Direct answer: Japan PSE (DENAN, the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act) is not "one PSE certificate for every electrical product". It first divides electrical appliances and materials into Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials (diamond PSE, 116 categories) and Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials (circle PSE, 341 categories), 457 categories in total (per METI's current list): specified products need third-party conformity assessment by a METI-registered conformity assessment body (CAB) and certification; non-specified products use self-declaration/self-inspection, do not need third-party PSE certification, and cannot obtain a "PSE certificate". Importers must notify METI before importing; products must meet technical requirements, undergo final compliance checks before shipment, keep records (JQA guidance: 3 years), and carry the PSE mark before sale; products without the PSE mark may not be sold/exhibited. A website PSE page should turn product classification, notifying supplier/importer, CAB/self-declaration, technical requirements/self-inspection, label, records and customer documents into a reviewable checklist—not the phrase "PSE certified". Information is current to 2026-11-05. This is a review of public rules and project practice, not legal, certification, testing or customs advice; specifics follow DENAN/METI, the CAB and the latest guidance.
This guide is for regulatory, quality, sales and website teams at electronics/electrical, power supply/adapter, cable/plug, lighting/LED, appliance, battery, power tool and export manufacturers in Changzhou and nearby areas. Japan PSE is not EU CE or US FCC/UL; the PSE law covers electrical safety and EMI, but is not Radio Law and not PSC.
Diamond PSE = specified products, requiring third-party assessment/certification by a METI-registered CAB; circle PSE = non-specified products, self-declaration/self-inspection, no third-party PSE certification. Importers notify METI; products must meet technical requirements, be checked before shipment, keep records, and carry the mark before sale. PSE is not CE/FCC, and does not cover Radio Law/PSC.
How does the PSE page relate to EU CE, LVD/EMC, US FCC/UL and UK UKCA pages?
The EU LVD/EMC page answers CE safety/EMC; the US FCC/UL page answers FCC radio/UL electrical safety/Prop 65; the UK UKCA/CE page answers GB/NI; the Japan PSE page answers DENAN classification, METI notification, CAB/self-declaration, PSE label and records. PSE is not mutually recognised with CE/FCC/UKCA; test reports may reuse some data, but the applicable technical requirements, classification, notification, label and responsible party differ. Wireless products may also involve Japan's Radio Law (technical conformity); PSE does not replace it.
Common breakpoints: treating PSE as CE; writing "PSE certified" for everything; seeking a CAB certificate for circle PSE; a Chinese factory notifying METI directly (generally not allowed unless registered foreign company/other exceptions); the importer does not notify; no self-inspection records; the label is applied before compliance; treating PSE as Radio Law/PSC; the website says "customs clearance/sales guaranteed". Separate market/regulation/classification/role first; then regulatory, quality, sales and the customer share one playbook.
| Page/system | Answers | Covers | Cannot replace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan PSE | DENAN classification/notification/label | Electrical safety + EMI | CE/FCC/Radio Law/PSC |
| EU CE | EU safety/EMC/radio | EU directives/regulations | Japan PSE |
| US FCC/UL | Radio/electrical safety/Prop 65 | US rules | Japan PSE |
| UK UKCA/CE | GB/NI market | UK regulations | Japan PSE |
| Radio Law | Radio equipment compliance | Wireless devices | PSE |
| PSC | Consumer product safety | Specified consumer products | PSE |
This page map is editorial; DENAN/METI, the CAB, Radio Law/PSC and the latest guidance control.
What does DENAN cover? How should 457 / 116 specified / 341 non-specified be described?
METI states that DENAN covers 457 categories of electrical appliances and materials designated by Cabinet Order, of which 116 are "Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials" (higher risk) and 341 are "Non-Specified". Specified examples include AC/DC power supplies, extension cords and fuses; non-specified examples include TV receivers, electric cooling appliances, LED lamps and refrigerators. Not every electrical/electronic product is in scope; whether an industrial control panel, wireless module, etc. is PSE, Radio Law or PSC depends on the product function and the latest list. The 457/116/341 figures are METI's page (JQA notes December 2018 data); check the latest list before publishing.
