When choosing electrical products, one thing you should pay particular attention to is the presence of the PSE mark.
This mark indicates that a product meets the safety standards established by Japanese law and serves as an essential indicator for choosing safe products.
We will explain, step-by-step, why safety marks are necessary for electrical products, what “conformity” as indicated by the PSE mark specifically means, the benefits for consumers in checking for this mark, its relationship with the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act, and the potential risks associated with products that lack this mark.
Why electrical products need a safety mark
While electrical products enrich our lives and make them more convenient, depending on their structure or how they are used, they can potentially cause serious accidents such as fires or electric shocks.
In particular, daily household appliances and electrical devices used for long periods often harbor invisible risks.
To prevent such accidents and ensure that consumers can use products safely, a “safety mark” indicating that the product meets safety standards set by the government is essential.
The PSE mark serves as a vital indicator for this purpose.
The meaning of the PSE mark
It is important to note that this mark is not a government “certification” based on individual inspection of products; rather, it is a “conformity mark” displayed under the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer, who has carried out the procedures required by law (notification of business, confirmation of conformity to technical standards, inspections, etc.).
In other words, it is proof that the business operator has declared, “This product meets Japan’s safety standards.”
Ms.GadgetsDoes the presence of a PSE mark mean that accidents will absolutely never happen?
Mr.GadgetsThe PSE mark is proof that the product meets the minimum safety standards set by the government, indicating that safety is ensured when used correctly.
The PSE mark is a reliable guideline for choosing safe products.
Benefits for consumers in checking for the PSE mark
Especially nowadays, with a wide variety of products sold online, by making a habit of checking for the PSE mark in addition to price and design, you can avoid substandard or dangerous products.
Even in the unlikely event that an accident occurs due to a product, if it is a product with a PSE mark, it is more likely that procedures such as those based on the Product Liability (PL) Act will proceed smoothly.
Relationship with the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act
The PSE mark is operated based on the “Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.”
The primary purpose of this law is to prevent dangers and obstacles caused by electrical appliances.
The Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act regulates many electrical products sold within Japan (a total of 457 items as of 2023), mandating that manufacturers and importers conform to government-defined safety standards and display the PSE mark.
In other words, the PSE mark is a vital system for guaranteeing the safety of electrical products within the legal framework of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
Potential risks of products without the mark
Such products have an increased risk of causing serious accidents such as smoke, fire, or electric shock during use due to design defects or poor component quality.
Furthermore, since these are products for which the business operator has not fulfilled the obligations set by law, you may not be able to receive appropriate compensation in the event of an accident.
Ms.GadgetsFor safety, you should avoid purchasing or using products subject to the law that do not have a PSE mark.
The basics of the PSE mark: The difference between “diamond” and “circle” shapes
Did you know that there are actually two types of PSE marks you see when choosing electrical products?
The meaning differs depending on the shape of the mark, and understanding that difference is extremely important for choosing safe products.
Here, we will explain in detail the diamond PSE mark indicating Specified Electrical Appliances and the circular PSE mark indicating electrical appliances other than Specified Electrical Appliances.
Furthermore, we will delve into the differences in safety assurance levels, differences in business operator obligations, and differences in displayed information based on the marks.
Please also refer to the comparison table below to see which mark is attached to which type of product.
| Item | Diamond PSE Mark | Circular PSE Mark |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Specified Electrical Appliances | Other Electrical Appliances |
| Number of Items | 116 items | 341 items |
| Key Features | Products requiring particularly high safety | Wide range of other electrical appliances |
| Inspection Requirements | Conformity inspection by a third-party organization is mandatory | Self-inspection by the business operator |
| Displayed Content | Mark + Business Name + Inspection Organization Name | Mark + Business Name |
| Main Examples | AC adapters, electric water heaters, electric toys | Mobile batteries, LED bulbs, humidifiers |
The shape of the mark indicates the level of safety required for that product and the difference in the obligations that the business operator must fulfill.
The diamond PSE mark for “Specified Electrical Appliances”
There are 116 items subject to this, for example, electric water heaters that may potentially be used without supervision for long periods, electric toys that infants might come into contact with, and the AC adapters for smartphones that we use daily.
Because these are considered to have relatively high risks of electric shock or fire, stricter safety standards are imposed.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Products | Specified Electrical Appliances (116 items) |
| Features | Products considered to have particularly high risk |
| Main Examples | AC adapters, power cords, electric water heaters, electric massagers, electric toys |
| Inspection Obligation | Conformity inspection by a government-registered inspection organization is mandatory |
| Display Obligation | Diamond PSE mark, notifying business name, registered inspection organization name |
Ms.GadgetsSo the AC adapter is diamond-shaped because it requires that much extra caution?
