Hardware manufacturers targeting Japan have always paid close attention to Giteki certification standard adjustments. This certification follows the Radio Law ordinances of Japan's MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications). When standards are updated, product submission plans often need corresponding adjustments. In 2026, MIC introduced policy changes in RF exposure assessment, wireless power transmission, and 6 GHz Wi‑Fi – with multiple new rules concentrated in 2026 – requiring advance project planning.
1.1 Scope of impact
RF exposure limit adjustments are the most broadly impactful change in this round – covering phones, tablets, and various IoT wireless terminals.
This update is not a simple parameter fine‑tuning – evaluation methods and test‑distance criteria have been modified. Many devices that passed SAR/MPE assessment under the old standard now show exceedance risk under the new version – new projects require advance pre‑testing.
1.2 In‑vehicle T‑Box – special scenarios
In‑vehicle T‑Boxes have no regulatory clause explicitly exempting SAR testing. These products are typically mounted far from the body – meeting MPE far‑field assessment conditions – SAR testing can be avoided.
However: if the installation point is close to occupants, full RF exposure assessment is still required – do not assume automatic exemption.
1.3 Transition rules
Existing products with Giteki numbers already issued – no supplementary retesting for RF exposure is required. The new rules only apply to new certification applications.
For projects currently in the submission pipeline – the applicable standard version is not determined solely by the filing date – different RCBs have different implementation approaches – confirm with the issuing RCB before starting.
2. 920 MHz Wireless Power Transmission – Outdoor Use Rules Adjusted
2.1 Policy change
Previously, 920 MHz band wireless charging devices were only permitted for indoor use. After MIC's rule update, compliant 920 MHz wireless power transmission systems can now be deployed outdoors – opening a compliance path for outdoor sensors and industrial terminal wireless power solutions.
2.2 Compliance boundary
Not all 920 MHz wireless charging devices automatically gain outdoor use rights. The new rules impose specific output‑power and deployment‑scenario restrictions. Before submission, check your product parameters against each clause – confirm they fall within the permitted scope.
3. 6 GHz Wi‑Fi Certification – Now Fully Normalised
3.1 Test item changes
Japan's 6 GHz Wi‑Fi (Wi‑Fi 6E/7) certification process has been progressively normalising since July 2025 – by 2026, the full application process is mature.
Compared to traditional 5 GHz Wi‑Fi certification, 6 GHz band devices mandatorily require AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination) – do not confuse this with 5 GHz DFS channel‑occupancy detection. New test items extend the overall certification timeline – new projects must reserve sufficient time.
3.2 Existing products
Products already Giteki‑certified with only 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi‑Fi – no need to add 6 GHz testing. Only new models that add 6 GHz RF hardware need complementary certification.
4. Certificate Validity and Market Surveillance Risks
4.1 Basic validity rules
Giteki certificates and construction design certifications have no fixed expiry date – many manufacturers mistakenly assume they can sell indefinitely.
The biggest variable: technical standard iterations. Each time MIC updates an ordinance, it sets a separate transition period – duration varies from months to two years. After the transition period ends, new standards apply to subsequent new‑product applications.
4.2 Market surveillance handling
Japan conducts regular product surveillance.
·Minor non‑compliance: a corrective order is issued – after remediation, market circulation resumes – remediation cycle roughly 2–4 weeks.
·Serious non‑compliance: authorities can suspend sales and impose fines.
Giteki numbers are issued by RCBs – MIC does not directly permanently cancel certificate numbers. The final disposition is determined by the issuing RCB based on remediation status.
5. Technical Document Retention and Language Requirements
5.1 Document retention
The Radio Law explicitly requires technical documents to be retained for 5 years. Test reports, circuit diagrams, and BOMs can be in English.
Product manuals and safety warnings must be in Japanese. The Giteki mark and Giteki number on the nameplate do not have mandatory Japanese‑language requirements – many manufacturers confuse this rule.
5.2 Annual self‑testing
The Radio Law does not mandate annual self‑testing – this is typically a brand‑side supply‑chain control requirement – not a statutory obligation.
6. Hardware and Firmware Change Management – Graded Rules
6.1 Major vs. Minor changes
Japan's official system distinguishes 重要変更 (major changes) and 軽微変更 (minor changes) – industry terms like "Full‑Change" and "Partial‑Change" are not official.
·Major changes: RF chip model replacement, major antenna structure changes – full RF retesting required – may require a new Giteki number.
·Minor changes: cosmetic adjustments, same‑spec component replacements that do not affect RF performance – only filing or affected‑item supplementary testing – original Giteki number retained.
6.2 Antenna changes – practical points
·IPEX‑interface same‑model antenna – parameter fluctuations within manufacturer tolerances – most RCBs accept no retesting.
·Changing the RF connector type (IPEX to RP‑SMA) – does not automatically require retesting. The core determinant is whether antenna gain and radiation characteristics have changed – confirm with the RCB.
6.3 Firmware change criteria
The boundary is whether RF physical‑layer parameters are modified.
·Upper‑layer application and UI changes – no changes to transmit power, frequency, or modulation – most RCBs do not require filing.
·RF physical‑layer parameter changes – must submit an impact assessment to the RCB – may require localised verification or full retesting.
Note: a small number of RCBs require filing for all firmware version updates – follow the issuing body's requirements.
7. Lithium‑Battery PSE Certification – Reminder
Many companies overlook safety certification when pursuing Giteki. Products with lithium batteries – Giteki and PSE certification are independent – they do not substitute for each other.
·Giteki: Radio Law – RF compliance.
·PSE: Electrical Appliances Safety Act – electrical safety.
PSE types: Circular PSE – self‑declaration; Diamond PSE – third‑party certification. Confirm the path based on the battery category.
Japan's wireless product compliance system is one of Asia's more complex regulatory frameworks. The 2026 series of standard adjustments spans project kick‑off, sample submission, and mass production. For expert guidance, contact BlueAsia at 13534225140 (King) or king.guo@cblueasia.com.
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