: on the product itself or its rating plate, clearly visible. Only where this is not possible may it appear on the packaging or in the instructions.
  • Content: the PSE symbol (diamond or round), the name or registered abbreviation of the business and, for Specified products, the name or mark of the RCAB.
  • Prohibited: selling products without PSE, false or misleading marking, and using the PSE certificate itself for advertising – only the mark is recognised.

5. How PSE differs from other certifications

A CE or UL certificate cannot replace PSE. Japan’s technical requirements are independent and place particular emphasis on electrical safety details such as heat resistance, current-carrying capacity and construction dimensions.

6. Frequently asked questions

Do we need a partner in Japan? Yes. The notifying business must be the manufacturer or importer in Japan, so exporters usually work with a Japanese importer or local partner for the notification.

Do RCAB certificates expire? Yes. Certificates for Specified products are valid for a period set by product category (typically 3, 5 or 7 years) and must be renewed. Any change to design or construction requires a new assessment.

Does METI carry out market checks? Yes. METI regularly samples products on the market; non-compliance can lead to recall orders or fines.

How EVERBIZ can help

EVERBIZ supports manufacturers with product classification, test planning, RCAB communication and the preparation of technical files for the Japanese market. Contact us to discuss your product.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The official METI documents are authoritative.

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