Japan MIC Certification

What is MIC/GITEKI Certification?

MIC certification, which stands for the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, is a certification that signifies the approval of specific products for use within Japan. This certification is granted based on compliance with the Japanese Radio Law and Telecommunications Business Law, which outline technical standards for wireless devices sold in the country. MIC/GITEKI Certification, as it is commonly known, indicates that a product meets the technical standards and safety regulations established by the Japanese government. The certification serves as a testament to the product’s quality, safety, and adherence to specific electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency (RF) standards. The MIC mark, also referred to as the Giteki mark, is a visible indication that the product has undergone rigorous testing and has been approved for use in the Japanese market.

Which Products Need MIC Certification?

The MIC certification is mandatory for products that involve radio waves, electromagnetic compatibility, and certain telecommunications equipment. 

Here are some categories of products that typically require MIC certification:

Specified Radio Equipment (SRE): This category encompasses devices that use wireless technologies like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, UWB, LTE, RFID, and GSM. Examples of SREs include:

• Mobile phones
• Tablets
• Laptops
• Wireless routers
• Bluetooth headsets
• RFID tags
• Radio-controlled toys

Special Specified Radio Equipment (SSRE): Low-power radio equipment with unique technical characteristics. Examples include:

• radio transmitters used for broadcasting
• emergency services
• aviation

High-Frequency Devices (HFD): These devices operate with frequencies exceeding 10 kHz and include:

• Microwave ovens
• Ultrasonic cleaning devices
• Welding machines
• Induction heating equipment

Telecommunication Business Law (TBL) Products: Devices that connect to public telecommunications networks, such as:

• Wireless routers
• Mobile phone base stations
• VoIP phones

Business Radio Equipment: Devices used for business-critical communications, such as:

• Walkie-talkies
• Two-way radios

How to Obtain MIC Certification?

To legally sell your products in Japan, you need to obtain MIC certification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the process:

Identify relevant technical standards. Determine which technical standards your equipment needs to comply with. This depends on the type of equipment and its intended use.

Choose a registered certification body (RCB). Select an RCB accredited by the MIC to conduct testing and issue certification.

Prepare the required application documents. The application process will vary depending on the RCB you choose. However, most RCBs will require you to submit the following:

• Application form
• Technical documentation
• Test reports
• Product samples
• Fees

Submit your application to the RCB. Once you have prepared your application, you can submit it to the RCB. The RCB will review your application and may request additional information.

Testing and evaluation. The RCB will test your product to ensure that it meets the technical standards specified in the Radio Law. This may involve testing for things like radio emissions, safety, and interference.

Review and approval. The RCB will review the test results and issue a certificate if the equipment meets the requirements.

Receive the MIC certificate. Once the RCB is satisfied with your product’s compliance, it will issue a MIC certificate. The certificate validity period depends on the product category and is typically 3-5 years.

Key Requirements for MIC Certification

• Product safety: Your equipment must meet strict safety requirements to ensure user safety and prevent interference with other devices.
• Technical compliance: The equipment must comply with all applicable technical standards, which cover aspects such as radio frequency emissions, power output, and antenna characteristics.
• Labeling and marking: The equipment must be properly labeled with the required information, including the MIC marking, manufacturer’s name, and model number.

Japanese Radio Law

Market approval in Japan involves the examination and certification of all equipment that uses radio frequencies for its operation. This is done to protect Japanese consumers and ensure the optimal use of the available radio spectrum. It includes a list of devices and equipment subject to attestation, requirements for these products, describes the approval and licensing procedure, and indicates sanctions for violation of compliance requirements.

The law covers three categories of products that can emit radio waves:

• Specified Radio Equipment
• High-Frequency Devices
• Extremely Low-Power Devices

Although the latter category does not require mandatory inspection, manufacturers of products using low frequencies must take into account interference restrictions issued by MIC and not violate them.

Japanese Telecommunication Business Law

The second law that governs Japanese MIC certification is the Telecommunications Business Law. It aims to optimize public electronic communications and contribute to the protection and security of state networks. To achieve these aims, it regulates the following aspects of the operation of radio-electronic equipment:

• Conditions for entering the telecommunications market;
• Rules of connection between different devices;
• Types of products (wired or wireless) that can be qualified to operate in the state communications network through a direct or indirect connection.

Article 52 (2) of the Law specifies the requirements for devices that are intended for connection to the public network. The MIC certification process checks whether the radio-electronic products imported into Japan meet these requirements. Therefore, cell and landline phones, WLAN routers, and fax machines are tested to meet these specifications.

How 360Compliance Can Help You with MIC Certification

If you need a MIC mark to enter the Japanese market, 360Compliance will ensure that all testing and evaluation procedures go smoothly. We cooperate with manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and other suppliers who wish to obtain the legal right to offer their products to Japanese consumers. Having all permits for MIC Japan certification, we guarantee the compliance with all requirements of Radio Law and Telecommunication Business Law.
In our laboratories, we provide regulatory testing and certification in over 195 countries worldwide. Also, you can order regulatory consulting and many other services related to the admission of radio electronic goods to the markets of different countries. Contact us to clarify all the details and start the certification process!