Many manufacturers have this confusion when exporting lithium battery products to Japan: "My product already has PSE certification for battery safety compliance, why do Japanese buyers still require TELEC certification?" The core answer is: PSE and TELEC are two completely independent regulatory systems in Japan, governing "battery safety" and "radio wave emission" respectively.

This article elaborates on certification requirements for lithium battery products with wireless modules exported to Japan, helping manufacturers clarify the dual-certification compliance pathway.

1. PSE vs TELEC: Two Fully Independent Regulatory Systems

Japan enforces two separate sets of regulations for lithium battery products with wireless modules, which are non-interchangeable and non-exemptible:

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In short: PSE certification proves your battery "will not catch fire", while TELEC certification proves your product "will not cause harmful radio wave interference". Both certifications are audited independently during customs clearance, e-commerce platform listing and market surveillance, and neither can be omitted.

2. Which Wireless Lithium Battery Products Require TELEC Certification?

In principle, all products with active radio transmission function require TELEC certification. Typical lithium battery product scenarios are listed below:

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3. Frequency Band Classification & Special Requirements for TELEC

Different radio frequency bands correspond to different technical requirements, rather than one certification covering all bands:

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Key Reminder: DFS/TPC testing for 5GHz bands is highly complex, which is the main cause of certification failure and delay. If your product only uses Bluetooth/WiFi 2.4GHz, confirm that the Japanese firmware does not transmit 5GHz signals before certification to avoid unnecessary testing.

4. Core Test Items of TELEC Certification

TELEC testing is divided into two categories: Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), typical test items include:

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5. Certification Process & Lead Time

TELEC certification generally follows five stages:

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Typical Lead Time: 3~6 weeks, may be extended for 5GHz devices due to DFS testing.

6. Modular Certification: Time & Cost Saving Shortcut

If your product adopts pre-TELEC-certified radio modules (such as ESP32, nRF52 series etc.) with no modification to antenna and other critical RF components, you can apply for "modular certification", which greatly simplifies testing process. No need to test all RF items from scratch, lead time can be shortened to 2~3 weeks.

7. 2026 Regulatory Updates Manufacturers Must Know

▶ Electronic Certificate & Documentation: Only electronic certificates are accepted for customs clearance; all application documents must be submitted digitally, paper submissions will be rejected ▶ Japan-Based Responsible Party: Since 2025, non-Japanese enterprises must appoint a local Japan-based responsible party to complete certification application ▶ Label Simplification: QR code is allowed to replace part of physical marking when complying with JISC 9913 standard ▶ 6GHz Band Opening: WiFi 6E/7 certification opened since July 2025

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why do Japanese buyers require TELEC besides PSE? A: The two certifications belong to different regulatory systems. PSE is governed by the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law while TELEC is governed by the Radio Act, they are non-interchangeable. Both are independently audited for customs clearance, e-commerce listing and market surveillance, neither can be omitted.

Q2: What certifications are required for Bluetooth earphone charging cases? A: The charging case as a battery product requires Circle PSE certification; the built-in Bluetooth module requires TELEC certification. In addition, if the charging case has a power input interface, Diamond PSE certification may also be required subject to qualification review.

Q3: Is there a significant cost difference between 5GHz and 2.4GHz certification? A: The difference is obvious. 2.4GHz-only products have lower certification cost and shorter lead time; 5GHz W53/W56 products cost 30%~50% more due to DFS/TPC testing, and lead time may double. If the Japanese version does not need 5GHz transmission, it can be disabled via software and hardware.

Q4: What is the validity period of TELEC certification? Is annual factory audit required? A: TELEC certification generally has no fixed expiry date, provided that product design and radio module model remain unchanged. Re-certification is required if hardware is modified (such as antenna or RF chip replacement). No annual factory audit is required, unlike network access certification.

Q5: Is TELEC mandatory for listing on Japanese e-commerce platforms? A: Amazon Japan, Rakuten Japan and Yahoo! Japan all require GITEKI certification number for product listing; products without valid certification cannot be listed or will be removed. It is recommended to complete TELEC certification before production and stocking.

Disclaimer: This content is AI-assisted for reference only, not legally binding certification advice. All implementation shall comply with the latest official Japanese regulatory specifications.