For Southeast Asian merchants looking to sell on Alibaba.com and reach Japanese buyers, understanding PSE (Product Safety Electrical) certification is the first critical step. Japan's Electrical Appliances and Material Safety Law (DENAN) mandates that all electrical products entering the Japanese market must bear the PSE mark - there are no exceptions for portable chargers or power banks.
The certification landscape changed significantly on December 25, 2025, when new regulations took effect requiring enhanced documentation and registration procedures. Importers must now complete GBiz-ID registration, submit METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) notification, and appoint a Japanese domestic representative before products can be legally sold [5].
PSE certification requires circuit diagrams, PCB design documentation, safety-critical component lists, and test prototypes. METI registration is a mandatory step that cannot be skipped. Without proper certification, products will be delisted from Amazon Japan and other marketplaces [6].
For lithium battery products specifically, additional requirements apply when energy density reaches or exceeds 400Wh/L - these require separate certification testing. The certification process typically takes 4-8 weeks and costs vary based on product complexity, but attempting to bypass certification carries severe risks including product seizure, marketplace bans, and legal liability for any safety incidents [5][6].
PSE Certification Requirements Comparison
| Requirement | Diamond PSE (◇) | Circle PSE (○) | Power Bank Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product Category | 116 high-risk specified products | 341 lower-risk non-specified products | Mandatory PSE required |
| Certification Type | Third-party testing mandatory | Self-declaration allowed | Third-party testing required |
| METI Registration | Required | Required | Required |
| Japanese Representative | Required | Required | Required |
| Record Retention | 3 years minimum | 3 years minimum | 3 years minimum |
| Typical Timeline | 6-8 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks |
| Cost Range | Higher (third-party fees) | Lower (self-declaration) | Higher (third-party fees) |

