With the explosive growth of IoT devices worldwide, cybersecurity threats have become increasingly severe. The Japanese government officially launched the Japan Cyber Security Technical Requirements for Secure IoT Devices (JC-STAR) on March 25, 2025, marking the world’s first official cybersecurity transparency mechanism covering all categories of IoT devices.

For Chinese IoT device manufacturers planning to enter the Japanese market, understanding and obtaining JC-STAR certification has become the key to unlocking Japan’s government procurement, critical infrastructure, and high-end commercial procurement markets.

01 Background & Strategic Positioning: From Compliance Requirement to Market Competitiveness

The birth of JC-STAR is an inevitable outcome of Japan’s response to digital-era security challenges and national strategic implementation. Its core driver is not merely technical specification but a profound reshaping of market access.

Overseen by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and implemented by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), this certification carries clear official endorsement. Its direct legal basis includes the Act on the Protection and Use of Information for Critical Economic Security and the Information Processing Promotion Act, aiming to build a cybersecurity defense line for the digital economy at the national level.

While JC-STAR is currently a voluntary certification, its market logic has rendered it de facto mandatory. Japanese government agencies, critical infrastructure operators (e.g., power, water utilities), and large enterprises have gradually adopted the JC-STAR label as a core or even mandatory criterion for supplier selection when procuring IoT devices.

This means products without the corresponding star certification will lose competitiveness in the high-end government and enterprise procurement market. For manufacturers, a JC-STAR label serves as both a "quality declaration" and an "access pass" for Japan’s high-end market.

02 In-Depth Analysis of the Certification System: Four-Tier Grading & Innovative Technologies

The most distinctive feature of the JC-STAR certification system lies in its refined grading and innovative technical verification methods, designed to provide clear, visualized standards for application scenarios with varying security needs.

The certification adopts a four-tier grading model, with requirements escalating from basic STAR-1 to top-tier STAR-4:

Basic Protection Layer (STAR-1/2)

• Primarily implements a manufacturer self-declaration mechanism.
• Requires manufacturers to establish a full-lifecycle vulnerability management process.
• Mandates pre-installed security event logging functionality in device firmware (storage period ≥ 90 days).

Advanced Protection Layer (STAR-3/4)

• Compulsory third-party laboratory penetration testing, including verification of cutting-edge technologies such as post-quantum cryptography algorithm compatibility.
• Devices must possess dynamic threat intelligence synchronization capabilities with a response latency requirement ≤ 15 seconds.

In technical verification, JC-STAR introduces three innovations to ensure certification authority and dynamism:

1. Digital Identity Traceability System: Each certification label embeds a triple-encrypted QR code, enabling real-time verification of device authenticity via the official database to prevent label forgery.
2. Dynamic Security Profile Updates: Manufacturers must synchronize vulnerability patch records to the central database via API within 24 hours of discovery, ensuring transparent security status.
3. Proactive Cross-Border Mutual Recognition: Technical parameter mapping has been established with standards from countries like Australia, paving the way for enterprises to reduce multi-country compliance costs.

03 Detailed Application Process: From Self-Assessment to Label Affixation

Obtaining JC-STAR certification is a systematic process. Enterprises can efficiently advance by following these steps:

Step 1: Compliance Path Selection & Self-Assessment

• First, confirm if the product (e.g., network cameras, industrial routers, smart sensors) falls within JC-STAR’s scope.
• Based on target customers (consumer-grade, enterprise-grade, or critical infrastructure), initially determine the required star level:
  • Consumer-grade devices: Recommend STAR-2 to balance cost and market recognition.
  • Industrial IoT devices: Directly aim for STAR-4 certification, with potential eligibility for government subsidies.

Step 2: Technical Preparation & Gap Analysis

• Upgrade technologies to meet target star requirements (e.g., adopt cryptographic modules compliant with JIS X 5080-2025 and integrate IPA’s threat intelligence subscription service).
• Collaborate with experienced testing institutions for pre-assessment to significantly mitigate risks in subsequent formal testing.

