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◉ Introduction to METI Filing in Japan
METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) is an important department of the Japanese government responsible for economic, trade and industrial development.
METI registration is a mandatory registration procedure for imported goods by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, aimed at ensuring that products entering the Japanese market meet safety standards and facilitate supervision and management. The regulations require Japanese buyers to register and declare with METI Japan within one month after purchasing goods, and must label the buyer's name or ID on the product to ensure that the product meets Japan's safety and quality standards for supervision and management in the future product sales process.
Starting from December 25, 2025, four newly revised product safety laws in Japan, including the Electrical Appliance Safety Law and the Consumer Life Product Safety Law, will be officially implemented. For the first time, overseas e-commerce sellers will be directly included in Japan's domestic product safety supervision system, and there will be significant changes in the METI filing process and role requirements. Overseas operators who sell specific products directly to Japanese consumers through e-commerce platforms must designate a "domestic manager" (commonly known as "Ri Dai") in Japan and fulfill a series of obligations. Non compliant sellers will face product bans, fines, and even criminal liability.
◉ Scope of application for METI filing
PSE certification is a mandatory safety certification in Japan, used to prove that motor and electronic products have passed safety standard tests under the Japanese Electrical and Material Safety Law (DENAN Law) or international IEC standards. According to Japan's DENTORL Law (Electrical Equipment and Material Control Law), 457 products entering the Japanese market must pass PSE safety certification. At present, products that are exported to Japan and have applied for PSE certification are required to be registered with METI.
Diamond shaped PSE (Specific Electrical Equipment): 116 high-risk products, such as power adapters, lithium batteries, air conditioners, refrigerators, microwave ovens (over 700W), hair dryers, etc. It must be tested and approved by a METI accredited laboratory before it can be affixed.
Circular PSE (non-specific electrical equipment): 341 conventional products, such as LED bulbs, USB chargers, electric fans, electric blankets, etc. Self declaration of compliance with standards, no mandatory testing required.
◉ Filing requirements
The product needs to pass PSE certification (mandatory safety certification in Japan), which includes two types of markings: circular and diamond.
Japanese importers need to register and declare with METI within one month after purchasing goods, and label the purchaser's name or ID on the products.
◉ Filing subject
(1) Japanese importer:
If the product is imported from abroad to Japan, it is usually the responsibility of the Japanese importer (local company) to file for record. Importers need to register and submit a filing application in the METI system.
(2) Japanese manufacturer:
If the product is produced and sold domestically in Japan, the manufacturer needs to file it directly.
(3) Overseas merchants:
For overseas operators who sell PSE/PS logo products directly to Japanese consumers through e-commerce platforms (such as Amazon Japan, Temu, AliExpress, International Station, etc.) or self built websites, they are listed as specific product importers (like existing manufacturers/importers) and are required to register and comply with technical standards and other regulations.
◉ Domestic Manager in Japan
Domestic manager in Japanis similar to domestic manager in the European market, and is a Japanese compliance agent for overseas sellers.
（1） The main responsibilities of the Japanese representative are:
As the official liaison window between the Japanese government, consumers, and overseas companies.
Save and submit product safety information and materials as necessary.
Receive and handle product safety accident reports.
Assist in investigation and recall measures.
Ensure that the product complies with Japanese safety standards and labeling requirements.
Submit annual periodic reports to the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
（2） The conditions that Japanese representatives need to meet:
Have a domicile in Japan (legal person or individual).
● Possess Japanese communication skills.
● Able to save inspection records, receive government notifications, and cooperate in accident response.
Sign a written commission contract with the seller and submit a copy of the contract and proof of residence to METI.
◉ Changes in METI registration in Japan
（1） Must be registered as a 'specific import operator'
Complete the registration with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) before importing or listing the product.
If the seller is not in Japan, a domestic manager (Japanese representative) must be designated.
（2） Change of filing subject
The filing subject has changed from the original Japanese importer to an overseas seller. This means that Chinese e-commerce sellers now need to act as filing entities and designate a responsible person in Japan to complete the filing.
It is worth noting that prior to this, METI filing was mainly completed by Japanese importers and manufacturers, and the new regulations clearly pointed the responsibility to overseas sellers.
