MIC Requirements – Overview

• Radio and telecom rules apply by equipment category and intended use in Japan.

• Device categories include specified radio equipment (SRE) and its special subset (SSRE), telecom terminal equipment, high-frequency devices (HFD) and extremely low-power (ELP) devices.

• Testing follows the prescribed methods. A conformity assessment body can perform testing or use qualified laboratories under the applicable rules.

• Marking depends on the conformity route. Giteki indicates radio or telecom conformity as applicable. High-frequency equipment has route-specific markings, and the ELP mark is voluntary.

• Design certification has no routine renewal cycle. Check your ongoing obligations and whether a product change falls within the certified design.

• Scope: Radio equipment for small radio stations in the categories listed in Japan’s Radio Certification Rules.

• Examples: Wi-Fi routers, Bluetooth speakers and standalone BLE trackers. Check the regulatory category for the specific device.

• Certification Requirements: A registered certification body can certify individual units (technical regulations conformity certification) or certify the construction design and the method for verifying production units (construction design certification).

See also Marking → Giteki Mark (SRE)

• Scope: A subset of specified radio equipment listed in Article 2(2) of the Radio Certification Rules. Eligibility can depend on how the radio is integrated into the product.

• Examples: Cellular terminals such as smartphones and designated cordless telephones.

• Certification Requirements: Manufacturers or importers may verify conformity themselves and notify MIC before applying the mark under the self-confirmation route. They can also use a registered certification body. The applicable technical requirements still apply.

See also Marking → Giteki Mark (SSRE)

• Scope: Equipment covered by Article 100 of the Radio Act, including certain equipment that uses high-frequency current at 10 kHz or above.

• Examples: Industrial heating equipment, microwave ovens and induction cookers.

• Applicable procedures: Depending on the category and specifications, the route may involve an installation permit, MIC type designation or type confirmation by the manufacturer or importer.

See also Marking → HFD Mark

• Scope: Devices whose emissions meet the field-strength limits for extremely low-power radio stations.

• Examples: Key fobs and short-range toys that meet the applicable limits.

• Certification Requirements: Qualifying stations are license-exempt under Article 4(1) of the Radio Act and do not require Giteki certification. Eligible products may carry the voluntary JAAMA ELP mark after registration with JAAMA. (For ELP limits by frequency, see Marking → ELP.)

• Scope: Designated terminal equipment for connection to a telecommunications carrier’s network.

• Examples: Fixed-line telephone terminals and IP mobile telephone terminals.

• Certification Requirements: The applicable technical requirements under the Telecommunications Business Act apply to the network connection. Routes include individual conformity approval, design certification and self-confirmation for eligible equipment. Article 69 sets out when the carrier must inspect the connection. Check the Radio Act separately for any radio functions.

See also Marking → Giteki Mark (Telecom)

• Scope: Receive-only equipment falls outside the definition of a radio station in Article 2 of the Radio Act.

• Examples: A receive-only GNSS receiver.

• Certification Requirements: Assess any transmitter or telecom interface separately. An antenna used with a certified transmitter can be part of the certified design.

After identifying the equipment category, check the applicable technical requirements under the Radio Act and its implementing rules. ARIB standards describe technical conditions and test methods for selected radio systems.

For radio equipment and telecom terminals, start by identifying the applicable requirements and conformity route. The steps below cover certification and self-confirmation.

1. Preparation (Route, Standards & Documentation)

• Identify the equipment category, legal requirements and conformity route.

• Collect the technical documentation required for that route.

• Confirm applicable test methods, equipment calibration and acceptable evidence.

2. Testing & Report Compilation

• Test the applicable parameters, including radio performance and RF exposure where required.

• Compile the evidence against the applicable Japanese technical requirements.

3. Submission & Evaluation

• Apply for individual certification or approval, or for design certification, as applicable.

• For eligible self-confirmation, verify conformity and file the applicable notification with MIC to use the mark.

• For certification or approval, use a registered certification body for radio equipment or a registered approval body for telecom terminals.

4. Conformity Outcome

• The certification or approval body assigns the corresponding number.

• For self-confirmation, MIC assigns the notification number.

5. Marking & Ongoing Compliance

• Apply the appropriate conformity mark once the conditions for that route are met.

• Maintain production conformity and retain the records required for the route.

The applicable marking, production checks and recordkeeping depend on the conformity route.

Use the marking prescribed for the equipment and conformity route. The responsible party and the permitted placement depend on that route.

Note: A product with both radio and telecom terminal functions may carry both markings if it qualifies under each applicable route.

After certification or notification, the responsible holder must continue to meet the conditions of the applicable route.

Market Surveillance by MIC

• MIC can request reports and inspect premises where the law authorizes it.

• MIC can require equipment to be submitted for inspection in specified cases.

• The applicable powers and responsible parties differ between radio and telecom equipment.

Production Conformity and Records

• Keep production units within the certified or notified design.

• Carry out the production inspections required by the applicable route.

• Review changes that can affect the approved configuration or technical conformity.

• For radio construction design certification and telecom design certification, retain inspection records for ten years from the date of inspection.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• MIC can order corrective measures where the statutory conditions are met.

• MIC can restrict use of the conformity mark or treat equipment as unmarked in specified cases.

• Misuse of a conformity mark and certain other violations can lead to penalties.

Keep conformity evidence accessible so you can respond to requests and assess changes to production.

Radio construction design certification and telecom design certification have no routine renewal cycle.

Scope of Certification

• Design coverage: The certification covers the design evaluated under the applicable route.

• Production checks: See Ongoing Compliance for production inspections and record retention.

• Continued marking: Apply the marking under the conditions of the relevant certification route.

When to Reassess Conformity

• Design modifications: See Product Changes & Recertification for changes to the certified design.

• Firmware updates: The same section covers firmware updates that affect radio or telecom conformity.

• Changes in applicable standards: Check the effective dates and transition rules when technical requirements change. MIC can restrict marking if the statutory conditions are met.

Record the assessment and confirm with the responsible body what evidence or certification is needed for a changed design.

• RF Hardware Modifications: Changes to antenna type, layout, transmitter components, or RF shielding.

• Firmware or Software Updates: Alterations that affect modulation scheme, output power, operating bands, or other RF parameters.

• Functional Enhancements: Adding new wireless features (e.g., enabling a dormant Bluetooth or UWB module).

• Mechanical Changes: Structural modifications that may affect RF emissions or device shielding.

What Actions Are Required?

• Impact Assessment: Compare the change with the certified design, including the approved antenna and operating configurations.

• Re-Testing: Confirm what additional evidence or testing the responsible body needs. The radio certification rules allow part of the examination to be omitted in certain cases.

• Re-Certification / New Approval: A design outside the certified scope may need a new assessment. If an already marked radio unit undergoes a modification covered by Article 38-7(4) of the Radio Act, its existing mark must be removed as prescribed.

Best Practices

• Implement a formal change management system covering technical, regulatory, and labeling impacts.

• Keep detailed records of all post-certification modifications and corresponding compliance decisions.

• Confirm the assessment with the responsible certification or approval body before releasing a changed configuration.