Japanese PSE Certification

The full name of PSE is "Product Safety of Electrical Appliance & Materials" (Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law), a mandatory certification system established by the Japanese government to prevent fires, electric shocks, and other accidents caused by substandard electrical appliances.

I. Classification of PSE Certification

According to the requirements of Japan‘s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN Law), PSE certification is divided into two categories: Specified Electrical Appliances and Non-Specified Electrical Appliances. These two categories correspond to different product types and certification requirements. The details are as follows:

1.1 Specified Electrical Appliances (Diamond-shaped PSE Mark)

Specified Electrical Appliances refer to products with higher safety risks. They must undergo type testing and factory inspections before they can be sold on the Japanese market. Such products are required to obtain a certificate of compliance and bear the diamond-shaped PSE mark.

1.2 Non-Specified Electrical Appliances (Circular PSE Mark)

Non-Specified Electrical Appliances have relatively lower safety risks. Although they are not mandatorily required to undergo type testing and factory inspections, they must still comply with Japan‘s corresponding safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements. Such products may be certified by manufacturers or third-party organizations. After passing certification, the circular PSE mark is affixed to the product.

II. Scope of Application of PSE Certification

The scope of application of PSE certification covers a wide range of electrical and electronic products. According to Japan‘s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN Law), all electrical products imported or sold in Japan must obtain PSE certification. Based on the safety risk of the products, electrical appliances are classified into two major categories: Specified Electrical Appliances and Non-Specified Electrical Appliances, each with a clear scope of application.

2.1 PSE Diamond-shaped Certification: Scope of Category A Specified Electrical Appliances

(1) Wires and cables, fuses, wiring devices (electrical accessories, lighting fixtures, etc.), current limiters, transformers, ballasts, etc.;

(2) Electric heating appliances, electric power application machinery (household appliances), electronic application machinery (high-frequency hair removal devices), etc.;

(3) Other AC electrical machinery (electric insect killers, DC power supply units), portable engines, etc.;

Note: Definition of "Specified Electrical Appliances": Electrical appliances that have a relatively high likelihood of causing danger based on their construction, method of use, or other usage conditions.① Used under long-term unattended conditions; ② Used by socially vulnerable groups; ③ Electrical appliances used in direct contact with the human body.

2.2 PSE Circular Certification: Scope of Category B Non-Specified Electrical Appliances (PSE Certification)

1.Simple wiring conduits and junction boxes;

2.Simple single-phase motors between 100V and 300V;

3.Household electric heating products;

4.Household electric motor-operated or game products;

5.Civilian or household products using light sources;

6.Household and commercial electronic products;

7.Other electrical products operating between 100V and 300V.

III. PSE Certification Process

The process of PSE certification mainly includes steps such as product testing, application submission, factory inspection (for specified electrical appliances), and follow-up supervision. The specific procedures may vary depending on the product category (Specified Electrical Appliances and Non-Specified Electrical Appliances) when applying for certification. The following are the detailed steps of PSE certification:

3.1 Determine the Product Category

First, it is necessary to confirm whether the product falls under Specified Electrical Appliances or Non-Specified Electrical Appliances.

3.2 Product Testing

Specified Electrical Appliances: Specified electrical products must undergo type testing conducted by a third-party certification body accredited by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. The tests are carried out in accordance with the provisions of Japan‘s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law, primarily examining the product‘s electrical safety, mechanical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Only after passing these tests can the product proceed to factory inspection and certification.

Non-Specified Electrical Appliances: Non-specified electrical products may choose to undergo testing by a third-party testing organization, or alternatively, manufacturers may conduct self-testing to ensure that the products comply with relevant safety and EMC requirements.

3.3 Factory Inspection (For Specified Electrical Appliances Only)

For Specified Electrical Appliances, after passing the type testing, the manufacturer must undergo a factory inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to verify that the manufacturing facility has the capability to produce compliant products. The inspection covers aspects such as production processes, quality management systems, and the production environment. Certification is granted only after the factory inspection is successfully completed.

3.4 Submission of Application Documents (For Specified Electrical Appliances Only)

After passing product testing and factory inspection, the manufacturer must submit a series of application documents, including:

• PSE certification application form

• Factory inspection report (applicable to specified electrical appliances)

• Product instruction manual

• Product structure diagram, assembly drawing, and dimensional drawings

• List of key components or raw materials

• Manufacturer‘s business license or company qualification certificate

• Description of differences between different models within the same application unit

• Authorization certificate (where applicable)

3.5 Affixing the PSE Mark

After the product passes certification, the corresponding PSE mark must be affixed to the product itself and its packaging:

Diamond-shaped PSE mark: Applicable to Specified Electrical Appliances that have passed mandatory certification.

Circular PSE mark: Applicable to Non-Specified Electrical Appliances that have undergone self-declaration or third-party certification.

