What is "Amazon Japan PSE: A Domestic Administrator"?

In June 2024, Japan revised the Four Acts on Product Safety (the Consumer Products Safety Act, the Gas Business Act, the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, and the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Act). The new regULations will officially take effect on December 25, 2025. Their core objective is to strengthen the supervision of overseas operators of cross-border e-commerce, requiring the appointment and registration of a designated Japanese Domestic Administrator.

Main Contents of the Revised Acts

1. Introduction of the Domestic Administrator System

Overseas operators (including those adopting overseas warehouse models) must appoint a Domestic Administrator with a fixed address in Japan, who shall be responsible for regulatory communication, document retention, and other related matters.

2. Declaration and Public Disclosure of Operator Information

Overseas operators and their Domestic Administrators shall submit business information, product categories, and contact details to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) for declaration.

3. Publication of Violators’ Names

The names of individuals or entities that violate the acts or relevant orders will be publicly disclosed.

4. Expanded Platform Liabilities

E-commerce platforms are requiRED to remove prohibited products and publish information on non-compliant content.

Applicable Products

Covering products bearing the PS Mark under the Four Acts on Product Safety, with core categories as follows:

①　Consumer Products Safety Act (12 types): Lighters, baby cribs, water-absorbing expanding balls, etc.;

②　Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (457 types): Sockets, LED lamps, air conditioners, MICrowave ovens, portable generators, etc.;

③　Gas Business Act (8 types): Gas water heaters, gas stoves, etc.;

④　Liquefied Petroleum Gas Safety Act (16 types): Cassette stoves, liquefied petroleum gas valves, etc.

Appointment and Responsibilities of a japan pse Domestic Administrator

(I) Qualification Requirements

①　May be an individual or a legal entity, with a domicile/residence in Japan and Japanese language communication capabilities;

②　Must sign a written guarantee to comply with relevant laws and regulations, and have a clear contractual relationship with the overseas operator.

(II) Core Responsibilities

①　Document Retention: Keep copies of product inspection records and conformity inspection certificates;

②　Communication and Liaison: Receive notices, inquiries, and sanctions from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on behalf of the overseas operator;

③　Incident Response: Assist in information collection, reporting, and product recall for product safety incidents;

④　Inspection Cooperation: Comply with regulatory measures such as document requests and on-site inspections by competent authorities.

(Note: The ultimate liability for product safety remains with the overseas seller, who must ensure that products comply with Japanese technical and safety standards and bear the correct PS Mark.)

(III) How to Obtain Amazon Japan PSE: A Domestic Administrator?

1. Confirm the Domestic Administrator: It is recommended to select professional agencies, administrative scriveners, or law firms. JJR/LIO (China) provides Japan A Domestic Administrator services;

2. Sign an Entrustment Contract: The contract shall include statutory mandatory contents and may be prepared in Japanese or English;

3. Prepare Documentation: Declaration form, Domestic Administrator registration certificate (for legal entities)/copy of resident certificate (for individuals), power of attorney, copy of the entrustment contract, and written guarantee;

4. Submit the Application: Applications can be processed via three channels: Japan’s e-Gov (electronic government) system, email, or Domestic Administrator agents (Hannanet).

Related Agency and Declaration Services

Services provided by JJR LAB include: full agency for Domestic Administrator appointment and meti registration, communication with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and document submission, technical document retention and emergency reporting support, translation and explanation of legal notices, ongoing compliance monitoring, and improvement recommendations.

(Note: In principle, introductions from cooperating firms are accepted; for clients without introductions, a credit check will be conducted first.)

Conclusion

After the implementation of the new regulations, Japan will conduct full inspections of cross-border e-commerce products, and non-compliant products will be removed from shelves. Cross-border e-commerce businesses and manufacturers involved in relevant products must complete the appointment and registration of a Domestic Administrator by December 25, 2025, to ensure lawful operations.