Japan maintains a strict and unique market access regulatory system for radio and telecommunications terminal equipment. For enterprises planning to enter the Japanese market, terms like MIC Certification, Giteki Mark, JATE Certification, and TELEC Certification are often confusing.

What are their differences and connections? What compliance steps must your product complete? This article will clarify them thoroughly for you.

01 Certification System Overview: Understanding Japan’s Regulatory Framework

The core regulatory authority for communication equipment in Japan is the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). Its regulatory logic is clearly divided into two main lines: telecommunications terminal equipment and radio equipment, which together form a mandatory compliance network for entering the Japanese market.

Japan’s Radio Act and Telecommunications Business Act are the two foundational laws. All equipment used in Japan that can access public telecommunications networks or transmit specific radio waves must pass corresponding certifications and affix compliance marks as required by regulations.

MIC Certification is the general term for this system and the result of official approval, while the Giteki Mark is its physical manifestation. Specific technical conformity assessments are completed by two designated certification bodies—JATE and TELEC—based on equipment type.

In simple terms, enterprises apply for JATE or TELEC certification for their products. After passing the assessment, they obtain MIC approval and finally affix the Giteki Mark to the product—forming a complete compliance loop.

02 Core Difference Comparison Table

For a more intuitive understanding, the following table summarizes the core positioning and relationships of the four:

03 In-Depth Analysis: Scope & Processes of JATE & TELEC Certifications

Understanding the specific division of labor between JATE and TELEC is key to determining the product compliance path.

JATE Certification: Ensuring Public Network Access Safety

JATE (Japan Telecommunications Engineering and Consulting Association) certification is commonly referred to as "Technical Conformity Certification" or "Telecommunications Business Act Certification."

Core Responsibilities: Evaluate whether equipment meets technical standards when connecting to Japan’s public telecommunications networks, focusing on network protection (preventing network damage), interoperability, and user safety.

Typical Applicable Equipment:

• Cellular network equipment: Mobile phones, tablets, data terminals, CPE, cellular modules.
• Traditional wired terminals: Fixed telephones, fax machines.
• Other network-access equipment: Certain IoT terminals.

Process Highlights: Testing focuses on protocol consistency, signaling tests, etc. For terminal products adopting JATE-certified modules, the application process may be simplified.

TELEC Certification: Regulating Radio Wave Order

TELEC (Telecom Engineering Center) certification is commonly referred to as "Radio Act Certification" and is the most widely mandatory certification for wireless equipment in Japan.

Core Responsibilities: Conduct strict tests on equipment’s RF characteristics in accordance with the Radio Act and its ministerial ordinances, ensuring operation only within designated frequency bands and compliant power levels, with no excessive spurious emissions.

Technical Standards: Follow "Radio Wave Ordinances" issued by MIC. Detailed technical standards apply to different equipment categories (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, specific low-power devices).

Process Highlights: Testing is typically conducted at MIC-registered designated laboratories, covering full RF and EMC tests such as conducted emissions, radiated power, frequency tolerance, bandwidth, and spurious emissions. Japanese standards differ from European and American ones—local Japanese standards must be used.

04 Unified Process: Complete Steps from Application to Marking

Although JATE and TELEC paths differ, the overall compliance process is similar, summarized in four steps:

Step 1: Determination & Preparation

First, clarify whether the product is "telecommunications terminal equipment," "radio equipment," or "both." For example, a 4G mobile phone usually requires both JATE (network access) and TELEC (RF) certifications. Prepare technical documents including user manuals, circuit diagrams, PCB layouts, and component lists.

Step 2: Testing & Evaluation

• Telecommunications Part: Send samples to JATE-accredited laboratories for testing.
• Radio Part: Send samples to TELEC-accredited laboratories (or qualified third-party laboratories such as partners of Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd.) for RF testing.

Professional Advice: Collaborate with a service provider experienced in coordinating both tests and familiar with Japanese standards to significantly improve efficiency and avoid test failures due to misinterpretation of standards.

Step 3: Agency Review & Certification Issuance

After passing tests, JATE or TELEC reviews the test reports and other documents. Upon approval, they submit an application to MIC for final authorization. Once MIC approves, the certification body issues an official conformity certificate and assigns a unique "designated number."

Step 4: Marking & Market Supervision

Enterprises must print or affix the Giteki Mark (including the designated number) to the product itself. The mark’s size and position are regulated by law. After market launch, MIC conducts random inspections to verify consistency between the mark and certification.

05 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: My product has Wi-Fi functionality—do I only need TELEC certification?

A: Not necessarily. It depends on the product’s core function. A tablet accessing the internet solely via Wi-Fi (no cellular function) typically only requires TELEC certification. However, a mobile phone with both cellular network and Wi-Fi functions must obtain both JATE certification (for cellular network access) and TELEC certification (for Wi-Fi RF).

Q: What is the meaning of the "designated number" on the Giteki Mark?

A: This unique number acts as the "ID card" of the equipment in Japan’s regulatory system, usually including the certification body code and serial number. Regulatory authorities can trace certification information through this number. Forging, misusing, or incorrectly using this number will result in severe penalties.

Q: Do MIC/TELEC certifications have an expiration date?

A: Certifications are generally valid long-term in principle. However, if there are changes to product design, core components, or software (affecting RF or protocols), a reapplication for modification or new certification is mandatory. Additionally, if relevant technical standards are updated, certified products may need re-evaluation in accordance with transition period requirements.

Q: Can products with EU CE-RED or US FCC certification simplify Japanese certification?

A: No direct recognition or simplification is allowed. Japan has independent technical standards—test methods, limit requirements, and even test frequency bands may differ. For example, Japan’s regulations on Wi-Fi channel and transmission power differ from those in Europe and the US. However, previously completed CE/FCC test data can serve as design references, but formal Japanese certification applications must comply with local standards.

Q: How long does the entire certification process take, and what is the approximate cost?

A: Time and cost vary significantly based on product complexity, wireless technology type (e.g., 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi 6), and whether both JATE and TELEC certifications are required. Generally, a single TELEC certification takes 6-10 weeks, with costs ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of Japanese yen. The cycle for dual certifications may be longer. It is recommended to consult a professional institution for detailed evaluation and quotation at the project’s initial stage.

Regulatory Trends & Recommendations

Japan’s regulation of the communication equipment market is renowned for its rigor and independence. In recent years, certification requirements for IoT devices and autonomous driving-related radio equipment have become increasingly stringent.

In 2023, MIC intensified crackdowns on radio equipment sold on cross-border e-commerce platforms without the Giteki Mark, resulting in the removal of numerous non-compliant products. Meanwhile, with the introduction of new regulations allowing 6GHz frequency bands for Wi-Fi, certification standards for related equipment have been updated.

For enterprises, early planning, accurate understanding of certification requirements, and collaboration with professional testing institutions familiar with both Chinese and Japanese technical standards are key to ensuring products enter the Japanese market smoothly and efficiently.