New METI Registration Regulations in Japan

On December 25, 2025, the new registration regULations issued by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) officially came into effect. This regulatory overhaul, which covers four core laws including the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act and the Consumer Product Safety Act, has completely reshaped the market access rules for overseas sellers in Japan. Whether you are a platform seller on Amazon Japan, Temu, or an operator of an independent website, failure to comply with the new regulations will result in severe consequences such as product delisting and customs detention.

The Most Significant Change: Registration Entity Shifts from Japanese Importers to Overseas Sellers Themselves

Previously, the registration process was handled by Japanese importers on behalf of overseas sellers. Now, overseas sellers are requiRED to complete the registration independently as a "Specified Import Business Operator", and must appoint a Japanese Domestic Representative (referred to as "Japanese Rep" for short). This role is equivalent to the european authorized representative (EU REP) in the European market and serves as a core threshold for compliance.

Requirements for a Japanese Representative

1. Must meet hard criteria such as having a legal doMICile in Japan, no criminal record, and proficiency in handling Japanese official documents.

2. A Chinese-Japanese bilingual entrustment contract must be signed and submitted to METI for registration. The representative is responsible for key tasks including receiving government notifications, retaining technical documents, and handling product accident-related matters.

3. Notably, Japanese Reps with virtual addresses or those affiliated with "shell companies" face the risk of on-site inspections. Once verified, the registration will be invalidated immediately.

Three Categories of Products Mandated for Registration, Covering Most Cross-Border Hot Categories

1. Diamond PSE Products (specified electrical appliances and materials, e.g., lithium batteries, transformers);

2. Circle PSE Products (non-specified electrical appliances and materials, e.g., LED lights, USB chargers);

3. PS Mark Products (e.g., lighters, infant products, gas appliances);

Regardless of enterprise size, any entity selling the above products to end consumers in Japan through cross-border channels must complete the registration—there are no exemptions whatsoever.

Reconstructed Compliance Process: Three Mandatory Steps with Clear Timelines and Document Requirements

Step 1: Register for a GBiz ID

The GBiz ID serves as a basic credential for accessing Japan’s government regulatory system. An enterprise only needs to register once per year. Required documents include a business license translated into Japanese or English, legal person identification, and contact information of the Japanese Rep. The review period takes 5–10 working days.

Step 2: Complete Japanese Representative Qualification Registration

A separate application is required for each product model. Documents to be provided include the Japanese Rep’s Certificate of Residence (for individuals) or Certificate of Registered Matters (for legal entities). Re-registration is required annually.

Step 3: Submit meti registration Application

Core documents include:

①　pse certification documents that are fully consistent with the product

②　Japanese product manuals (compliant with JIS standards)

③　Nameplate information

④　Japanese Rep entrustment contract

Applications are submitted via the online system, with a review period of 1–2 weeks. Incomplete documentation may extend the review period to up to one month.

Certificate validity periods vary among different certification bodies, generally ranging from 3 to 7 years.

Cost and Timeline Planning Are Equally Critical

1. Timeline: The standard compliance cycle takes approximately 35 working days. Expedited services can shorten the timeline to 1–2 weeks, but will incur an additional cost of 30%–50%.

2. Cost: Total costs include GBiz ID registration fees, Japanese Rep service fees, METI registration fees, and PSE certification fees (starting from 799 for Circle PSE certification). Advance budget planning is strongly recommended.

Avoid Three Common Pitfalls to Mitigate Compliance Risks

1. Assuming that having a PSE certification alone allows product sales. In fact, METI registration is a legal prerequisite for selling products in Japan.

2. Neglecting information consistency. The model, parameters, and manufacturer information stated in the pse certificate must be fully consistent with those of the registered product.

3. Delaying the registration process. As the deadline approaches, enterprises often face issues such as tight laboratory scheduling and review delays. It is recommended to initiate the registration process at least 3 months in advance.

Transitional Arrangements

Products registered under the old regulations before December 25, 2025, can continue to be sold. However, it is advisable to gradually transition to the new registration framework within the certificate validity period. All new products launched after this date must complete the full registration process in accordance with the new regulations; otherwise, they will not be cleared by customs or listed on e-commerce platforms.

The compliance threshold for the Japanese market continues to rise, but proactive planning ensures steady navigation. It is recommended to prioritize one-stop service providers that offer PSE certification, Japanese Rep matching, and METI registration to reduce communication costs and the risk of application rejection. Additionally, enterprises should establish a product safety file and retain all certification documents for at least 3 years to prepare for official spot checks. By adhering to the new regulatory requirements and advancing compliance efforts strategically, businesses can achieve long-term and stable operations in this high-potential market.