In recent years, with the booming development of cross-border e-commerce, the Japanese market has become a key battleground for Chinese sellers. However, many sellers encounter obstacles during the METI registration process when entering the Japanese market, resulting in product delisting.

What exactly is Japan METI registration? Why is it so important? How to complete registration efficiently?

What Is Japan METI Registration?

METI registration, officially known as registration with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), is a mandatory requirement under Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law (DENAN Law). It stipulates that Japanese purchasers must register and declare imported goods to METI within one month of purchasing them. Additionally, the purchaser’s name or ID must be marked on the product to facilitate supervision and management during sales.

In simple terms, METI registration requires that products exported to Japan be registered with their production information guaranteed by a local Japanese trading company. If a product has quality or safety issues, Japanese authorities can immediately hold the guarantee company accountable.

A critical note: PSE certification and METI registration are two distinct documents and cannot be confused. PSE certification is a product safety certification, while METI registration is an administrative filing procedure.

Why Is METI Registration Necessary?

1. Mandatory Legal Requirement

Japan’s DENAN Law clearly states that 498 types of electrical products entering the Japanese market (165 types of "Specified Electrical Appliances" marked with the diamond-shaped PSE logo, and 333 types of "Non-Specified Electrical Appliances" marked with the circular PSE logo) must complete METI registration. Non-compliance may lead to legal penalties.

2. Platform Access Requirement

For cross-border e-commerce sellers aiming to sell electrical products on Amazon Japan, both PSE reports and METI registration documents are mandatory. This is a rigid condition for product listing; otherwise, the product risks being delisted.

3. Market Supervision Mechanism

METI registration requires marking the purchaser’s information on the product, establishing a product traceability system. This ensures effective supervision and management of products sold in the Japanese market, enhancing consumer trust in imported goods.

Document Checklist for METI Registration

1. PSE certification certificate and complete test report (must be valid and consistent with the product);
2. Application form (filled out in accordance with information on the PSE certificate, e.g., product model, specifications, manufacturer details);
3. Type classification form (clarifying the product’s classification under Japan’s electrical product standards);
4. Factory quality control certification (proving the manufacturer’s quality management system meets relevant requirements);
5. Business license of the Japanese importer or agent (the importer/agent must be a legally registered entity in Japan).

Step-by-Step Guide to the METI Registration Process

1. Obtain PSE CertificationSend product samples to a qualified laboratory for testing. After passing all tests, obtain the official PSE test report and certification certificate. This is a prerequisite for initiating METI registration.

2. Prepare Complete DocumentsCollect and organize all required documents as listed above, ensuring information consistency (e.g., product model, manufacturer name, and importer details must match across all documents).

3. Submit to Japan METIThe application must be submitted by a legally registered Japanese trading company (as the applicant). Overseas exporters cannot directly submit applications to METI; a local Japanese partner is mandatory.

4. Official Review and RegistrationMETI reviews the submitted documents. The review process typically takes 5–7 working days, provided all materials are complete and compliant.

5. Obtain Registration DocumentsAfter successful review, METI issues an official registration letter (METI registration document), which serves as proof of compliance for market access.

Key Notes for METI Registration

1. Consistency of Product Labeling

The importer’s name marked on the product nameplate must be identical to the importer name in the METI registration document. If there is a discrepancy, Amazon Japan may require a "purchase invoice" to prove the supply chain relationship, causing delays in listing.

2. Category-Based Registration Principle

Different categories of products require separate METI registration. For example, a power adapter (classified under "AC Electrical Machinery") and a lithium battery (classified under "Lithium Battery Storage Devices") cannot share the same registration document.

3. Timing Control

Japanese purchasers must complete METI registration within one month of purchasing the product. Failure to meet this deadline may result in fines or other administrative penalties.

4. Authenticity of Documents

All submitted materials must be true and valid. METI conducts random verifications; false declarations will lead to severe consequences, including registration revocation and bans on future market access.