For all wireless device manufacturers planning to enter the Japanese market, MIC Certification (also known as "Technical Conformity Certification") is an insurmountable mandatory threshold. It is not merely a simple compliance test, but also the legal and technical cornerstone for products to be legally sold and used in Japan, and even to establish brand credibility. With the intensive entry into force and implementation of a series of new regulations in 2025, Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is shifting its regulatory focus from simple product access to comprehensive oversight covering cybersecurity, software full-life-cycle management, and emergency communication reliability. Understanding these changes has become key to avoiding commercial risks and successfully tapping into the Japanese market.
MIC Certification is legally based on Japan’s Radio Law and Telecommunications Business Act. Its core objective is to ensure that radio devices do not cause harmful interference to Japan’s existing communication systems (including critical networks such as air traffic control and disaster prevention radio), and to safeguard the order and safety of radio wave usage.
It mainly consists of two parts:
1.TELEC Certification: Based on the Radio Law, it conducts technical conformity assessments of devices’ radio frequency (RF) characteristics, such as frequency, power, bandwidth, and spurious emissions. This is mandatory for most wireless devices.
2.JATE Certification: Based on the Telecommunications Business Act, it is a network access license for terminal devices connecting to public telecommunications networks (e.g., mobile phones, data cards). For devices with both wireless functions and voice/data access needs, both certifications are indispensable.
A common misconception is that obtaining certification is a one-time "exam". In fact, the "Giteki Mark" (Technical Conformity Mark) affixed to products and its unique number are a public commitment by manufacturers to sustained compliance with the Japanese market and regulatory authorities. The validity of this commitment is directly linked to every change throughout the product life cycle.
2025 Regulatory Upgrades for MIC Technical Conformity Certification
In 2025, Japan’s MIC regulatory policies have undergone significant and profound changes, mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1.Cybersecurity for IoT Devices Shifts from "Recommendation" to "Mandate"In the past, device cybersecurity was mostly a voluntary choice for brands. Starting in 2025, for specific IoT devices accessing public networks (such as smart meters, industrial control systems, and certain vehicle-mounted devices), manufacturers must submit a self-conformity declaration report based on the IoT Device Security Standards when applying for MIC Certification. The report must detail specific measures for firmware tamper resistance, secure boot, vulnerability management, and communication encryption (e.g., mandatory use of TLS 1.3). This means that security has become an access prerequisite on par with RF performance.
2.Compliance of "Software-Defined Radio" Receives Unprecedented AttentionAs software updates have become the norm for product function iteration, MIC has clarified new regulatory boundaries: any behavior that adds operating frequency bands, increases transmit power, or changes modulation methods through software updates is deemed a "substantial change" in product design. Manufacturers must apply to the original certification body for approval of such changes before pushing updates; otherwise, the original certification will be invalidated. Additionally, user manuals must clearly warn users that any unauthorized software modification leading to changes in RF parameters is illegal.
3.Refinement and Activation of Rules for New Technology Frequency BandsTo embrace next-generation wireless technologies, MIC has updated and refined relevant technical standards:
·Full Activation of the 6GHz Band: In addition to the previously opened 5925-6425 MHz band, detailed requirements for transmit power, out-of-band emissions, and Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) have been specified for Wi-Fi 6E/7 devices operating in the 6425-7125 MHz band. Meanwhile, a new "Very Low Power (VLP)" device category and corresponding standards have been added for portable devices such as AR/VR headsets and wireless cameras.
·Simplified Path for 5G RedCap (Lightweight 5G): A streamlined certification guide has been developed for medium-to-low speed 5G devices targeting the IoT, optimizing processes while strengthening assessments of device battery life and network access security.
·Opening of the 433MHz Band: The 433.795-434.045 MHz band has been officially approved for use in Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) devices, providing a new option for automotive electronics products.
4.Emergency Communication Functions Become Mandatory RequirementsTo ensure uninterrupted communication during major disasters, MIC has imposed two mandatory hardware-level functional requirements on mobile terminals such as smartphones: the "dual-SIM emergency switching" function was enforced on July 1, 2025, requiring multi-SIM phones to automatically switch to another available SIM card when one cannot make emergency calls; the "cross-operator emergency roaming" function took effect on October 1, 2025, requiring devices to automatically access other available networks for emergency calls when the primary operator’s network is unavailable. These two functions have become necessary conditions for relevant devices to obtain certification.
Scope of Products and Certification Process for MIC Technical Conformity Certification
1.Which Products Require Certification?In short, all devices that "intentionally transmit radio waves" fall within the scope. This includes common Bluetooth headsets, Wi-Fi routers, mobile phones, walkie-talkies, as well as professional drone remote controllers, IoT sensors, and UWB precision positioning devices. Exemptions are rare, typically limited to purely receiving devices (e.g., FM radios) or short-range devices with extremely low power (≤1mW) on specific exemption lists.
2.Core Process and Key RolesThe general certification process includes: document preparation → sending samples to laboratories of MIC-registered Certification Bodies (RCBs) for testing → submitting applications and reports through a local Japanese agent → RCB review and certification issuance. The entire process usually takes 4-8 weeks, and may take longer for complex devices.
During this process, appointing a qualified "Japanese Domestic Representative" is a legal obligation for overseas manufacturers. New regulations in 2025 have strengthened qualification reviews for such representatives, requiring them to have a fixed business address in Japan and the actual capacity to fulfill responsibilities such as market supervision and product recalls. A representative’s negligence will directly affect the validity of the manufacturer’s certification.
The Japanese MIC certification system is undergoing profound evolution in 2025. It is no longer just a "gateway" for products to enter the market, but a "responsibility chain" throughout the product life cycle. BLUEASIA (+86 13534225140) provides professional certification consulting services.
Related News
