Once the MIC certificate has been issued, there are several important considerations, namely the validity period and labeling requirements for Japan type approval. We previously discussed the validity period. This time, we will discuss the importance of labeling for the distribution and marketing of a product.
Label requirements for Japan type approval serve as proof that the device has successfully passed the certification process. In this case, the criteria are set by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). This authority regulates all requirements for obtaining certification.
It’s not just a matter of compliance; label requirements for Japan type approval also signal to consumers that your product is trustworthy. This is because your product’s legality and safety of use are guaranteed.
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The Difference Between Product Categories and Labeling Requirements
Before understanding the labeling requirements for Japan type approval, you need to understand that there are five applicable product categories. These categories are Specific Radio Equipment (SRE), Special Specific Radio Equipment (SSRE), Telecommunications Terminals, High Frequency Devices (HFD), and Ultra Low Power Devices (ELP).
- SRE: Device that intentionally emits radio frequencies (RF) for communication purposes.
- SSRE: Devices with lower power consumption than SREs are considered to have a lower risk of causing interference.
- Telecommunications terminal: A device that connects physically or wirelessly to a public telecommunications network.
- HFD: A device that emits high-frequency radio signals that can be used in various fields such as industry, medicine, and science
- ELP: Devices that emit radio frequency signals with power or field strength lower than the legally established field strength threshold.
These five classifications are divided into three different types of labeling requirements. The three types of labels are Giteki, HFD, and ELP labels. The classifications that fall under the Giteki label requirements are SRE, SSRE, and telecommunications terminals.
Label Requirements for Japan Type Approval
There are three label requirements for Japan type approval: Giteki, HFD, and ELP labels. Each label has specific requirements for its placement.
Labels must be placed in a large, easily visible area so that they are easily found by buyers. Placing labels in the user manual or as electronic labels is permitted if the device is too small to accommodate a physical label. However, the use of electronic labels requires special permission from the MIC.
There are no specific differences regarding placement for these three types of labels. However, differences are found in the components of each logo.
1. Giteki Label
The Giteki label is the labeling requirement for Specific Radio Equipment (SRE), Special Specific Radio Equipment (SSRE), and Telecommunication Terminals. This label consists of several components: the Giteki logo, the “R” or “T” symbol, the device type code, the year of certification, the certificate number, and the Certification Body (CB) ID number.
- Giteki Logo: Official logo from Giteki.
- “R” Symbol: Represents radio equipment. Applied to SRE and SSRE products.
- “T” Symbol: Applied to telecommunication terminals.
- Device Type Code: Consists of the first five letters for telecommunication terminal devices.
- Certification Year: Consists of the last two digits of the year of issuance. Located after the CB ID number for radio devices, or located after the device type for terminal devices.
- CB certificate number: Consists of four digits located after the year of certification issuance.
- CB ID number: Consists of three digits. Located at the beginning of radio devices, and located at the end of terminal devices.
The following is an example of the Giteki label requirements for Japan type approval:
2. HFD Label
The HFD label is a labeling requirement for devices that emit high-frequency radio signals for scientific, industrial, or medical use. The following is an example of the HFD label requirements for Japan type approval:
3. ELP Label
The ELP label is a labeling requirement for devices that emit RF signals that fall below the field strength threshold. The following is an example of the ELP label requirements for Japan type approval:
Label and Validity
The validity period of Japan type approval is indefinite. This means there is no expiration date for MIC certification as long as there are no modifications to the device’s RF features. However, if modifications are made, the device must be retested to ensure compliance with Japanese technical standards.
The absence of an expiration date for Japanese certification simplifies labeling. The label remains valid just like the certificate. As long as there are no changes, the label serves as proof of the device’s legality.
If a product is modified and recertified, the old product can no longer be used. The label on the product must also be replaced to match the new certificate number.
Issues with label requirements for Japan type approval will delay the import and distribution of your goods. To avoid this, you can contact Dimulti for consultation.
Our team, with over 17 years of experience, will help ensure the proper labeling of your devices. This way, your RF type approval process will proceed effectively and efficiently, all the way through to the product’s launch in Japan.
