PSE certification refers to compliance with Japan's electrical product safety requirements under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, commonly abbreviated as DENAN.
The Japanese government introduced this regulatory framework to ensure that electrical appliances and materials sold in Japan meet defined safety requirements and do not create unacceptable risks such as:
Unlike a voluntary certification system, PSE compliance can be a legal requirement for products covered by the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act.
For manufacturers and exporters, this means that simply having CE, UL, FCC, CB, or other international certifications does not automatically mean a product is compliant with Japanese PSE requirements.
For example, a power adapter may already have CE and CB certifications but still need to satisfy the applicable Japanese requirements before it can be marketed in Japan.
This is why exporters should determine the Japanese regulatory requirements before finalizing the product design and shipment.
PSE stands for:
Product Safety Electrical Appliance and Materials
The PSE system is administered in Japan under the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (DENAN).
The regulation applies to designated electrical appliances and materials and establishes technical requirements for electrical safety.
For overseas manufacturers, one important point is that PSE compliance is closely connected to the Japanese importer and the party responsible for placing the product on the Japanese market.
Therefore, PSE should not be treated simply as a logo that a manufacturer can add to a product.
The manufacturer, importer, and relevant conformity procedures must all be considered.
Japan has a mature electrical safety regulatory system and specific requirements for products connected to the Japanese electrical supply.
For businesses exporting electrical equipment to Japan, PSE compliance can affect:
If a product is subject to PSE requirements but does not comply, the manufacturer or importer may face serious commercial and regulatory problems.
For this reason, PSE requirements should be considered during the product development stage, rather than after mass production has already started.
This is especially important when developing custom power adapters or battery chargers for Japanese customers.
One of the most important concepts in Japan's PSE system is the distinction between Diamond PSE and Circle PSE.
The two marks represent different regulatory categories.
The Diamond PSE mark applies to products classified as Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials.
These products are considered to have a relatively higher safety risk and therefore are subject to stricter conformity assessment requirements.
For applicable products, conformity assessment by a registered conformity assessment body is generally required before the product can be legally sold.
The diamond-shaped PSE mark is therefore associated with the more stringent category of regulated electrical products.
The Circle PSE mark applies to Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials that are covered by Japan's electrical safety legislation but are not classified as Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials.
The compliance process is generally different from Diamond PSE.
Manufacturers or importers are still responsible for ensuring that the product meets the applicable technical requirements, but third-party conformity assessment is not necessarily required in the same way as for Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials.
This distinction is extremely important because businesses sometimes assume that all PSE products require the same certification process.
They do not.
PSE is often compared with certifications such as CE, UL, FCC, CB, and SAA. However, these systems have different legal purposes and geographic scopes.
| Certification | Main Market | Main Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| PSE | Japan | Electrical product safety |
| CE | European Economic Area | Product regulatory compliance |
| UL | North America / international | Product safety certification |
| FCC | United States | Electromagnetic compatibility/radio emissions |
| CB | International | Electrical safety test/certification framework |
| SAA | Australia | Electrical safety compliance |
For example, CE certification is important for many products entering the European market, while PSE is specifically related to Japan's electrical safety regulatory system.
You can learn more about CE requirements in our guide: CE certification
Similarly, companies selling products internationally may need to consider multiple regulatory requirements depending on the destination market.
CB certification
A CB test report can sometimes be useful as part of the technical evaluation process, but it should not automatically be interpreted as a replacement for Japanese PSE compliance.
PSE requirements apply to electrical appliances and materials designated under Japanese law.
The exact applicability depends on the product category rather than simply whether the product uses electricity.
Examples of products that may fall under Japan's electrical safety framework include:
However, not every electrical product requires PSE.
This is why a proper product classification is one of the first steps in the compliance process.
For manufacturers, it is important to evaluate the complete product configuration, including:
This is one of the most common questions from companies exporting power supplies to Japan.
The answer is:
Some power adapters and AC/DC power supplies may be subject to PSE requirements, depending on their classification and intended use.
A power adapter connected directly to Japan's AC mains supply should be evaluated carefully before being exported.
Typical specifications that should be reviewed include:
For example, a 100–240VAC input adapter designed for the Japanese market should not simply be labeled with PSE because the product has already passed CE or UL testing.
The Japanese requirements must be evaluated separately.
For companies sourcing AC/DC power adapters, it is therefore important to work with a manufacturer that understands both the electrical design and the destination-market compliance requirements.
Battery chargers also require careful evaluation when they are intended for the Japanese market.
A battery charger typically converts AC mains electricity into controlled DC power for charging a battery.
Depending on the charger configuration and applicable product classification, Japanese electrical safety requirements may apply.
Important parameters can include:
For example, a charger designed for:
may have different technical characteristics and compliance considerations.
For battery charger manufacturers, PSE should therefore be evaluated together with the battery and charging application rather than considered only as a label requirement.
For AC/DC power supply manufacturers, Japanese compliance can influence the design of the entire power conversion system.
Important areas may include:
The power supply must provide appropriate isolation between hazardous mains voltage and the low-voltage DC output where required.
The PCB and internal construction need to provide appropriate distances between conductive parts.