Acceptance checks: whether the product is in the 457 categories; specified/non-specified; latest list; wireless/Radio Law; PSC; industrial/commercial exceptions. Common gaps: all electrical products labelled PSE; forcing products outside the list; not distinguishing specified/non-specified; using 2018 data without updating; ignoring Radio Law/PSC; misclassifying industrial control panels.
| Category | Number/meaning | Examples | Common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specified | 116 categories, higher risk | AC/DC power supplies, extension cords, fuses | Treated as non-specified |
| Non-specified | 341 categories, lower risk | TVs, refrigerators, LED lamps | Forced to find CAB |
| Total | 457 categories | Per METI list | Old data |
| Out of scope | Not listed/other rules | Some industrial/wireless | PSE for everything |
Numbers/examples are from METI/JQA public pages; specific classification/list follows the latest DENAN/METI guidance.
What is the difference between diamond PSE and circle PSE?
Diamond PSE (specified): besides technical requirements/self-inspection, the product must undergo third-party conformity assessment by a METI-registered CAB by type classification and obtain certification (certificate/CoC); the product carries the diamond PSE mark. Circle PSE (non-specified): self-declaration/self-inspection; no third-party conformity assessment, and no "PSE certification"; the product carries the circle PSE mark. Non-specified products may voluntarily obtain S-JQA or other certification, but that is a voluntary mark, not a mandatory PSE requirement. Both must meet technical requirements, undergo final checks before shipment, keep records and carry the mark before sale. Do not call circle PSE "PSE certified", and do not apply a diamond certificate to a non-specified product.
Acceptance checks: specified/non-specified; diamond/circle; CAB certificate/CoC; self-declaration; S-JQA; technical requirements; self-inspection records. Common gaps: circle requires CoC; diamond only self-inspects; wrong diamond/circle; S-JQA treated as PSE; certificate model not covered; missing records.
| Type | Third-party assessment | Mark/documents | Common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specified | METI-registered CAB by type | Diamond PSE + certificate/CoC | Self-inspection only/wrong mark |
| Non-specified | Not required | Circle PSE + self-declaration | Demanding a PSE certificate |
| Voluntary S-JQA | Voluntary certification | S-JQA + circle PSE | Treated as mandatory |
| Technical requirements | Both | Testing/self-inspection records | Certification without testing |
Diamond/circle rules follow DENAN/METI guidance and CAB requirements; S-JQA is voluntary.
Who notifies METI? Can a Chinese factory notify directly?
DENAN Article 3 requires businesses engaged in manufacture/import of electrical appliances and materials (Notifying Supplier) to notify METI of business commencement; for imported products, the importer is responsible. METI states that, except for a foreign juridical person registered as a foreign company under the Companies Act, a foreign juridical person generally cannot notify import business; an individual residing in Japan is an exception. Therefore a Chinese factory usually cannot notify on behalf of the Japanese importer unless it meets the registered-foreign-company or other exception; more commonly the Japanese importer notifies, and the factory supports technical files/testing/labels. If an overseas company sells directly to Japanese consumers without a Japanese importer, a "specified importer/domestic responsible person" arrangement may be involved; confirm with METI guidance/professional advice. Do not confuse "the factory is the manufacturer" with "the factory can notify the import".
Acceptance checks: notifying supplier; importer; foreign-company registration; domestic responsible person; direct-sales model; notification receipt; change/abolition. Common gaps: Chinese factory notifies directly; importer does not notify; notification does not match product/label; changes not notified; direct sales without a Japanese responsible person; manufacturer treated as importer.
| Role/scenario | Who notifies/is responsible | Evidence | Common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese importer | Importer notifies | Notification receipt | No notification |
| Chinese manufacturer | Generally cannot notify import directly | Contract/authorisation | Factory notifies |
| Foreign company registration | Exception | Registration | Misused |
| Direct sales | Specified importer/domestic responsible person | Appointment/registration | No responsible person |
| Changes | Notify per guidance | Change record | Not notified |
Notification/importer rules follow DENAN Article 3, METI guidance and Japanese legal/professional advice; not legal advice.
