First, a clear core figure for the industry: the total number of products regulated under PSE is widely cited as 457, including 116 high‑risk Specified Electrical Products (diamond PSE) and 341 low‑risk Non‑Specified Electrical Products (circle PSE). This classification follows the long‑standing METI catalogue. Companies may use this for planning, but final categorization must be based on the latest official METI catalogue and judgment by certification bodies to avoid delays from minor product adjustments.

I. Core PSE Standards & Validity (2026 Key Points)

The primary and most widely applied safety standard for PSE is JIS C 62368‑1, covering audio‑visual, IT, communications, and electronic products. Timing is critical to avoid non‑compliance:

·JIS C 62368‑1 (2023 edition) is the current active version. New applications and new submissions should adopt this edition for stable compliance.

·The old JIS C 62368‑1 (2020 edition) remains valid until April 30, 2026. Starting May 1, 2026, the 2020 edition will be fully abolished and no longer accepted by METI or certification bodies. All new projects must use the 2023 edition.保存

Other product‑specific standards:

·Home appliances: JIS C 60335‑1 + JIS C 60335‑2 series

·Lithium batteries: JIS C 8712

·Power cords, plugs, sockets: JIS C 3302, JIS C 3307, etc.

·EMC: CISPR 11, CISPR 22, and IEC 61000 series

Standards may be updated by METI. Confirm the latest versions with a certification body before testing to prevent rework.

  II. Circle PSE (Non‑Specified Electrical Products · Low Risk)

Covers 341 low‑risk products. Compliance is based on testing and a Voluntary Declaration of Conformity (VOC). Certification bodies do not issue official certificates under normal circumstances. Third‑party testing may be conducted voluntarily per buyer or channel requirements, but the process remains VOC‑based.

(1) Testing Items

Focused on basic safety:

·Input/output verification

·Insulation resistance and voltage withstand tests

·Leakage current test

·Temperature rise test

·Abnormal operation test (short circuit, overload)

·Structural checks: enclosure strength, stability, electric shock protection

·EMC requirements: radiated and conducted disturbance

(2) Required Documents

·Application form, business license, overseas entity registration

·Complete product specification with rated 100V / 50–60Hz, power, applicable standards

·Circuit diagrams, PCB layouts with clearly marked safety components

·Critical parts list and compliance certificates (fuses, capacitors, cords, plugs, etc.)

·Japanese product labels and user manuals with PSE mark, model, ratings, manufacturer info

·Safety + EMC test reports from Japan‑accredited laboratories

·Manufacturer‑signed VOC confirming compliance with the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act

(3) METI Registration & New Rules

METI registration is mandatory before market placement and customs clearance. Importers are advised to complete registration promptly after testing.

Critical reminder for cross‑border e‑commerce sellers:Rules effective from late 2025 require a legitimate Japan domestic administrator. Virtual or false addresses will result in failed registration and inability to list products.

  III. Diamond PSE (Specified Electrical Products · High Risk)

Covers 116 high‑risk products. Mandatory certification by METI‑authorized bodies, including factory inspections. A formal certificate is issued after passing tests, with ongoing surveillance audits.

(1) Testing Items

Includes all circle PSE tests plus stricter items:

·Grounding resistance test

·Overload and short‑circuit protection verification

·Waterproof testing (where applicable)

·Internal wiring inspection

·Endurance and flammability testing

·Abnormal heating test

·Structural strength and mechanical hazard protection

(2) Required Documents

·Official application with company seal

·Manufacturer and factory business licenses, production address proof

·Detailed product specifications including safety design

·Accurate circuit, PCB, and structure drawings

·Critical parts with original certificates

·CB test report including Japanese national differences

·Japanese manuals and label designs complying with METI format

·Production and inspection equipment list with valid calibration certificates

·Factory quality system documents (QC procedures, work instructions, inspection records)

(3) Certificate & Surveillance

Diamond PSE certificates are valid for 3–7 years depending on the certification body. Annual surveillance audits are mandatory. Non‑compliance may lead to suspension or revocation.

Any major changes to structure, circuits, critical components, or manufacturing location require re‑testing and re‑approval.

(4) Registration

METI registration is also mandatory, with Japan domestic administrator information required for cross‑border sellers.

  IV. Common Product Classification

·Circle PSE: LED lighting, small fans, humidifiers, shavers, electric toothbrushes, Bluetooth speakers, monitors, laptops, power banks, small home appliances

·Diamond PSE: power adapters, chargers, switching power supplies, cords, plugs, sockets, transformers, electric water heaters, liquid heating appliances, power tools, high‑power lithium batteries, energy storage products

  V. 2026 Compliance Summary

1.JIS C 62368‑1 (2023) is mandatory from May 1, 2026; 2020 expires April 30.

2.Circle PSE: VOC‑based, no official certificate, METI registration required.

3.Diamond PSE: full documentation, factory inspection, 3–7 year validity, annual audits.

4.Product count: 116 diamond, 341 circle, total 457 (subject to METI update).

5.Cross‑border sellers must appoint a Japan domestic administrator from late 2025.

For PSE certification, contact BLUEASIA certification consultant: +86 13534225140 (Benson)