For isolated AC/DC products, transformer construction and insulation systems are particularly important.
Components connected directly to the AC input, such as fuses, capacitors, rectifiers, switches, and other protection components, need to meet the applicable requirements.
The product should operate safely within its specified operating conditions without excessive temperature rise.
Safety evaluation may also consider abnormal operating conditions and protection against foreseeable faults.
The enclosure should provide appropriate protection against accidental contact with hazardous electrical parts.
The exact process depends on the product category, but manufacturers can generally approach PSE compliance through several major steps.
First, determine whether the product is covered by the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act.
This is the foundation of the entire process.
Incorrect classification can lead to unnecessary testing or, more seriously, insufficient compliance.
If the product is regulated, determine whether it falls under:
This determines whether the product requires the Diamond PSE mark or Circle PSE mark and affects the conformity assessment process.
The product design and components should be evaluated against the applicable Japanese technical requirements.
This may involve reviewing:
Testing should be performed according to the applicable requirements.
Depending on the product category, testing may involve internal evaluation, testing by qualified organizations, or conformity assessment by a registered body.
The manufacturer or responsible party should maintain appropriate technical documentation.
Depending on the product, documentation can include:
After the required compliance procedures have been completed, the appropriate PSE marking can be applied according to the applicable rules.
The mark should not be treated as a generic marketing logo.
Its use is connected to the specific regulatory requirements of the product.
PSE marking requirements depend on the applicable product category.
In general, the marking system can provide information that helps identify:
The exact marking requirements should always be confirmed against the applicable Japanese rules for the specific product.
This is particularly important for products with limited label space, because changing the label after mass production can increase both cost and lead time.
One of the most important practical points about PSE compliance is that Japan's regulatory framework places responsibilities on the party that manufactures or imports regulated electrical appliances and materials.
For overseas manufacturers, this means that communication with the Japanese importer is extremely important.
Before production begins, the manufacturer and importer should clarify:
A professional power supply manufacturer should be able to provide technical information and support the customer's compliance process.
However, the manufacturer should not automatically assume that it alone carries every legal responsibility in Japan.
No.
CE and PSE are separate regulatory systems.
A product may be compliant with European requirements but still require additional evaluation for Japan.
This is an important issue for manufacturers selling the same power adapter globally.
For example, a manufacturer may have a universal AC/DC adapter designed for:
The electrical design may be similar, but the regulatory and labeling requirements can differ by market.
Therefore, global product development should consider compliance requirements early.
Our related guide explains European CE compliance in more detail: What Is CE Certification?
Similarly, UL certification does not automatically replace PSE compliance.
UL is primarily associated with product safety evaluation under UL standards, particularly for North American markets, although UL certifications are also widely recognized internationally.
PSE is Japan's own regulatory framework.
A power adapter may therefore have:
and still need to address Japanese PSE requirements when entering the Japanese market.
This is why exporters should create a market-specific compliance strategy instead of assuming one certification covers every destination.
CB certification can be particularly useful for international electrical product manufacturers because the CB Scheme provides a framework for mutual recognition of test results among participating certification bodies.
However, PSE remains a Japanese regulatory requirement.
A manufacturer may use existing safety test information as supporting technical documentation where appropriate, but the exact Japanese requirements must still be checked.
For companies developing global power supplies, maintaining a well-organized technical file can make this process significantly easier.
Custom power adapters can create additional compliance considerations.
A customer may request a customized:
Even if the base model has previously passed testing, significant changes may affect the compliance evaluation.
This is why custom projects should begin with a clear technical specification.
A typical custom power adapter project may include:
For OEM customers, compliance should be integrated into the product development process rather than added at the end.
Product labeling is another important part of market compliance.
Depending on the product, labels may need to contain specific information such as:
The exact requirements depend on the applicable product category.
For power adapters, electrical ratings normally include information such as:
Input: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
Output: 24V DC, 5A
Power: 120W
However, the actual Japanese labeling requirements should be verified for the specific product before mass production.
A common misconception is that PSE applicability is determined simply by wattage.
In reality, product classification depends on more than output power.
Two power supplies with different output ratings may require different compliance considerations depending on their construction and regulatory classification.
For example:
should not be assumed to have identical PSE requirements simply because they are all AC/DC power supplies.
Input configuration, product type, intended use, and applicable Japanese categories are all important.
PSE considerations can also appear across many different applications.
Examples include:
Industrial equipment often relies on reliable power conversion for control systems, sensors, automation components, and other electronic loads. Depending on the equipment design, an industrial power adapter may be used as an external AC/DC power source, while some systems use an internal power conversion system.
LED lighting systems commonly use AC/DC power supplies or LED drivers to convert and regulate electrical power. For Japanese-market applications, an LED power supply should be evaluated according to its electrical specifications, construction, and applicable compliance requirements.
Security cameras, surveillance equipment, and related systems often require reliable external power sources. An CCTV power adapter can provide the required DC power for these applications and should be evaluated according to the applicable Japanese electrical safety requirements.
