Guide to Japanese Product Certifications
Key Takeaways
Product certification in Japan has become increasingly crucial
JIS standards are quality management standards created by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee
The JIS is used to measure quality control and JIS mark plays a vital role in international trade
PSE certification is required for many electric appliances and materials to show that the products meet strict standards in Japan
Japan is a world leader in many industries, and its manufacturing standards are some of the most rigorous in the world. Japanese companies have earned a reputation for quality and reliability, and government agencies often recognize their products.
Product certifications are issued by various government agencies, including the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), and other regulatory bodies. They help consumers determine if products meet specific safety requirements.
The JIS mark is one of Japan's most recognizable product certifications, appearing on everything from electronics to food packages. You can also find it in many products imported from Asia or Europe.
What is JIS certification?
JIS standards are quality management standards created by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee, an organization of Japanese companies. The JIS mark provides information about the quality management system used in making a product or creating a service and verifies that the product or service meets those requirements.
JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standards, but it's not like there's only one set of standards, there are many sets of standards within the JIS family that serve different purposes, and they're all verified with their unique logo.
The purpose of the JIS is to ensure that all parties involved in manufacturing and trading goods can communicate clearly and unambiguously about their specifications and use of materials. The JIS is also used to measure quality control, providing a common language for all involved in the process.
The JIS mark is a symbol of consumer trust, and companies are expected to perform their business activities by the JIS standards. The mark also plays a vital role in international trade because it indicates that products or services comply with the requirements specified by JIS.
How to Apply for the JIS Mark in Japan
The JIS Mark is a certification mark of products and services that meet the national standards of Japan, and the Japan Quality Assurance Organization manages it. The JIS Mark has been around since 2005, when it first appeared on industrial machinery, and it can be found in products, services, and business processes.
Submit the application
Applicants must apply to JIS Mark, Inc. before the audit. The application is available from JIS Mark's website. Applicants should carefully read the instructions and fill out all necessary information on the form.
An auditor performs a factory inspection.
JIS has auditors who conduct inspections at the production site at no cost to the applicant. The auditor will also audit your quality management system and confirm that it meets JIS standards. If it does not, you will be required to make improvements before applying again or choosing another standard with which to comply first.
Perform Testing of the Products According to the JIS-standards
Testing is performed by an independent testing agency accredited by the Japanese government. The products must be tested according to the relevant JIS standard, which can be done in Japan or other countries. The testing agency will issue a certificate of testing to prove that your products have been tested successfully.
Approval or Rejection
Once you have submitted all of your documents, including those required for testing, an official from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will examine them and decide whether or not to approve the use of the mark on your product. If approval is granted, you will be sent a certificate that confirms that your product has met all of the requirements imposed by law and, therefore, should carry the mark without restriction.
Agreement on Usage of the JIS-Mark
The applicant must first agree with the JISC on using the JIS marks and pay fees for each mark to obtain permission. The fee depends on whether it is used within Japan or overseas, whether it is used in conjunction with other marks, and other factors such as the size of product packaging or advertisement materials used for promoting products or services.
Follow-Up Audits by the Auditor
To confirm whether products meet requirements, auditors conduct periodic follow-up audits at factories or offices where products are produced or sold or at service centers where services are provided. Auditors examine quality management systems implemented at these locations, verify whether processes comply with requirements outlined in standards documents, check whether required documentation exists, etc.
What is PSE certification in Japan?
A mandatory certification mark is required for many electrical appliances and materials entering the Japanese market. The purpose of the PSE marking is to inform the buyer that the product has met strict standards set by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). It also helps eliminate counterfeit products from being sold in Japan.
The Japanese government's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) defines standards for PSE equipment, including safety performance requirements and testing methods. Manufacturers that meet these standards can apply for certification from METI. It is illegal to sell unqualified PSE equipment in Japan unless it has been exempted from the requirement by METI due to a unique situation, such as small-volume production or research purposes.
What is the importance of knowing the Japanese Industrial Standards?
Knowing how these standards work is essential to ensure that your goods are up to scratch when you send them out into the market. If your goods do not meet these standards, they will probably not be accepted by consumers who want only the best quality products from their suppliers.
Conclusion
Product certification in Japan has become increasingly crucial as of late, and an increase has matched the increase in regulations in demand for certification. There has also been a movement towards international standards, which quickly replace previous regulations. The standards and methods used to certify a product vary from one certification to another, so if you want your product to be awarded one of them, you should contact them directly for further information about the certification process.
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