Mr.GadgetsYes, because it is a component that plugs directly into an outlet and may be constantly connected to electricity, more stringent standards are applied.
The diamond PSE mark indicates that the product is one where safety is particularly prioritized, having gone through the rigorous process of conformity inspection by a third-party organization.
The circular PSE mark for electrical appliances other than “Specified Electrical Appliances”
The items subject to this cover a wide range of 341 items, including many electrical products around us.
For example, this includes humidifiers, electric kettles, electric fans, LED bulbs, and mobile batteries (lithium-ion rechargeable batteries) that have become widespread in recent years, which you might be considering purchasing.
Although not to the same extent as Specified Electrical Appliances, these are electrical products that still need to meet safety standards.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Products | Other Electrical Appliances (341 items) |
| Features | Wide range of electrical products not classified as Specified Electrical Appliances |
| Main Examples | Mobile batteries, LED bulbs/LED lighting fixtures, humidifiers, electric kettles, electric fans, electric blankets |
| Inspection Obligation | Confirmation of conformity to technical standards and self-inspection by the business operator (third-party inspection is not mandatory) |
| Display Obligation | Circular PSE mark, notifying business name |
Ms.GadgetsSo the circular mark on my humidifier was correct then?
Mr.GadgetsThat’s right. Most humidifiers are subject to this circular PSE mark, indicating that they meet the safety standards set by the government.
The circular PSE mark indicates that although not classified as a Specified Electrical Appliance, it is a product for which the business operator has independently confirmed safety based on the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
The difference in safety assurance levels by mark
The difference between the diamond and circular PSE marks reflects the difference in the strictness of procedures required by law to ensure safety.
While both marks indicate that the standards of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act are met, the confirmation process differs.
The biggest difference is that for the diamond mark (Specified Electrical Appliances), in addition to self-inspection, the business operator is required to undergo a “conformity inspection” by a third-party inspection organization registered by the government, and the issuance and storage of that certificate are mandatory.
On the other hand, for the circular mark (Other Electrical Appliances), such third-party inspection is not mandatory, and the business operator is expected to confirm that they comply with the government’s technical standards themselves and conduct self-inspections.
| Mark Type | Main Requirements for Safety Assurance Level |
|---|---|
| Diamond PSE | Compliance with government technical standards + Conformity inspection by a third-party inspection organization is mandatory |
| Circular PSE | Compliance with government technical standards + Self-inspection by the business operator (third-party inspection is optional) |
Because of this difference, it can be said that products displaying the diamond PSE mark have reached the market after undergoing more objective and stringent checks.
Ms.GadgetsIt feels more reassuring when there is more information displayed, right?
Mr.GadgetsYes, because for products with the diamond mark, you can even tell which inspection organization confirmed the safety, which means they have high traceability.
Checking the information near the PSE mark can provide clues about which category the product falls into and through what process its safety was confirmed.
Common products and how to check for the PSE mark
Key points of this section!
- PSE mark on AC adapters and chargers
- Mandatory PSE mark for mobile batteries
- General household appliances like humidifiers and electric kettles
- LED lighting fixtures and the PSE mark
- Examples of electrical products not subject to the PSE mark
- Where to check for the display on the product itself or packaging
- Points to note when purchasing online
- Penalties for violating display obligations
Let’s look at the relationship between the electrical products around us and the PSE mark, citing specific product examples.
It is important to develop the habit of checking whether the PSE mark, which protects our safety, is displayed even on products we use casually every day.
Here, we will explain the handling of the PSE mark for charging-related devices such as AC adapters and mobile batteries, as well as household appliances such as humidifiers and LED lighting.
Furthermore, we will touch upon how to check the packaging, points to note for online shopping, and the penalties in the unlikely event of a violation of display obligations.
PSE mark on AC adapters and chargers
AC adapters and chargers, which are essential for charging smartphones and laptops, are in many cases classified as “Specified Electrical Appliances.”
These products play an important role in converting electricity from household outlets into the voltage and current suitable for the device, and particularly high safety is required, considering the risks of heat generation and short circuits during that process.
| Mark Type | Category | Obligation | Display Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diamond PSE | Specified Electrical Appliances | Conformity inspection by a third-party organization | Diamond mark, business name, inspection organization name |
Ms.GadgetsSo the mark on the AC adapter is a diamond!
Mr.GadgetsYes, in many cases, it is a “Specified Electrical Appliance” whose safety is strictly checked, so the display of the diamond PSE mark and the name of the inspection organization is mandatory.
When choosing a product, check that these three items—the diamond mark, the notifying business name, and the name of the registered inspection organization that performed the conformity inspection—are clearly displayed on the product’s rating plate or similar location.
