In Japan, any device with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, 5G NR, UWB, or RFID functionality that does not obtain TELEC certification (now called MIC certification) will be directly intercepted by customs, removed from e-commerce platforms, and may even face heavy fines. Starting in 2025, the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has further strengthened regulatory requirements for IoT devices, wearable products, and low-power RF modules.
This article systematically summarizes the documents required for TELEC certification and certificate validity based on Japanese MIC official documents, feedback from designated certification bodies (DCBs), and the latest technical notices, assisting Chinese manufacturers in efficiently and compliantly entering the Japanese market.
I. What is TELEC Certification? What is its legal status?
TELEC (Telecom Engineering Center) is the sole radio equipment compliance assessment system authorized by the Japanese MIC, now officially named "MIC Certification," implemented according to the Radio Law and the Telecommunications Business Law.
-Key Points:
·All devices emitting radio frequency signals (regardless of commercial use) require certification.
·No TELEC Mark = Illegal Sale = Legal Risk.
II. Key Points of Latest TELEC Certification Changes in 2025:
1.Refined Certification Types: Distinguish between "Technical Compliance Certification" and "Type Approval"
·Technical Compliance Certification: Applicable to complete machines (e.g., mobile phones, routers).
·Type Approval for RF Modules: Applicable to independent RF modules (e.g., ESP32, nRF52840), allowing embedded reuse but requiring "Host-Module Consistency Declaration."
2.Updated Testing Standards (Effective 2024 Q4)
·Added ARIB STD-T109 v2.0 (for 6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E/7 devices).
·Bluetooth devices require additional compliance with ARIB STD-T66 Amendment 3 (strengthened Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio ACLR requirements).
·UWB devices must pass Pulse Template and Duty Cycle tests (referencing FCC Part 15 Subpart F).
3.Mandatory Local Representative Requirement:
Since January 2025, non-Japanese enterprises must appoint an in-country "Responsible Person" responsible for:
·Receiving MIC regulatory notifications.
·Retaining technical documents for at least 5 years.
·Cooperating with market surveys and recalls.
This representative does not need to be the importer but must have Japanese legal entity qualifications.
III. Core Document List Required for TELEC Certification (2025 Edition)
The following documents need to be submitted in English or Japanese; it is recommended to have the local representative assist in organization:
Category - Specific Content
1.Application Form - MIC designated format (Form No. 1), containing product model, applicant, responsible person information.
2.Technical Documentation
·Circuit Diagrams (Block Diagram + Schematic)
·PCB Layout (Marking RF paths)
·Antenna Specifications (Gain, Polarization)
·Software Version and RF Control Logic Description.
3.Test Reports
Issued by MIC recognized laboratories (e.g., JATEC, VCCI, SGS Japan), covering:
·RF Parameters (Frequency Tolerance, Transmit Power, Bandwidth)
·Spurious Emissions (9 kHz–400 GHz)
·Duty Cycle & Hopping Sequence (if applicable).
4.Label Draft
Must include:
·TELEC Mark (Circle with "R" + Certification Number)
·Model, Voltage, Manufacturer
·Japanese Warning (e.g., “無線設備、干渉に注意”).
5.Responsible Person Power of Attorney - Notarized Japanese Power of Attorney, clearly defining legal responsibility attribution.
Note: Starting 2025, software-upgradable devices require additional submission of an "RF Parameter Locking Mechanism" description, preventing users from unauthorized modification of transmission parameters.
TELEC Certificate Validity:
The TELEC certificate itself has no fixed validity period, but is contingent upon:
·No changes to product design;
·The Responsible Person continuously fulfills regulatory obligations;
·Passing market surveillance checks.
Important Note: If product hardware, RF parameters, or software architecture change, re-certification is mandatory; a simple "change notification" is not sufficient.
Conclusion:
Japanese consumers are extremely sensitive to product quality and electromagnetic safety. TELEC certification is not only a legal requirement but also a cornerstone of brand trust. Planning the certification path in advance, selecting compliant laboratories, and establishing a local responsibility mechanism will significantly reduce time-to-market risks and enhance channel cooperation confidence. BLUEASIA: +86 13534225140 will provide you with professional certification consulting services!
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