IV. Requirements of PSE Certification

The requirements of PSE certification cover two important aspects: product safety testing and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing. These ensure that electrical products comply with relevant laws and regulations when used in the Japanese market, safeguard consumer safety, and reduce electromagnetic interference affecting other equipment. The following is a detailed introduction to the specific requirements:

4.1 Safety Testing

The purpose of safety testing is to ensure that electrical products do not cause electric shock, fire, or other hazards to users during use. The following are the main test items, testing standards, purposes, and methods:

4.1.1 Insulation Performance Test

Test Purpose: To ensure that the insulation materials of the product can effectively prevent current leakage and avoid the risk of electric shock.

Test Method: Apply a high voltage, typically several times the rated voltage, to the insulated parts of the product, and check for any leakage current or breakdown phenomenon.

4.1.2 Withstand Voltage Test

Test Purpose: Testing purpose: To verify that the product can safely withstand abnormal voltage conditions within the rated voltage range, preventing accidents caused by overvoltage situations.

Test Method: Apply a specified high voltage (typically 1.5 times or more of the operating voltage) between the power input terminals and external conductive parts of the product for a certain duration, and observe whether dielectric breakdown or current leakage occurs.

4.1.3 Leakage Current Test

Test Purpose: To ensure that the leakage current of the product under normal operation does not cause harm to the user.

Test Method: Use a leakage current tester to measure the leakage current value of the product under rated working voltage and load conditions, and check whether it falls within the specified safety range (typically below 0.5 mA).

4.1.4 Temperature Rise Test

Test Purpose: To ensure that the product does not cause fire or damage due to overheating during long-term operation.

Test Method: Under full-load operation, use temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of key components of the product, record the temperature rise condition, and ensure that the temperature does not exceed the safety limits specified by the standard.

4.1.5 Structural Safety Test

Test Purpose: To ensure that the structural design of the product meets electrical safety requirements, particularly the effectiveness of protective enclosures and grounding devices.

Test Method: Through visual inspection, manual inspection, and tool-based inspection, verify whether the product‘s protective enclosure, anti-electric shock design, and grounding connections comply with the standard requirements.

4.2 Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing

The purpose of EMC testing is to ensure that the product does not generate electromagnetic interference to other devices during normal operation, while also being able to resist external electromagnetic interference. It mainly includes the following two aspects:

4.2.1 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Test

Test Purpose: To ensure that the product does not emit electromagnetic radiation or conducted interference exceeding the standard limits during operation, so as not to affect the normal functioning of other equipment.

Test Method: Use EMI testing equipment to measure the radiated and conducted electromagnetic interference generated by the product under operating conditions, ensuring that it does not exceed the limits specified by the relevant standards.

4.2.2 Immunity Test (EMS)

Test Purpose: To verify that the product can maintain normal operation when subjected to external electromagnetic disturbances (such as electrostatic discharge, electrical fast transients, surges, etc.).

Test Method: Use immunity testing equipment to simulate various forms of electromagnetic disturbances (such as electrostatic discharge, fast transient pulses, etc.) and observe whether the product can operate normally or quickly resume normal function.

4.3 Other Requirements

Certain products may require additional testing depending on their application scenarios and safety risks. These tests may include:

Mechanical Strength Test: To ensure that the product will not be damaged under physical impact. Test methods include applying impact, drop, or vibration tests.

Water and Dust Resistance Test: To perform water and dust resistance testing based on the product‘s protection rating (IP rating). Methods include immersion testing and dust exposure testing.

V. Importance of PSE Certification

PSE certification is of great significance to both manufacturers of electrical products entering the Japanese market and consumers. The importance of PSE certification is explained in detail from multiple perspectives below.

5.1 Legal Compliance Requirements

PSE certification is a mandatory requirement for entering the Japanese market. According to Japan‘s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN Law), all electrical products must obtain PSE

5.2 Ensuring Product Safety

The primary purpose of PSE certification is to guarantee the safety of electrical products during use. Through rigorous safety testing (such as withstand voltage tests, insulation tests, temperature rise tests, etc.) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, PSE certification ensures that products will not cause electric shock, overheating, or other safety hazards to consumers during daily use. Obtaining PSE certification means that the product‘s safety performance has met Japan‘s electrical safety standards, effectively preventing various potential accidents and injuries.

5.3 Enhancing Product Market Competitiveness

Products that have obtained PSE certification can not only enter the Japanese market legally but also gain greater trust and recognition in the marketplace. When purchasing electrical products, consumers tend to place more trust in certified products that meet safety standards. The PSE mark is one of the criteria consumers use to distinguish product quality and safety. For enterprises, having PSE certification means that their products comply with Japan‘s stringent safety standards, enabling them to stand out in fierce market competition and enhance their brand‘s market competitiveness.

5.4 Enhancing Corporate International Image

PSE certification is an important component of the international electrical product certification system. Enterprises that obtain PSE certification not only meet the standards of the Japanese market but also demonstrate that their products comply with advanced international electrical safety requirements. For businesses, PSE certification can enhance their international image and help them gain recognition and trust in more international markets.