Japan

Japan Type Approval Summary

The Japanese telecommunications market is a strong global market. It is highly mature, competitive, and has high mobile penetration. This is due to strong growth driven by the adoption of 5G, IoT, digital transformation, and demand for high-speed internet.

To access the Japanese market, especially for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, companies must comply with a type of compliance instrument called “MIC certification.” MIC stands for the Ministry for Internal Affairs and Communication. Since 2024, MIC has been a new entity that replaces the role of the Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Post, and Telecommunication (MPHPT).

MPHPT is a merger of the “Ministry of Post and Telecommunications,” the “Ministry of Home Affairs,” and the “Management and Coordination Agency.” One of MIC's focuses is on the telecommunications sector. Its role is to establish certification rules, collaborate with the Registered Certification Body (RCB), conduct Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA), and supervise Japan type approval certificates.

Obtaining MIC type approval certification can be challenging. Narmadi Company is ready to help you navigate the complexities of the certification process, remove obstacles, and ensure you receive your certificate by your desired target date. This is possible thanks to our extensive experience, expertise, and global connections in the field of certification.

Label Requirements

Product label

Required

Approval mark

Required

E-labeling

Allowed

ICT products that have been certified by MIC must affix labels to the products and their packaging. Labeling requirements will differ for each product classification. As is well known, there are five product categories for MIC certification.

Giteki Label

The Giteki label is intended for three categories, namely Specific Radio Equipment (SRE), Special Specific Radio Equipment (SSRE), and Telecommunications Terminals. There are two types of Giteki labels, namely “R” and “T”.

R Symbol: Applied to SRE and SSRE products, or products that intentionally emit RF signals. Examples include communication devices such as WiFi routers, Bluetooth devices, short-range devices, RFID, etc.

T Symbol: Applied to devices that connect directly to public telecommunications networks. Examples include telephones and LTE gateways.

The following is an example of the format:

HFD Label

The HFD label is intended for non-communication devices that emit RF energy for scientific, industrial, or medical use. Examples include RF welding machines, induction cookers, microwave ovens, industrial heating systems, etc.

Here is an example of the format:

ELP Label

The ELP label is intended for devices that emit RF signals that can be categorized below the field strength threshold specified by the Radio Law. Examples include key fobs, RFID tags, toys, etc.

Here is an example of the format:

Labels must be permanently affixed to the product in a clear manner so that they are easily found by buyers. If the device is too small, the label may be affixed to the user manual or as an electronic label.

More on Labeling

The MIC permits labels in user manuals or electronic labels. However, electronic labels must remain easily accessible to users. In addition, their installation requires official authorization from the MIC.

Certificate Example

MIC does not issue its own certifications. They work with RCB to issue Japanese type approval certificates.

Here is the MIC Certificate Example from TELEC (Telecom Engineering Center):

Issued under

Ministry for Internal Affairs and Communication (MIC)

Certificate

MIC Certification

Validity

Unlimited

Lead time

3–4 weeks