Japan Import Regulations Guide: PSE, Giteki & Food Sanitation Law

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Why you must check Japanese regulations before importing from China

Many sellers believe that "as long as the quality is good, it will sell" — but in reality, a surprising number of products cannot be legally sold in Japan. Electric products without the PSE mark, wireless devices without the Giteki mark — selling such items can lead to recall orders, sales bans, and penalties.

Since December 25, 2025, overseas businesses selling directly to Japanese consumers have also become subject to the Product Safety 4 Laws (the "Specified Import Business Operator" system by METI). For sellers running cross-border e-commerce, compliance is no longer optional.

What is the PSE mark? (Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law)

To sell electrical products in Japan, you need the PSE mark under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN). There are two types of PSE marks:

Category	Mark	Examples	Requirements
Specified electrical appliances	◇PSE (diamond)	AC adapters, hair irons, power tools — higher-risk products	Third-party conformity inspection + lot inspection
Non-specified electrical appliances	○PSE (round)	Lighting fixtures, household appliances	Self-confirmation of technical standards

Around 450 product categories are designated by government ordinance. Many popular import products — power banks, charging cables, hair dryers — are covered by PSE.

Under the December 2025 revision, overseas businesses (Specified Import Business Operators) must register with the local METI bureau, ensure technical standard compliance, and appoint a domestic administrator.

What is the Giteki mark? (Radio Law)

Products with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or wireless LAN features need technical conformity certification (Giteki) under Japan's Radio Law. Wireless devices without the Giteki mark violate the Radio Law and cannot be sold in Japan.

Products that require particular attention when importing from China:

• Wireless earphones and speakers (built-in Bluetooth)
• Smartwatches and smart home devices (Wi-Fi connected)
• Drones and radio-controlled toys
• Electronic tags and IoT devices
• Wireless chargers

Many Chinese-made products have not obtained Giteki certification. Always check for the Giteki number before purchasing.

Food Sanitation Law (food, containers & packaging)

Importing food, health foods, food containers, tableware, and similar items is subject to the Food Sanitation Law. Importers must file a Notification of Importation of Foods, etc. (Article 27) with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare via a local health center.

• Covered items: food, additives, equipment, containers & packaging, and toys that infants may put in their mouths
• Documents such as certificates of origin and ingredient lists are required
• If inspection at a quarantine station finds violations, the goods are returned or destroyed

Also note the Food Labeling Act (ingredients, allergens, expiration dates) and the Premiums and Representations Act. Chinese health foods and supplements often differ from Japanese standards — verify carefully.

Other major regulations

Regulation	Examples	Key point
ST mark (toy safety)	Toys and plush toys for infants	Japan Toy Association standards. Items for infants also fall under the Food Sanitation Law
PSC mark (Consumer Product Safety Law)	Pressure cookers, helmets, infant beds, portable lasers	Mandatory for specified products
PMD Act (Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices)	Cosmetics, quasi-drugs, contact lenses	Restrictions on ingredients, labeling and advertising; personal import quantity limits apply
Intellectual property	Counterfeits and look-alikes of brands/characters	Seized by customs; criminal penalties possible
Battery transport regulations	Products with lithium-ion batteries	Air freight restrictions apply to both loose and built-in batteries

Pre-purchase compliance checklist

Check item	What to verify
Is it an electrical product?	Check for the PSE mark; be careful with AC adapters and battery-powered items
Does it have wireless functions?	If Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, confirm the Giteki number
Is it food or containers?	Check whether import notification is required and labeling compliance
Does it resemble brands/characters?	Remove look-alikes and counterfeits from your shortlist
Does it contain dangerous goods or batteries?	Confirm transport route (air freight availability) and packaging requirements
Is there a Japanese manual/label?	Check for Japanese instructions even for PSE-compliant items

Risks of selling non-compliant products

• Sales ban & recall orders: administrative guidance or orders to stop selling and recall products
• Penalties: criminal penalties (fines and imprisonment) under some laws
• Customs seizure or return: goods cannot clear customs if violations are found
• Consumer complaints & returns: disputes directly threaten your business
• Marketplace account suspension: Amazon, Rakuten and others may delist you after violation reports

Summary

Importing from China is a huge opportunity, but ignoring Japanese regulations puts your entire business at risk. With the Product Safety 4 Laws tightening overseas sellers since December 2025, verifying "can this product be sold in Japan?" before purchasing should be your first priority.

If you are unsure about compliance or want end-to-end support from supplier selection onward, contact allallbuy for a free consultation.