（3） Filing process and cost changes
The original filing process has been relatively simplified, and the new regulations have been restructured into a clear three-step process, resulting in increased operational complexity and time costs. The cost composition is divided into two categories based on the processing method (self processing/agency service), as follows (the cost is subject to the official or service provider quotation at the time of actual processing):
Self application (requires a domestic administrator)
Step 1: Register GBiz id - The same company and person in charge only need to register once a year, which is the basic admission process.
Step 2: Register as a domestic administrator in Japan - Register according to product dimensions and re register once a year.
Step 3: Apply for METI registration - Register according to product dimensions and reapply once a year.
Proxy service application (using the domestic administrator provided by the service provider)
Step 1: Register GBiz id - The fee includes domestic administrator proxy services, and other requirements are the same as self application.
Step 2&3: :The processing requirements and fees are completely consistent with self application.
Cost Summary: The new regulations have added two prerequisite steps, "GBiz id registration" and "domestic administrator qualification registration," on the basis of the original process. The compliance cost and operational complexity have significantly increased, and budget and process planning need to be done in advance.
◉ Japanese METI filing documents
1. Company Information:
- Business license of Japanese importer/agent
- Business license of overseas manufacturer
2. Product information:
- Product manual (Japanese version)
- product specification
- Circuit diagram and component list
- Appearance photos and internal structure photos
3. Test report:
- PSE Certification Test Report
- Proof of compliance with Japanese technical standards
4. Other documents:
- Authorization Letter (Document authorizing the Japanese agent by the manufacturer)
- Quality control system documents (such as factory inspection reports)
◉ Issues related to METI registration in Japan
1. Is METI filing a mandatory requirement?
For products exported to Japan and certified by PSE, METI filing is essential. Importers must register with METI within one month after purchasing goods, using a company registered in Japan. The product must be clearly labeled with the purchase name or ID for future market supervision.
2、How long is the validity period for METI registration in Japan?
METI registration is valid for a long time, unless there are changes in information, product changes, or regulatory updates that require re registration.
3、 What requirements can one meet to become a Japanese representative?
- Having a fixed residence in Japan (individuals need to provide a copy of their residence permit, while legal entities need to provide a certificate of registration).
- Authorized by overseas sellers to receive government legal documents and notifications.
- Familiar with Japanese product safety related laws and regulations.
- Possess sufficient Japanese communication skills and be able to communicate fluently with government departments.
- Sign a formal commission contract with overseas sellers to clarify the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
4. Will Japan take responsibility for product quality?
can't. Domestic managers are mainly responsible for administrative liaison and document preservation, and the first person responsible for product safety is still the overseas seller themselves. If there are quality issues with the product, the ultimate responsibility shall be borne by the seller.
5. What other obligations does the seller have besides designating a day agent?
The core obligation of the seller is to ensure that the product complies with Japanese technical standards and bears the correct PSE/PS logo. When a major product accident occurs, it must be reported to the Japan Consumer Agency within 10 days and a product recall may need to be implemented.
6. What penalties will non-compliance face?
This revision is not only a formal filing, but also has mandatory legal effect:
Legal penalty: up to 1 year of imprisonment or a fine of 1 million yen (individual/legal representative); The maximum compensation limit for a single personal injury accident is 100 million yen.
Market ban: All e-commerce platforms simultaneously remove all products; Listed on the blacklist of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for 10 years; The synchronization of affiliated enterprises is restricted (if the legal representative is the same or holds more than 30% of the shares).
Platform/Customs measures: Customs detention or destruction, mandatory product recall and announcement; Prohibit the import of subsequent products; Cancel business qualification (up to 3 years).
7. I'm just a small seller, do I still need to handle it?
As long as you sell specific products to Japanese consumers through e-commerce platforms, regardless of their size, they are within the regulatory scope. Non compliance may result in the product being taken down from the platform, detained or destroyed by customs, and even legal liability may be borne.
8. What are the consequences of not completing METI registration?
The product may be prohibited from sale, and the company may face fines or other legal risks.
◉ Compliance Services
As a professional third-party testing and certification service organization, Jiayu Testing has obtained qualifications such as CNAS, CMA, CBTL, CCC, and has been recognized by multiple authoritative certification institutions at home and abroad. It is equipped with advanced instruments and equipment, has a skilled professional technical team, rich industry service experience, and strong testing technology capabilities. It is proficient in various regulatory standards and provides one-stop Japanese METI filing services to ensure that products meet relevant regulatory requirements and help your products enter the Japanese market smoothly. Welcome to contact us at 400-9269-886!
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