Japan's market is implementing stricter safety requirements for electronic products, with Amazon Japan reportedly preparing to remove listings for electronics exceeding 700 watts unless they meet specific certification standards. This development signals significant compliance challenges for sellers of high-power devices in the Japanese market.
Mandatory Certification Requirements
The new policy requires all affected products to obtain two critical approvals:
- PSE Diamond Certification: A mandatory safety approval under Japan's Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN)
- METI Registration: Mandatory filing with Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Products failing to meet these requirements face removal from Amazon's marketplace and potential financial penalties.
Understanding PSE Certification
The PSE (Product Safety of Electrical Appliance & Materials) certification represents Japan's primary electrical safety compliance system. The program categorizes products based on risk levels:
- Category A (165 products): Higher-risk items requiring the diamond-shaped PSE mark
- Category B (341 products): Lower-risk items requiring the circular PSE mark
High-power electronics typically fall under Category A, necessitating the more stringent diamond certification. The process verifies compliance with either Japanese DENAN standards or international IEC safety benchmarks.
METI Registration Process
The METI filing requirement complements PSE certification, establishing product traceability in the Japanese market. Key aspects include:
- Importers must register products within one month of purchase
- Products must display the purchasing entity's name or identification number
- PSE certification serves as a prerequisite for METI registration
This dual-layer system enhances market oversight by ensuring clear accountability throughout the supply chain.
Compliance Timeline
With Amazon's policy change imminent, sellers of affected products should immediately initiate the certification process. The PSE diamond certification and subsequent METI registration typically require several weeks to complete, making early preparation essential to avoid marketplace disruptions.
This regulatory shift reflects Japan's ongoing commitment to consumer safety in the electronics sector, particularly for high-wattage devices. Market participants must adapt quickly to maintain their Japanese market presence while meeting these enhanced safety standards.