Step 3: Application Submission & Testing

• For STAR-1/2: Submit self-declaration materials via METI’s e-government platform.
• For STAR-3/4: Submit test plans to IPA-accredited third-party laboratories at least 90 days in advance and arrange testing. Upon passing, the laboratory issues an assessment report.

Step 4: Review, Certification Issuance & Label Usage

• Submit complete materials to IPA for review. Upon approval, obtain the corresponding star compliance label.
• Affix the label to the product itself or packaging; the QR code on the label contains the product’s full security profile.

04 Horizontal Comparison: Similarities & Differences Between JC-STAR, PSTI, and EU Standards

IoT cybersecurity regulations have become a global trend. Understanding the differences between JC-STAR and major standards such as the UK’s PSTI and the EU’s ETSI EN 303 645 helps enterprises formulate integrated global compliance strategies.

In summary, if products are already prepared to meet ETSI EN 303 645 or comply with PSTI, most foundational work for JC-STAR (especially STAR-1) is complete. JC-STAR’s value lies in translating internationally accepted security requirements into official credentials highly recognized and prioritized in Japan’s high-end market.

05 Our Advantages: Professional Escort for Efficient Certification

Faced with this emerging and specialized certification, Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. offers irreplaceable value to enterprises through its profound technical accumulation and localized service capabilities:

One-Stop Full-Cycle Service

We provide end-to-end support from pre-consultation, gap analysis, and technical rectification to formal testing and report submission.

Japan-Specific Expertise

Our expert team is well-versed in Japanese application document standards and communication etiquette, effectively avoiding process delays caused by cultural or language barriers.

Cost-Optimized Compliance Solutions

Familiar with the product development lifecycle of Chinese manufacturers, we offer cost-effective strategies such as series certification and modular certification, helping you maximize opportunities in Japan’s high-end market with minimal investment.

Regulatory Trends & Urgency

Japan’s government emphasis on cybersecurity is translating into concrete market rules. Since 2025, multiple Chinese IoT device manufacturers have faced heightened inspections or delayed customs clearance due to non-compliant security labels when exporting to Japan.

Meanwhile, METI has clearly stated its intention to promote alignment with the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement after 2026, establishing an Asia-Pacific security certification alliance—signaling that JC-STAR’s influence may expand to broader Asia-Pacific markets in the future.

06 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is JC-STAR certification mandatory? Can I export to Japan without it?

A: Currently, JC-STAR is legally voluntary. However, it has become a de facto mandatory threshold for procurement by Japan’s government, critical infrastructure, and large enterprises. For the consumer market, while not mandatory, the certification label significantly enhances product competitiveness and brand credibility. Thus, skipping certification does not prevent general retail sales but results in the loss of high-end market share.

Q: What do the star ratings (1-4 stars) on the certification label represent? How to choose?

A: Star ratings indicate security protection levels:

• 1-star: Basic requirements (referencing international baseline standards).
• 2-star: Adds product-specific basic requirements to STAR-1.
• 3-star/4-star: Target high-security scenarios, requiring strict third-party testing.
• Selection Guide: 1-2 stars for consumer-grade products; 3-star/4-star for government/enterprise or critical infrastructure procurement.

Q: What is the certification validity period? Is the renewal process complex?

A: JC-STAR labels are valid for up to 2 years. Renewal focuses on verifying vulnerability management records and profile updates from the previous cycle. If there are no major product changes and security maintenance records are sound, the renewal process is streamlined; otherwise, re-testing may be required.

Q: If I already have EU CE (RED) certification, will JC-STAR application be easier?

A: Yes, significantly. JC-STAR’s underlying technical requirements are highly compatible with the EU’s ETSI EN 303 645 standard. Test reports and data completed for CE RED certification can be extensively referenced and recognized, reducing duplicate testing and shortening JC-STAR’s certification cycle and costs.

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

A: Time and cost vary by product complexity and target star level. For STAR-3/4 (requiring third-party testing), testing alone typically requires a 90-day advance reservation, with an overall cycle of 4-6 months. Costs include consulting fees, laboratory testing fees, and certification application fees. Engaging a professional service provider for early accurate assessment and program planning is the most effective way to control total costs and time.