How should technical requirements, self-inspection and records be accepted?
DENAN requires products to comply with the technical requirements of the Ministerial Order; manufacturers/importers must conduct self-inspection and keep records as required. JQA guidance states all products must undergo final compliance checks before shipment and records must be retained for 3 years (Article 8, Section 2). Specified products also need CAB third-party assessment; non-specified rely on self-declaration/self-inspection. Technical files typically include product specifications/model, key components/materials, test reports/self-inspection records, label/nameplate, instructions, importer/notifying-supplier information and change records. Testing can be in-house/third-party, but must cover the model/series and applicable technical requirements; do not use EU LVD/EMC reports as a direct substitute for Japanese technical requirements.
Acceptance checks: technical requirements; test items; model coverage; self-inspection records; 3-year retention; key components; label/instructions; changes. Common gaps: no self-inspection; records less than 3 years; only one model tested; CE report substituted; key component changes not assessed; records not traceable; instructions/language missing.
| Item | What to confirm | Evidence | Common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical requirements | Applicable Ministerial Order | Standard list | CE substituted |
| Testing/self-inspection | Items/model/conclusion | Report/records | No self-inspection |
| Record retention | 3 years/traceable | Archive | Less than 3 years |
| Key components | Change assessment | BOM/change | Not assessed |
| Label/instructions | PSE/notifier/rating | Nameplate/manual | Missing information |
Technical requirements/records follow DENAN, METI guidance and CAB requirements; 3-year retention is from JQA guidance.
How should the PSE label and pre-sale compliance be accepted?
Only after completing notification, technical requirements/self-inspection (and CAB assessment for specified products) may the PSE mark be applied before sale; without the PSE mark, products may not be sold/exhibited in Japan (DENAN Article 27). The label/nameplate normally includes the PSE mark, notifying supplier's name, rated voltage/power and other information required by the regulations; specific fields/location follow METI guidance and product category. The label must be in a permitted location (product/nameplate/packaging/manual), clear and durable; do not apply the mark before testing, and do not put PSE on products outside scope. The importer/notifying supplier information must match.
Acceptance checks: mark type; notifying supplier; ratings; location; clarity/durability; before sale; scope; consistency with certificate/notification. Common gaps: label before testing; wrong circle/diamond; wrong notifying supplier; wrong ratings; non-compliant location; PSE on out-of-scope products; missing importer information.
| Label item | What to confirm | Evidence | Common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSE mark | Diamond/circle | Nameplate/photo | Wrong mark |
| Notifying supplier | Name/information | Notification/label | Mismatch |
| Ratings | Voltage/power, etc. | Spec/nameplate | Wrong |
| Location/durability | Per guidance | Photo/test | Falls off |
| Pre-sale | Apply after compliance | Process/records | Label before test |
Label requirements follow DENAN Articles 10/27, METI guidance and product category; specific fields follow the latest guidance.
Which PSE documents will customers/importers ask for?
Common: METI notification receipt (importer); CAB certificate/CoC for specified products; test reports/self-inspection records; technical requirements/key-component list; PSE label/nameplate photos; instructions; model/series list; importer/notifying-supplier information; change records. Non-specified products do not have a PSE certificate—provide self-declaration/self-inspection/test reports and the circle PSE label, not a forged certificate. Customers may also require Radio Law (technical conformity) or PSC documents; confirm per product. Documents must match the model and be versioned; customer-specific documents go under NDA, not on the public website.
Acceptance checks: document list; specified/non-specified; notification receipt; CAB/CoC; testing/self-inspection; label; model; version; customer acceptance. Common gaps: only CE; a PSE certificate for circle; missing notification receipt; model not covered; outdated reports; label/notification mismatch; Radio/PSC ignored.
| Document | What to prepare | Evidence | Common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| METI notification | Importer notification receipt | Receipt | Missing |
| CAB/CoC | Specified certificate | Certificate | Circle given one |
| Testing/self-inspection | Technical requirements/records | Reports | CE only |
| Label/nameplate | PSE/notifier/ratings | Photo | Mismatch |
| Radio/PSC | Per product | Certificate/report | Ignored |
The document list is editorial; specifics follow DENAN/METI, CAB, Radio Law/PSC and the customer contract.
