2026 Japan METI Filing & Local Representative Service

Japan meti filing & Local Representative Service

One-stop compliance support for cross-border sellers (FBA & MFN).

Starting December 25, 2025, Japan has strengthened the “Specified Import Business Operator + Japan-based Local Responsible Person” system. If you sell products directly to Japanese consumers, you may be required to appoint a Japan-based local responsible party and complete METI filing. We help you build a compliant responsibility chain and submit filings properly.

Why This Matters

Regulatory Update Effective Date: December 25, 2025

①　Japan has reinforced product safety compliance requirements for overseas sellers.

②　Cross-border sellers who directly sell to Japanese consumers—including FBA and MFN (merchant-fulfilled)—may be treated as a Specified Import Business Operator.

③　These sellers must appoint a Japan-based Local Responsible Person to receive regulatory notices, incident reports, and inspection requests.

Who Is a “Specified Import Business Operator”?

You Sell to Japan — You May Be the Responsible Party

Even if you are not the manufacturer or designer, direct sales to Japanese consumers may qualify your store as the responsible party under Japanese regulations.

In most cross-border e-commerce cases, the seller/store operator becomes the filing subject.

Legal Basis: Japan Product Safety Framework

Japan’s compliance enforcement is supported by its core product safety laws, including:

①　Consumer Product Safety Act (PSC)

②　Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE)

③　Gas Business Act (PSTG)

④　Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act (PSLPG)

Why You Must Appoint a Japan-based Local Responsible Person

Local Responsibility Is Now a Key Requirement

From December 25, 2025, a Specified Import Business Operator must appoint a Japan-based Local Responsible Person to:

①　Interface with METI when required

②　Receive regulatory notices and inspection requests

③　Support incident reporting and on-site checks

Note: This role is not a testing lab and does not issue certificates.

Our Services: What LIO＆JJR Provides

We deliver an end-to-end compliance workflow designed for cross-border sellers, including:

①　Product Category & Filing Path Review

②　Document Collection & Compliance File Structuring

③　Local Responsible Person Appointment Support

④　METI Filing Execution & Submission Support

⑤　Ongoing Response Support for Inspections / Incidents (as needed)