December 26, 2025

Japan PSE Mark Certification

Japan PSE Mark compliance is a mandatory electrical safety requirement for designated electrical products supplied to the Japanese market. The system is established under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (DENAN) and applies to electrical appliances and materials classified as regulated products.

Products subject to this regulation must meet applicable technical requirements and bear the appropriate PSE Mark before they may be sold, distributed, or offered in Japan. Compliance responsibilities are assigned to Japan-based entities, and different regulatory pathways apply depending on product classification.

Purpose of the Japan PSE Mark

The PSE Mark system is designed to protect consumers and property from hazards associated with unsafe electrical products. Its primary objectives include:

Preventing risks such as electric shock, fire, overheating, and insulation failure
Establishing minimum safety and performance requirements for electrical products
Regulating market entry through mandatory conformity obligations
Assigning legal accountability to responsible entities operating within Japan

Through these measures, the Japanese government ensures that only compliant electrical products are placed on the market.

Products Subject to PSE Mark Requirements

The PSE Mark applies to Electrical Appliances and Materials designated under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act. Product scope is defined by regulatory listings rather than general voltage thresholds.

Examples of covered products include:

Household electrical appliances
Power supplies and AC adapters
Electrical cords, plugs, and wiring devices
Lighting equipment
Battery chargers and power units

Not all electrical products are regulated in the same manner. The applicable compliance route depends on whether a product is classified as a Specified or Non-Specified Electrical Appliance.

Types of PSE Marks

Japan applies two categories of PSE Marks, each corresponding to a different level of regulatory control.

Diamond PSE Mark (Specified Electrical Appliances)

The Diamond PSE Mark applies to Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials that are considered higher risk.

Key characteristics include:

Mandatory third-party conformity assessment
Testing against applicable Japanese technical standards
Certification conducted by a registered conformity assessment body
Ongoing compliance and documentation requirements

Products must complete the required conformity assessment before being placed on the Japanese market.

Circle PSE Mark (Non-Specified Electrical Appliances)

The Circle PSE Mark applies to Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials assessed as lower risk.

Key characteristics include:

No mandatory third-party certification prior to sale
Compliance based on supplier-managed conformity assessment
Technical documentation and internal testing maintained by the responsible party

Although third-party certification is not required, authorities may request documentation during inspections or investigations.

Responsible Party in Japan

Legal responsibility under the PSE system rests with a Japan-established entity known as the Notifying Supplier.

The Notifying Supplier may be:

A manufacturer established in Japan
An importer established in Japan

Foreign manufacturers without a legal presence in Japan must appoint a Japan-based entity to act as the Notifying Supplier and assume full regulatory responsibility.

Key responsibilities include:

Ensuring compliance with applicable technical requirements
Conducting or arranging required testing and evaluations
Applying the correct PSE marking
Submitting required notifications to authorities
Managing post-market compliance and corrective actions

Compliance Process Overview

While specific requirements vary by product classification, the general compliance process follows these steps:

Step 1: Product Classification

Determine whether the product is a Specified or Non-Specified Electrical Appliance under DENAN.

Step 2: Applicable Standards and Testing

Identify applicable Japanese technical standards and conduct required testing to demonstrate conformity.

Step 3: Conformity Assessment

Specified products require third-party conformity assessment by a registered body.
Non-Specified products rely on internal conformity assessment and documentation.

Step 4: Notification and Record Keeping

The Notifying Supplier must submit required notifications and maintain inspection and conformity records. Records must generally be retained for a minimum of three years.

Step 5: Marking and Labeling

The correct PSE Mark must be affixed to the product before it is supplied to the Japanese market.

Labeling and Marking Requirements

Products subject to the PSE system must display the appropriate PSE Mark in a durable and legible manner.

General labeling requirements include:

The correct PSE symbol (Diamond or Circle)
Name of the Notifying Supplier
Required technical information such as rated voltage and power

Additional requirements apply depending on product classification:

Diamond PSE products must also display the name or registered identifier of the conformity assessment body.
Circle PSE products must display the Notifying Supplier information and required technical markings.

Incorrect or missing labeling may result in enforcement action, including sales suspension or recall.

Ongoing Compliance and Enforcement

Japan enforces PSE compliance through market surveillance and inspections conducted by competent authorities under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Ongoing obligations include:

Retention of technical and inspection records for the prescribed period
Cooperation with inspections and information requests
Implementation of corrective measures when non-compliance is identified

Failure to comply may result in administrative orders, product recalls, or prohibition of sales.

Japan PSE Mark certification is a mandatory requirement for electrical products entering the Japanese market. Correct classification between Diamond and Circle PSE, proper assignment of a Japan-based responsible party, and adherence to technical and labeling requirements are essential for compliance.