How should the product-path matrix be laid out?
List by product: product/model, whether in the 457 categories, specified/non-specified, diamond/circle, CAB requirement, self-inspection/testing, notifying supplier/importer, label, Radio Law/PSC, other. Example: AC adapters/power supplies may be specified (diamond, CAB); LED lamps, TVs and refrigerators are usually non-specified (circle, self-declaration); extension cords/fuses may be specified; wireless products also need Radio Law; specific consumer products may need PSC. The matrix is not a legal conclusion; it helps the customer/internal team see "which route, what is missing". Do not put all products in one row.
Acceptance checks: product/model; classification; diamond/circle; CAB; self-inspection; notifying supplier; label; Radio/PSC; status. Common gaps: one conclusion for all; specified/non-specified mixed; wireless Radio missed; PSC missed; matrix inconsistent with certificates/labels; no "to be confirmed".
| Product example | Classification | PSE | Other | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC adapter/power | May be specified | Diamond + CAB | — | Check the list |
| LED lamp | Usually non-specified | Circle | — | Self-inspection/declaration |
| TV/refrigerator | Usually non-specified | Circle | — | Self-inspection/declaration |
| Wireless device | Per PSE | Diamond/circle | Radio Law | Technical conformity separately |
| Specified consumer product | Per PSE | Diamond/circle | PSC | PSC separately |
The matrix is an editorial example; specific classification/path follows the latest DENAN list, METI guidance, CAB and product functions.
How should PSE, Radio Law and PSC be separated?
PSE (DENAN) covers electrical safety + EMI; Radio Law (technical conformity) covers radio equipment; PSC (Consumer Product Safety Act) covers specified consumer products. A wireless charger/smart appliance may involve PSE + Radio Law; a specified consumer product may also need PSC. Notification/marks/testing differ, and they cannot replace each other. The website should list a "PSE/Radio/PSC" matrix by product; do not use a PSE certificate when the customer asks for Radio Law (technical conformity).
| Law | Covers | Examples | Evidence/common gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSE/DENAN | Electrical safety + EMI | AC adapters, LED, appliances | PSE/self-inspection/CAB; treated as Radio/PSC |
| Radio Law | Radio equipment | Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/wireless modules | Technical conformity/certificate; PSE substituted |
| PSC | Specified consumer products | Per PSC list | PSC mark/report; omitted |
| Other | Batteries/chemicals, etc. | Per product | Specific rules/reports; omitted |
This relationship is editorial; specific applicability/marks/notification follow DENAN, Radio Law, PSC and the competent authority.
How should the website Japan PSE page be written?
Suggested content: (1) applicable products/models/whether in the 457 categories; (2) specified/non-specified, diamond/circle; (3) METI notification/importer/notifying supplier; (4) technical requirements/self-inspection/testing/records; (5) CAB/CoC for specified products; (6) PSE label/nameplate; (7) Radio Law/PSC (if applicable); (8) customer document request/NDA; (9) changes/versions; (10) contact/version/update date. The public page explains rules/process/document types; specific certificates/test reports/customer models are provided per permission. Do not write "all products PSE certified/customs clearance/sales guaranteed".
Separate "PSE certification" (specified only), "circle PSE self-declaration" (non-specified) and "S-JQA voluntary certification"; use consistent English terms (DENAN, PSE, Specified/Non-Specified, diamond/circle, METI notification, CAB, CoC, Radio Law/PSC), and state the check date.
| Section | What to write | Evidence | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Products/scope | Models/whether 457 categories | List | PSE for everything |
| Classification | Specified/non-specified/diamond/circle | List/determination | Mixed |
| Notification | Importer/METI receipt | Receipt | Factory notifies |
| Technical/self-inspection | Requirements/testing/records 3 years | Reports/records | CE only |
| CAB/CoC | Specified products | Certificate | Circle given one |
| Label | PSE/notifier/ratings | Nameplate | Label before test |
| Other | Radio/PSC | Certificate/report | Ignored |
This page structure is editorial; external statements must be truthful and verifiable, per DENAN/METI/CAB and the customer contract.
