Regarding the Japan "Radio Wave Act" MIC certification, I will provide an in-depth explanation with over 70% differentiation from common articles available online, incorporating the latest practical information up to 2025.
First, it's crucial to clarify a key concept: "MIC Certification" is the industry's customary term. Its official name is the "Technical Regulations Conformity Certification" based on the "Radio Wave Act." The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is the regulatory body, and the certification mark is actually the `Ⓡ` symbol.
| Certification Dimension | Core Content & Latest Requirements |
| Legal Basis | "Radio Wave Act," supervised and enforced by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). |
| Mandatory Nature | All radio equipment sold or used in the Japanese market must obtain this certification. It is a legal prerequisite for market access. |
| Regulatory Body | Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). Specific testing and certification are handled by Designated "Registered Certification Bodies" (RCBs). |
| Certification Mark | Use the `Ⓡ` mark, not the letters "MIC". |
Core 2025 Updates & Dynamics:
Beyond the basics above, technical standard updates in 2025 and recent years are the key focus:
1.5G NR & Wi-Fi 6E/7 Band Expansion:
·5G NR: Stricter Out-of-Band Emission and Spectrum Mask requirements for devices supporting the n79 (4.8GHz) band.
·Wi-Fi 6E/7: Japan has opened the 6GHz band (5925-6425MHz) for Wi-Fi devices. Since late 2024, certification applications for this new band have surged, primarily tested against Article 49.20. The 2025 focus is on Coexistence Testing with existing services in this band.
2.IoT Device Security Standard Enhancement:For critical infrastructure, Industrial IoT, and V2X devices, beyond traditional RF parameter tests, MIC strongly recommends (and is moving towards mandating) manufacturers to provide a security assessment report based on the "IoT Security Standard Framework," covering aspects like firmware tamper resistance, secure boot, and communication encryption.
3.Expansion of "Specified Radio Equipment" Scope:With the proliferation of SRDs, more types of low-power devices are being included in the "Specified Radio Equipment" category, qualifying for simplified certification procedures. Manufacturers must closely monitor MIC's updated lists to confirm if their products are eligible.
MIC Certification Process & Strategy Optimization:
1.Determine Equipment Category & Standards:This is the starting point, determining the subsequent path and cost. Precisely identify the applicable technical standards (e.g., specific articles in the "Radio Equipment Regulations") based on the product's operating frequency, power, modulation, etc.
2.Select a Japanese Registered Certification Body (RCB):Testing must be performed by a MIC-accredited RCB in Japan. When selecting, consider not only cost and turnaround time but also the RCB's testing qualifications and experience in your product domain.
3.Determine Certification Path & Conduct Testing:
This is the core decision point in the process. There are two main paths:
·Full Certification:** Applicable to most devices with wireless communication functions (e.g., smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth headsets). Requires comprehensive RF, EMC, and Safety testing.
·Technical Standards Conformity Declaration:** Only for products listed in the "Specified Radio Equipment" catalog (e.g., some low-power Bluetooth, Zigbee devices). This path does not require RCB issuance of a certificate; manufacturers can declare compliance based on self-declaration, significantly reducing time and cost.
4.RCB Audit & Market Access:
·After passing tests, the RCB audits the report and issues the certificate. Subsequently, the product must be clearly and permanently marked with the `Ⓡ` symbol.
·Optimization Strategy: For non-"Specified Radio Equipment," if your product already has FCC ID or CE-RED certification, presenting the relevant reports to the RCB might reduce some duplicate testing, lowering cost and time.
5.Market Surveillance & Compliance Maintenance:Post-certification, companies have ongoing obligations. Any major changes to hardware or firmware may require re-certification or a change notification.
Important Reminders & Risk Mitigation:
1."Technical Regulation Conformity Certification" vs. "Construction Design Certification": The former is for the equipment itself. The latter is "Engineering Design Certification" for telecommunications network equipment (e.g., base stations, core network equipment). These two should not be confused.
2.Stringent Market Surveillance: Japanese market surveillance authorities conduct proactive spot checks. Products found without certification or non-compliant face severe penalties, including sales bans, recalls, fines, and significant brand reputation damage.
3.Local Representative Requirement: Overseas manufacturers must appoint a company registered in Japan as their "Domestic Representative," responsible for communication with MIC/RCB and sharing certain legal responsibilities.
We hope this in-depth overview helps you fully understand the latest dynamics and core aspects of Japan MIC certification. If you can share your specific product type (e.g., 5G CPE, Wi-Fi 7 AP, IoT sensor), BLUEASIA: 13534225140, will provide professional certification consulting services!
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