Core conclusions:In the Japanese market, electrical products are required to undergo PSE certification, and materials that come into contact with food products must comply with the JFSL list. The new version of this list, effective since 2026, includes 425 permitted substances. Testing must be conducted by laboratories accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, or institutions with JNLA certification. Reports from laboratories in mainland China are not recognized, and it is necessary to appoint a representative within Japan for handling these matters. The order in which these three steps should be followed is: first, obtain certification and comply with labeling requirements; then find a reliable channel to obtain the product; finally, negotiate the payment terms.
1. The first hurdle: Compulsory compliance based on product category
Japanese product regulations are divided into different categories, each governed by specific laws. Ignoring these rules means wasting money without any benefit. Electrical products are subject to the "Electrical Products Safety Law," which requires the use of PSE labels that distinguish between circular and diamond shapes. Both the product itself and its packaging must be marked with certification numbers; goods without certification will be returned or destroyed. Lithium batteries require additional UN38.3 testing reports and transportation certificates. Food, agricultural products, and materials that come into contact with food are regulated by the "Food Hygiene Law" (JFSL). This includes tableware, kitchen utensils, thermoses, and other small household appliances that come into contact with food.
JFSL is one of the items that will undergo significant changes in 2026. The new list includes 425 new substances that are allowed to be used. Products intended for high-temperature applications will be tested under conditions of 90 degrees Celsius. Substances that are not intentionally added (NIAS) will also be subject to regulation. There are four mandatory requirements for compliance: verification that all ingredients involved in the formulation are listed on the official list; submission of samples to laboratories approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare or institutions with JNLA accreditation; appointment of a registered company or individual within Japan as an agent; and submission of a Japanese-language report and compliance statement by the Japanese importer to the Customs and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Certification is based on specific formulations. Any changes to raw materials or manufacturing processes will be considered a substantial modification, and reapplication for certification is required.
| product category | Forced threshold | Key points for factories |
|---|---|---|
| Electrically charged products | PSE certification (round/diamond shape) + certification number label | With no license, the goods will be returned and destroyed. The certification process takes approximately 2 to 3 months. |
| food contact materials | JFSL: Official list of approved suppliers + reports from recognized laboratories + Japanese agents. | Reports from laboratories in mainland China are not recognized as valid. Please ensure that the laboratories have the necessary qualifications before submitting their reports. |
| textile and garment | JIS fiber quality information (Japanese description of ingredients, origin, and washing instructions) | Children's clothing also undergoes testing for flammability, formaldehyde levels, and presence of heavy metals. |
| toy | ST certification + Japanese safety label | Wooden toys are subject to inspection by the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Ministry. |
| cosmetics | Recorded according to pharmaceutical machinery regulations, with complete Japanese ingredient labels provided. | Prohibited descriptions of medical effects such as whitening and freckle removal. |
II. The second barrier: Channels. In addition to the commercial network, there are three other paths to follow.
Japanese buyers have higher expectations regarding the quality of products they purchase. In other markets, minor defects such as scratches, misalignment of labels, or uneven seams may be tolerated. However, in the Japanese retail channel, such defects often lead to immediate rejection. Inspection standards must be agreed upon separately with the client’s channel. The packaging itself is considered part of the product; even small imperfections like creases in the outer box or folding lines in the carton can lead to claims. This determines the selection of products and the preparation steps required for the production line: final inspection criteria should be included in the contract, and all items must be checked against the approved samples before shipment.
In terms of channels, large commercial companies remain the primary entry point for bulk orders. However, they have high entry barriers and long payment terms. Smaller specialized importers, who specialize in certain categories of goods, can make quick decisions and are suitable for dealing with individual products. Cross-border e-commerce platforms like Rakuten in Japan and Amazon Japan are ideal for testing new products and handling smaller volumes of goods. These platforms can be operated by licensed importers. All three channels can work together: first, use cross-border e-commerce to determine which specifications are viable; then use that data to negotiate with specialized importers; finally, consider larger orders with commercial companies. For factories that produce products that come into contact with electricity or food, obtaining the necessary certifications is a common requirement across all channels.
III. The third barrier: details related to customs clearance and payment terms
In the customs clearance process, Japanese imports are required to pay both tariffs and consumption taxes. The consumption taxes are included in the buyer’s cost, so it’s important to mention this point when quoting prices. The average inspection rate for goods exported from Chinese ports to Japan ranges from 20% to 30% (according to industry media guidelines), which is higher than the usual levels in Europe and America. Ensuring that all documents are accurate, the product names are correct, and all electrical products meet the necessary requirements is crucial to reducing inspection delays. The combination of “electrical components, low pricing, and vague product names” is something that must be checked carefully during customs clearance.
In terms of settlement, Japanese buyers generally follow a pattern where payments are made at the end of each month, with subsequent payments made in the next month or the month after. The typical payment period ranges from 60 to 90 days, which is longer than that of most European and American buyers. Before accepting an order, it’s important to include the payment period in the contract and calculate the required funds accordingly. For example, if an order worth 1 million yuan has a payment period of 75 days, it means that approximately 200,000 yuan in operating funds need to be prepaid for the entire year. When quoting prices, the cost of capital can be taken into account, or the upfront payment percentage for the first order can be higher than usual.
4. Common questions
The factory is located in Guangdong. The products are small household appliances. What certifications need to be obtained first?
First, obtain the PSE certification. Then, determine whether the product requires the JFSL certification, depending on whether it contains components that may come into contact with food. The PSE certification categorizes products into round or diamond-shaped designs. Most small household appliances fall within the scope of PSE certification. It’s recommended to submit the product for testing to a Japanese-certified organization. The processing time is typically between 2 to 3 months. If the product includes components such as kettles or steam generators, it is also necessary to undergo JFSL testing and appoint a Japanese representative to handle the process. Only after both certifications are obtained can the product be marketed towards Japanese customers. This ensures that customers have the necessary documentation when requesting samples.
2. Japanese customers request that samples be sent before discussing the order details. What is the relationship between the samples and the necessary certifications?
Samples are used to verify appearance and functionality, while certification processes are necessary for customs clearance and sales. These two methods cannot be used interchangeably, but their order can be optimized: First, send ordinary samples that do not involve any certification issues to discuss cooperation possibilities. At the same time, start the certification process. By this way, once buyers place orders, the certification process will be largely completed. On the other hand, sending samples first and then going through the certification process would prolong the certification period by 2 to 3 months, thereby extending the buyer’s waiting time. In such cases, the risk of losing orders lies with the buyers.
3. Japanese buyers offer longer payment periods compared to those from Europe and America. How can we manage risks in this situation?
Three key actions to consider: securing 30% to 50% of the payment in advance for each order; linking the remaining payment with the delivery date or arrival of the goods; including the payment period in the contract and specifying a penalty for late payment; and, if feasible, insuring the export transaction to cover potential risks, with the insurance amount determined based on the buyer’s credit rating. The default rate among Japanese buyers is generally low. The main risk lies in the cash flow pressure caused by delayed payment periods. Therefore, it is more important to carefully manage the capital expenditure associated with each order to minimize the risk of default.
For factories that export small household appliances, kitchenware, and home furnishings products, the average order value and stability of repeat orders in the Japanese market are worth investing in. However, the order placement should not be reversed—first, ensure that all necessary compliance documents are prepared according to JFSL and PSE standards. Only after that can efforts be made to establish relationships with distributors. Any risks related to payment terms should be addressed during the contract negotiation process.
Qihang Zhilian Foreign Trade Research Institute·Let China's intelligent manufacturing industry set sail to sea·Tel: 180-0327-6609