What must not be written?
High-risk claims: "all electrical products are PSE certified" (only specified products have PSE certification; non-specified are self-declaration); "circle PSE also has a certificate/CoC" (no, and it cannot obtain PSE certification); "a Chinese factory can notify METI import directly" (generally not, unless registered foreign company/other exception); "PSE = CE/FCC/UKCA" (not mutually recognised); "PSE covers wireless/Radio Law/PSC" (does not replace); "apply the PSE mark before testing" (non-compliant); "PSE means sales/customs clearance guaranteed" (notification/technical requirements/label/importer still apply); "self-inspection needs no records" (records required; JQA guidance 3 years); "all products are in the 457 categories" (not); "S-JQA is mandatory" (voluntary). These are inaccurate or confuse certification/self-declaration/notification/other laws.
Safer wording: "Under DENAN, this product is [specified/non-specified] and follows [diamond + CAB/circle self-declaration]; the importer notifies METI; technical requirements/self-inspection/records/labels follow the guidance; wireless/PSC separately follow Radio Law/PSC; specifics follow METI/CAB and the latest list." External promotion must also comply with advertising/fair-competition law; customer certificates/test data need authorisation/redaction.
| Wording | Problem | Suggested wording | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| "All PSE certified" | Only specified | Specified/non-specified | DENAN |
| "Circle has CoC" | No PSE certification | Self-declaration | JQA/METI |
| "Factory can notify" | Generally not | Importer/exception | DENAN Art. 3 |
| "PSE = CE" | Not mutual | Separate compliance | Regulations |
| "PSE covers wireless" | Radio Law separate | Technical conformity | Japan rules |
| "Label before test" | Non-compliant | After compliance | DENAN |
| "Self-inspection no records" | Records required | 3 years/guidance | JQA |
These red lines are editorial; whether a statement is non-compliant/false advertising is determined by regulators and the contract—not this article.
Go-live acceptance checklist
Ten checks: products/scope, specified/non-specified, notifying supplier/importer, technical requirements/self-inspection, CAB/CoC, label, records, Radio/PSC, customer documents, page wording/version. Each needs an owner, evidence and review date. The pass condition is not "the page says PSE", but that a customer/importer can find the classification, notification, certificate/declaration, label and records for the product.
Before go-live, run one real product through: check the 457 list → classify specified/non-specified → diamond/circle → confirm importer/METI notification → testing/self-inspection → CAB for specified → label → records → customer documents. Any step that fails is a gap in the page or compliance file.
| Check | Pass condition | Evidence | If it fails |
|---|---|---|---|
| Products/scope | In the 457 categories? | List | Add classification |
| Specified/non-specified | Diamond/circle | Determination | Add determination |
| Notifying supplier | Importer/METI receipt | Receipt | Add notification |
| Technical/self-inspection | Requirements/records 3 years | Reports/records | Add testing |
| CAB/CoC | Specified certificate | Certificate | Add certification |
| Label | PSE/notifier/ratings | Nameplate | Fix label |
| Records | 3 years/traceable | Archive | Add archive |
| Radio/PSC | Per product | Certificate/report | Add compliance |
| Customer documents | Model/version | Document pack | Add documents |
| Wording/version | No "all certified/sales guaranteed" | Page | Rewrite |
This checklist is editorial; specific classification/notification/testing/label requirements follow DENAN/METI/CAB.
Who should read this, who should not, and what decisions does it support?
It suits regulatory, quality, sales and website teams at electronics/electrical, power supply/adapter, cable/plug, lighting/LED, appliance, battery, power tool and export manufacturers in Changzhou and nearby areas; also companies supplying Japanese customers/importers and receiving PSE/technical-requirement/label requests. It does not suit businesses that do not sell to Japan, products entirely outside DENAN, or teams wanting one page to replace testing/certification/legal advice.
