PSE certification for exports to Japan involves two categories: Diamond-mark (mandatory third-party certification) and Circle-mark (Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity) (Source: JET). Basis: Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (DENAN) (Source: UL). Scope: 457 product types require PSE certification (Source: CHEARI). Core Step: Determine whether the product falls under the Diamond or Circle category (Source: Aoce).
I.
Category Determination
Diamond-mark: 116 types of “Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials” (Source: CHEARI); Circle-mark: 341 types of “Non-specified Electrical Appliances and Materials” (Source: CHEARI); Risk Level: Diamond-mark products carry higher risks of serious hazards (Source: Huayu); Catalog: Determine category by cross-referencing the METI catalog (Source: exportcomphub); Exclusions: Items not on the list are exempt (Source: Aplash)—Determination: Check the catalog to distinguish between Diamond and Circle categories (Step 1).
II.
Diamond-mark PSE
Mandatory: Certification by a METI-registered body (Source: Huayu); Agencies: JET, TÜV, UL Japan, etc. (Source: Huayu); Type Testing: Rigorous type testing required (Source: Huayu); Factory Inspection: Initial factory inspection required (Source: CVC); Certificate: Issuance of the Diamond-mark certification (Source: Huayu)—Diamond-mark: Requires both third-party certification and factory inspection (dual mandatory requirements).
III. Circular PSE
Self-Declaration: Manufacturer/importer self-confirmation (Source: UL); Testing: Testing by an accredited laboratory (Source: Made-in-China); Recommendation: Accredited laboratory testing is still recommended (Source: exportcomphub); Filing: METI filing (Source: Aoce); Labeling: Affixing the circular PSE mark (Source: CHEARI)—Circular: Self-declaration + filing (simplified pathway).
IV.
Application Process
Documentation: Specifications, circuit diagrams, and Japanese user manual (Source: Aoce); Sample Submission: Send samples to an accredited laboratory for testing (Source: Aoce); Testing: Two parts—EMC and safety (Source: CVC); Factory Audit: Factory audit required for Diamond PSE (Source: Aoce); Customs Clearance: Market entry permitted after labeling (Source: Aoce)—Process: Documentation → Sample Submission → Testing → Filing (closed loop).
V.
Critical Components
Components: Plugs, cables, switches, motors, etc. (Source: TÜV SÜD); Certificates: PSE certificates required for critical components (Source: TÜV SÜD); List: List of critical components (Source: TÜV SÜD); Assemblies: Component-level compliance (Source: TÜV SÜD); Traceability: Component certificates must be traceable—Components: Plugs, motors (verify certificates first).
VI. New Regulations for 2025–26
GBiz: New cross-border regulations effective December 25, 2025 (Source: Alibaba); METI Notification: METI notification required per model (Source: Alibaba); Domestic Manager: Appointment of a Japan-based domestic manager (Source: Alibaba); Notifying Supplier: “Notifying Supplier” model (Source: Aplash); Importer: Local importer or Notifying Supplier (Source: TÜV SÜD)—New Rule: Domestic Manager + Notification (Mandatory for cross-border trade).
VII.
Procurement Recommendations
First, check the product category (Diamond vs. Circle mark); second, select a certification body (METI-registered); third, prepare Japanese documentation (instruction manuals); fourth, ensure component compliance (plugs, motors);
fifth, appoint a manager (Japan-based)—PSE: Category + Certification Body + Manager (Three-pronged closed-loop system).