Point-of-sale equipment can use external desktop adapters or internal power supplies to provide stable power to terminals, displays, printers, and other electronic components. A suitable POS power adapter should meet the electrical and safety requirements applicable to the target market.
Battery-powered equipment may use dedicated chargers designed for specific battery chemistries, including lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries. A battery charger for lithium batteries should be evaluated according to its input configuration, charging characteristics, rated output, and applicable Japanese requirements.
The compliance requirements should always be evaluated based on the actual electrical product being placed on the Japanese market.
There is no single fixed price for PSE compliance.
The cost depends on factors such as:
For a standard AC/DC adapter, the cost structure may be very different from a complex electrical appliance.
Therefore, it is better to determine the product classification first and then evaluate the compliance cost.
Manufacturers should also consider engineering modification costs, not just laboratory testing fees.
If a product fails testing because of insulation, temperature, component selection, or construction, redesign and retesting can significantly increase the total project cost.
The timeline depends heavily on the product category and testing requirements.
A simple product based on an existing compliant design may be easier to evaluate than a completely new product.
Potential timeline factors include:
For this reason, companies planning to enter Japan should start compliance planning before mass production.
For power supply and battery charger manufacturers, several practical steps can make the process more efficient.
Do not wait until the customer places a purchase order.
Tell the manufacturer from the beginning that Japan is the destination market.
Important information includes:
Determine whether the product falls within the scope of Japan's Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act.
Existing CE, CB, UL, FCC, or other test reports may provide useful technical information.
However, they should not be assumed to replace PSE compliance.
Do not wait until the products are manufactured to determine the label requirements.
Changes to:
may affect the compliance evaluation.
A controlled engineering change process is therefore important.
If you are sourcing a power adapter for Japan, consider asking your supplier:
These questions can help buyers identify compliance problems before placing a large order.
For international customers sourcing AC/DC power adapters and battery chargers, Guangdong QINX focuses on providing practical support from product specification through production.
Guangdong QINX Technology Co.,LTD. manufactures AC/DC power adapters, battery chargers, and related power solutions for international customers.
Our product range includes:
For customers targeting Japan, the project can be evaluated according to the intended application, electrical specifications, product construction, and applicable market requirements.
Guangdong QINX can also support OEM and customized power projects where customers require specific:
Output voltage
Output current
Power rating
DC connector
Cable length
Enclosure
AC plug
Charging characteristics
Labeling requirements
For battery-powered applications, a custom battery charger can be developed according to the customer's battery chemistry, charging requirements, output specifications, connector, and other technical needs.
For projects requiring multiple international certifications, it is also useful to define the target markets at the beginning of the development process. This allows the engineering and compliance requirements to be considered together rather than treating certification as a final-stage activity.
CE compliance does not automatically mean PSE compliance.
Different product categories can have different requirements.
The PSE mark is connected to regulatory compliance and should not be used simply as a marketing symbol.
A product may have completed technical evaluation but still require appropriate product marking.
Changes to safety-critical components can potentially affect compliance.
Compliance should be confirmed before production and shipment.
| Certification | Region | Primary Focus | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSE | Japan | Electrical safety | For covered products |
| CE | EU/EEA | Product regulatory compliance | For covered products |
| UL | Mainly North America | Safety certification | Depends on market/product |
| CB | International | Electrical safety testing/certification | Usually not itself a market law |
The key point is that certification requirements are market-specific.
An international manufacturer should determine the compliance requirements for each destination rather than relying on a single global certification.
For electrical appliances and materials covered by Japan's Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, applicable PSE requirements must be fulfilled before the products are legally sold in Japan.
The exact obligations depend on the product classification.
The PSE mark is the Japanese electrical safety compliance mark used for products subject to the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act.
There are two major types: Diamond PSE and Circle PSE.
Diamond PSE is associated with Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials, which are subject to stricter conformity assessment requirements.
Circle PSE applies to Non-Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials.
Some AC adapters and power supplies can be subject to PSE requirements. The exact applicability depends on their regulatory classification and construction.
Some battery chargers can fall under Japan's electrical safety requirements. The specific classification should be evaluated based on the charger design and intended use.
No. CE and PSE are separate regulatory systems.
Not automatically. CB documentation may be useful in the technical evaluation process, but Japanese PSE requirements must still be addressed where applicable.
Yes. Overseas manufacturers can design and manufacture products intended to comply with Japanese requirements.
However, the responsibilities of the Japanese importer and other parties involved in placing the product on the Japanese market should also be clearly understood.
PSE certification is an important part of electrical product compliance in Japan.
For manufacturers and exporters, the most important thing to understand is that PSE is not simply another international certification logo. It is part of Japan's legal electrical safety framework, and the applicable requirements depend on the product category.
For power adapters and battery chargers, businesses should pay particular attention to:
If you are developing or sourcing an AC/DC power adapter for Japan, it is best to evaluate PSE requirements before finalizing the design and production plan.
For international OEM customers, Guangdong QINX Technology Co.,LTD. can support AC/DC power adapter and battery charger projects based on customer specifications and target-market requirements.
Whether you need a standard power adapter, battery charger, or a customized power solution, early compliance planning can help reduce redesign, testing, and shipment risks.
