Regarding the process and timeline for Japan's "Radio Wave Act" MIC certification, I will provide a detailed explanation integrating the latest 2025 practices and dynamics. This focuses on key decision points in the process, factors affecting the timeline, and latest optimization strategies.

MIC Certification Process & Core Steps:

The entire MIC certification process can be summarized in five main stages. The core lies in the initial path selection, which directly determines subsequent timeline, cost, and complexity.

1.Preparatory Phase & Path Determination (Approx. 1-2 Weeks):

This is the strategic starting point. The core task is to accurately determine which certification path your product falls under.

·Path A: Full Certification** - Applicable to most devices with wireless communication functions (e.g., phones, Wi-Fi routers, BT headsets). Requires testing/certification by an RCB.

·Path B: Technical Standards Conformity Declaration - Only for products listed in MIC's "Specified Radio Equipment" catalog (e.g., some low-power BT/Zigbee). No RCB certificate; compliance via manufacturer self-declaration, significantly reducing time/cost.

2.Select RCB & Laboratory Testing (Approx. 3-6 Weeks):

(Primarily for Path A)

·Select RCB: Testing must be done by a MIC-accredited "Registered Certification Body" in Japan. Consider their experience, turnaround, and cost for your product type.

·Laboratory Testing: This is the most time-consuming core phase. Includes:

RF Conformance Testing (Frequency, Power, Bandwidth, Spurious Emissions)

EMC Testing

2025 New: For IoT devices, Cybersecurity Architecture Assessment.

3.RCB Audit & Certification Issuance (Approx. 2-4 Weeks):

(Primarily for Path A)

The RCB comprehensively audits the test reports and technical documents. Upon confirmation, it issues the Conformity Certificate.

4.Sign Declaration or Affix Mark (Approx. 1 Week):

·Path A: Permanently affix the `Ⓡ` mark based on the RCB certificate.

·Path B: Manufacturer signs the "Technical Standards Conformity Declaration" and affixes the `Ⓡ` mark.

5.Market Surveillance & Compliance Maintenance (Ongoing): Post-certification, companies have ongoing duties. Major hardware/firmware changes may require re-certification or change notification.

  MIC Certification Timeline Deep Dive:

The certification timeline is highly variable based on product complexity and certification path, not a fixed number.

1.Path A (Full Certification) Timeline:

·Standard Devices: Typically 6-10 weeks under smooth circumstances.

·Complex/New Devices: e.g., Wi-Fi 6E/7, 5G NR devices, may extend to 12-16 weeks due to complex tests.

2.Path B (Technical Standards Conformity Declaration) Timeline: As RCB testing/certification is bypassed, the timeline can be significantly shortened to 2-4 weeks.

  Key Factors Influencing Timeline:

1.First-Time Test Pass Rate: If tests fail requiring modifications/retests, each round can add 2-4 weeks.

2.Completeness of Document Preparation: Incomplete Japanese technical documents can significantly prolong RCB audit time.

3.RCB Workload: Different RCBs have varying schedule pressures; inquire about their current efficiency.

We hope this detailed process overview and latest dynamics help you better plan and execute MIC certification. If you can share your specific product type (e.g., Wi-Fi 7 router, Bluetooth sensor), BLUEASIA: 13534225140, will provide professional certification consulting services!