Attention for Amazon Japan Sellers: New PSE Regulations

Effective December 25, 2025, the new meti registration regulations have been fully implemented in Japan.

These regulations will directly impact all overseas sellers who sell specified products to Japanese consumers via cross-border e-commerce. Both platform-based sellers and independent website operators will be included in the regulatory framework.

Scope of Application: Covering Almost All Cross-Border Sellers in Japan

The scope of application for the new METI regulations is clearly defined, targeting the following sales scenarios:

1. Sales through Japanese e-commerce platforms

①　Examples: Amazon Japan, Temu, local Japanese e-commerce platforms, etc.

2. Direct sales to Japanese consumers via self-built independent websites

Involved Product Categories (Four Major Types)

1. Electrical Appliances

①　Examples: Air conditioners, refrigerators, LED lights, chargers, small home appliances, etc.

2. Consumer Goods for Daily Life

①　Examples: Maternity and baby products, toys, daily necessities, etc.

3. Gas Appliances

①　Examples: Gas water heaters, gas heating equipment

4. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Appliances

①　Examples: Portable gas stoves, handheld gas devices, etc.

All products falling into the above categories and sold to Japanese consumers are required to complete METI registration.

Core Compliance Requirements: Three Key Tasks to Fulfill

① Appoint a Japanese Domestic Representative

Overseas sellers must designate a Domestic Representative within Japan to serve as the primary contact for regulatory responsibilities. Key duties include:

①　Liaising with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)

②　Receiving regulatory notifications and rectification requirements

③　Assisting with product recalls and complaint handling

Requirements for the Domestic Representative:

①　Must be a permanent resident in Japan

②　Must have a valid physical address in Japan

③　Must possess proficient Japanese communication skills

④　Must have no criminal record or adverse regulatory history

② Complete Official METI Registration

Sellers must submit a registration application to METI in their own name, with separate filings required for each product category.

Typically required documents include:

①　Certification certificates (e.g., PSE) and testing reports

②　Japanese-language product manuals

③　Product nameplate information

④　Circuit diagrams and structural drawings (if applicable to the product)

Important Note: Registration is the seller’s direct responsibility, not a service that can be delegated to the e-commerce platform.

③ Affix Compliant Labels and Markings

After completing registration, products must bear the required compliance labels clearly and permanently, including but not limited to:

①　Corresponding marks such as PSE / PSC / PSTG

②　Label diameter must be ≥ 5mm, with clear, durable, and non-detachable printing

In addition, the following information must be clearly marked on the product:

①　Manufacturer/importer name

②　GBIZ-ID

③　METI registration number

Any missing information may result in a determination of non-compliance.

Overview of the METI Registration Process

The entire process can be summarized in 4 steps:

1. Register for a GBIZ-ID account

①　Required for online meti filing

②　One registration per company/representative per calendar year

2. Register the Japanese Domestic Representative qualification

①　Qualification renewal is required annually

3. Submit METI registration application

①　Applications must be filed separately by product category

②　Review typically takes approximately 7 business days if all documents are complete

4. Update product labels and list products for sale

Consequences of Non-Compliance: Platform Removal is Only the "Minimum Penalty"

Sellers who fail to complete METI registration will face multiple risks:

①　Forced removal of products from e-commerce platforms

②　Ban on selling products in the Japanese market

③　Imposition of administrative fines

④　Potential criminal liability for serious violations

Under the current regulatory trends in Japan, the "chance-taking mentality" is rapidly becoming unsustainable.

It is now clear:

METI registration is no longer optional—it is the basic threshold for entering the Japanese market.

For cross-border sellers, future competition will not only revolve around product selection and operational efficiency, but also on compliance, accountability, and long-term operational stability.

The earlier sellers complete compliance arrangements, the greater their access to sustainable growth opportunities in the Japanese market.