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Japan PSE mark for exporters: diamond vs round PSE and 2025 rules

Electrical products cannot be sold or displayed for sale in Japan without the PSE mark. The Japanese manufacturer or importer notifies METI, makes sure the product meets the technical standards and, for 116 specified items, has it assessed by a registered conformity assessment body. Since 25 December 2025, overseas businesses selling directly to Japanese consumers online also have obligations.

Checked against official sources: 2026-10

At a glance

LawElectrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (DENAN), administered by METI
Who notifiesManufacturers and importers in Japan, within 30 days of starting the business
Specified items116 items: third-party conformity assessment by a registered body; diamond-shaped PSE mark
Non-specified items341 items: self-inspection; round PSE mark
RecordsSelf-inspection records kept for three years
Without the markSale or display for sale in Japan is prohibited
Since 25 December 2025Overseas businesses selling specified products directly to Japanese consumers online notify and appoint a domestic administrator (国内管理人)
PlatformsMust respond to government requests to remove listings of unsafe products

How the PSE system works

Under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, manufacturers and importers of electrical appliances and materials covered by the act, called notifying suppliers, must notify METI within 30 days from the start of the business. They must make the products conform to the ministerial technical standards before placing them on the Japanese market, carry out self-inspections and keep the records for three years.

METI divides the covered products into two groups. The 116 specified electrical appliances and materials must also undergo conformity assessment by a registered conformity assessment body and carry the diamond-shaped PSE mark. The 341 non-specified items carry the round PSE mark after self-inspection. Selling or displaying for sale a covered product without the PSE marking is prohibited in Japan.

The 2025 rules for overseas online sellers

Amendments to Japan's four product safety laws, including the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, took effect on 25 December 2025. According to Mori Hamada & Matsumoto's summary, overseas businesses that sell specified products directly to Japanese consumers through digital platforms must notify the authorities and appoint a domestic administrator (国内管理人) in Japan, and their registration details may be published. Platform operators must respond to government requests to remove listings of products that may harm consumers.

What the exporter should provide

Step by step

  1. Check whether your product is covered by the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act and whether it is a specified or non-specified item.
  2. Agree with your Japanese importer who notifies METI; the importer or manufacturer in Japan is the notifying supplier.
  3. For specified items, arrange conformity assessment by a registered conformity assessment body and keep the certificate.
  4. Test the product against the technical standards and supply the self-inspection data, which the notifying supplier keeps for three years.
  5. Mark the product with the diamond or round PSE mark before it is sold or displayed for sale.
  6. If you sell online straight to Japanese consumers, appoint a domestic administrator (国内管理人) and notify.

Documents you usually need

Common problems and how to avoid them

A specified item is shipped with the round PSE mark.

What to do: Check the category: specified items need conformity assessment by a registered body and the diamond PSE mark.

Products reach Japan without any PSE mark.

What to do: Covered products cannot be sold or displayed for sale without the mark; mark them before sale.

An overseas seller lists products on a Japanese marketplace without a domestic administrator.

What to do: Since 25 December 2025, overseas businesses selling specified products directly to consumers must appoint one, and platforms can be asked to remove listings.

No one kept test records.

What to do: Notifying suppliers must keep self-inspection records for three years; send the data with each production lot.

Sources

  1. Procedures under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE) Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan
  2. 製品安全4法改正のポイント (amendments to the four product safety laws, 18 November 2025) Mori Hamada & Matsumoto (BUSINESS LAWYERS)

Rules change often. This note is practical guidance based on the sources above, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the authority, your importer or a licensed customs broker before you ship.

Port codes by country

Japan port codes (UN/LOCODE)
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Trade notes

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Common questions

What is the PSE mark?

The safety mark required under Japan's Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act: a diamond-shaped mark for 116 specified items and a round mark for 341 non-specified items.

Who is responsible for PSE in Japan?

The manufacturer or importer in Japan, which notifies METI within 30 days of starting the business and is responsible for conformity, self-inspection and marking.

What is the difference between diamond and round PSE?

Diamond PSE is for specified items that need conformity assessment by a registered body; round PSE is for non-specified items covered by self-inspection.

What changed in December 2025?

Overseas businesses selling specified products directly to Japanese consumers online must notify and appoint a domestic administrator, and platforms must respond to removal requests.

How long must records be kept?

Self-inspection records must be kept for three years.

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