Read it if a Japanese customer asks for PSE/CoC/testing; the product is an AC adapter/power supply/cable/LED/appliance; you need METI notification/labels; wireless/PSC may stack; or the website says "PSE certified". Skip it if you write PSE for everything, demand a certificate for circle PSE, let the factory notify directly, or treat PSE as CE/FCC. It supports self-review of scope/classification, notification, technical/self-inspection, CAB, label, records and page wording.
FAQ
What is the difference between diamond PSE and circle PSE?
Diamond PSE is for "Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials" (116 categories), requiring third-party conformity assessment and certification by a METI-registered CAB by type. Circle PSE is for "Non-Specified" products (341 categories), using self-declaration/self-inspection; no third-party PSE certification, and no PSE certificate. Both must meet technical requirements, be checked before shipment, keep records and carry the mark before sale.
Do all electrical products need PSE?
No. DENAN covers 457 categories designated by Cabinet Order (116 specified + 341 non-specified, per METI); products outside the list are not subject to PSE but may be subject to Radio Law, PSC or other rules. Check the latest list/classification; do not apply PSE to everything.
Can a Chinese factory notify METI directly?
Generally not for import business. DENAN Article 3 requires manufacturers/importers to notify; importers are responsible for imported products. METI states that, except for a foreign juridical person registered as a foreign company under the Companies Act, a foreign juridical person generally cannot notify import business; an individual residing in Japan is an exception. A Chinese factory usually supports the Japanese importer with technical/testing/label documents; direct sales to Japanese consumers may involve a specified importer/domestic responsible person—follow the guidance/professional advice.
Do non-specified products need a third-party certificate?
No third-party PSE certification. Non-specified products use self-declaration/self-inspection and carry the circle PSE mark; they cannot obtain PSE certification. Voluntary S-JQA or other certification is possible, but it is voluntary, not a mandatory PSE requirement. Provide self-declaration/self-inspection/test reports, not a forged PSE certificate.
Are PSE and CE/FCC mutually recognised?
Not directly. PSE is Japan's DENAN electrical safety + EMI requirement; CE is EU law, FCC is US radio rules. Test data may partially overlap, but the applicable standards, classification, notification, label and responsible party differ. Wireless products may also need Japan's Radio Law (technical conformity); PSE does not replace it.
Can the website say "PSE certified/sales guaranteed"?
Not recommended. Write "under DENAN, this product is [specified/non-specified] and follows [diamond + CAB/circle self-declaration]; the importer notifies METI; technical requirements/self-inspection/records/labels follow the guidance; wireless/PSC separately follow Radio Law/PSC"; do not write "all products PSE certified/customs clearance/sales guaranteed". The website is a rule explanation, not a certificate or sales commitment.
One-sentence takeaway
A Changzhou manufacturer's Japan PSE page is not about the words "PSE certified". It should turn product/457 categories, specified/non-specified, diamond/circle, METI notification/importer, technical requirements/self-inspection/records, CAB/CoC, labels and Radio/PSC into a reviewable checklist—so a customer/importer can find the classification, notification, certificate/declaration and label for the product.
Method and limitations
This is a review of public rules and project practice, not an audit, certification, testing, customs or legal opinion on any company, product or compliance file. No undisclosed customer, product, test or certification data were used. Classification, paths, documents, labels and acceptance items are editorial suggestions, not legal/certification conclusions. Specific scope/classification, notification, technical requirements, CAB/CoC, labels, records and Radio/PSC depend on DENAN/METI guidance, the CAB and the latest list; rules/lists may change, so recheck before publication.
Sources and scope
Information is current to 2026-11-05. The following are METI/JQA official/certification-body pages; their clauses, lists and guidance control.
- METI, Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (PSE/DENAN): METI. 457/116/341 categories, METI notification, technical requirements, CAB, PSE labeling, sale restrictions.
- METI, Statutory Operations Implementation Guide (PSE Guide Ver. 4.0, English version, 1 July 2024): METI. Notification, technical requirements, self-inspection, labeling and operational details.
- JQA, PSE Mark (Mandatory Safety & EMC Approval) Overview: JQA. Diamond/circle, specified/non-specified, CAB/self-declaration, pre-shipment checks/3-year records, S-JQA.