Imagine carefully selecting your best-selling small appliances, shipping them to Amazon Japan's fulfillment centers with high expectations, only to have them rejected—or even removed from listings—due to missing one crucial document: PSE certification. This scenario is not hypothetical but a real challenge many sellers face when entering the Japanese market.
PSE Certification: The Mandatory Gateway to Japan's Electrical Market
PSE (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance & Materials) certification is Japan's mandatory safety requirement under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law. This certification serves as fundamental authorization for electrical products entering the Japanese market.
The certification system categorizes products into two types based on risk assessment:
Diamond PSE Mark (Specified Electrical Products)
- Required for higher-risk products
- Must undergo certification through METI-authorized third-party agencies
- Requires physical diamond-shaped PSE mark on products
Circle PSE Mark (Non-Specified Electrical Products)
- Applies to lower-risk products
- Allows manufacturer self-declaration of compliance
- Requires circular PSE mark on products
Product Classification: Understanding A and B Categories
Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law currently regulates 457 electronic devices, divided into:
Category A (116 Products)
Higher-risk products typically used unattended or with direct human contact:
- AC power adapters
- Power extension cords
- Electric heating toys
Category B (341 Products)
Lower-risk electrical appliances:
- Television receivers
- LED lighting equipment
Amazon Japan's PSE Certification Process
Sellers must submit the following documentation to Amazon for verification:
Required Information
- Company name
- Seller ID/Vendor ID
- Product name and ASIN list
- Manufacturing facility information
Certification Documents
For Category A Products:
- Business registration for electrical equipment manufacturing/import
- Product labeling photos
- Certificate of compliance
- Inspection records
For Category B Products:
- Business registration documentation
- Product labeling photos
- Inspection records
Special Considerations
Amazon Japan strictly prohibits all cylindrical lithium-ion batteries (including 18650, 14500, 16340, 20700, 26650, and 21700 models).
Key Considerations for PSE Certification
Certification Costs: Vary by product complexity and chosen certification body.
Processing Time: Typically requires several weeks to months depending on product type.
Non-Compliance Consequences: Products may be delisted, with potential account suspension and legal penalties.
Selecting Certification Bodies: Verify METI authorization, industry experience, and service quality before engagement.
Compliance as Competitive Advantage
In Japan's strictly regulated electrical products market, PSE certification represents more than legal compliance—it establishes product credibility and consumer trust. While the certification process requires investment, it remains an essential prerequisite for sustainable market access.