Mandatory PSE mark for mobile batteries
Mobile batteries, which are convenient for charging smartphones, became subject to regulation under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act on February 1, 2019, following reports of fire accidents involving internal lithium-ion batteries both in Japan and overseas, and the display of the PSE mark became mandatory.
These are classified as “electrical appliances other than Specified Electrical Appliances” and are subject to the circular PSE mark.
| Mark Type | Category | Obligation | Display Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circular PSE | Other Electrical Appliances | Confirmation of conformity to technical standards and self-inspection by the business operator | Circular mark, business name |
Ms.GadgetsThere is no mark on a mobile battery I bought previously…?
Mr.GadgetsProducts distributed before February 1, 2019, did not have a display obligation. However, for safety, when purchasing now, be sure to choose one with a circular PSE mark.
For mobile batteries manufactured or imported after the regulation enforcement date, the display of the circular PSE mark and the notifying business name is essential.
Please be sure to check when purchasing.
General household appliances like humidifiers and electric kettles
Many general household appliances, such as humidifiers that are useful in dry seasons, electric kettles for boiling water, and electric fans, are also subject to regulation under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
Most of these are classified as “electrical appliances other than Specified Electrical Appliances” and require the display of the circular PSE mark.
| Mark Type | Category | Obligation | Display Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circular PSE | Other Electrical Appliances | Confirmation of conformity to technical standards and self-inspection by the business operator | Circular mark, business name |
Ms.GadgetsI am looking for a humidifier; is it safe if it has a circular mark?
Mr.GadgetsYes, the circular PSE mark is proof that it meets the safety standards set by the government. Choose a product that displays the mark and the business name.
When purchasing these home appliances, checking whether the circular PSE mark and the notifying business name are displayed on the product itself or on the packaging is the first step in choosing a safe product.
LED lighting fixtures and the PSE mark
Many energy-saving, long-life LED lighting fixtures are also subject to the circular PSE mark as “electrical appliances other than Specified Electrical Appliances.”
This applies to products such as bulb-type LED lamps and LED desk lamps of the type that connect to an outlet used commonly at home.
However, some linear LED lamps that require installation work by an electrical contractor may be exempt.
| Mark Type | Category | Target Examples | Non-Target Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circular PSE | Other Electrical Appliances | LED bulbs, LED stands with outlets | Some linear LED lamps requiring installation work |
Ms.GadgetsSo it doesn’t mean everything that is an LED has a mark?
Mr.GadgetsThat’s right. In particular, some commercial products that require specialized installation work may be exempt. Check the specifications before purchasing.
We recommend checking that the circular PSE mark and business name are displayed when choosing LED bulbs or lighting fixtures for use at home.
Examples of electrical products not subject to the PSE mark
The Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act covers a variety of electrical products, but not all electrical products are subject to regulation.
For example, PC main units, monitors, remote controls (battery-powered) that are accessories to televisions, and some small electronic devices that draw power from USB ports (those meeting specific conditions such as extremely low rated voltage or simple structure) are considered exempt from the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
| Examples of Exempt Products | Reason/Notes |
|---|---|
| PC main units, monitors | May be subject to other standards or laws (e.g., VCCI, Radio Law) |
| TV remote controls | Usually battery-operated and not directly connected to AC power |
| Some USB-powered devices | If the rated voltage or structure does not correspond to the standards set by the Act |
| Devices not using an AC adapter | E.g., battery-only toys (though some electric toys are subject) |
Ms.GadgetsAre all things that run on USB exempt?
Mr.GadgetsNo. Even with a USB connection, if, for example, an AC adapter for charging is included, that AC adapter is subject to the diamond PSE mark. Also, mobile batteries themselves are subject to the circular PSE mark, even if they charge via USB.
Since the judgment of whether it is subject to the law or exempt depends on the product’s specifications, it is safest to check the manufacturer’s product information or the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) website if you are unsure.
Where to check for the display on the product itself or packaging
The PSE mark and the notifying business name are important clues for us consumers to check the safety of products.
These displays can usually be checked on a sticker called a rating plate attached to the back or side of the product, or by an engraving on the main unit.
They may also be displayed on the packaging (box) that contained the product.
Ms.GadgetsIt’s hard to find the mark on small products…
Mr.GadgetsThat’s true. Especially for small products like AC adapters, the display can be small. Be sure to check it thoroughly when purchasing or before using it so as not to miss it.
If you cannot find the PSE mark or the business name, we recommend refraining from use, as the safety of that product cannot be confirmed, or inquiring with the retailer or manufacturer before purchasing.
Points to note when purchasing online
| Check Point | Notes |
|---|---|
| Description/Images | Presence of PSE mark (diamond/circle) and notifying business name in text or images |
| Price | Consider that products extremely cheap compared to market prices may not meet safety standards or could be imitations |
| Sales Operator Info | Check if the sales operator is reliable, with clear contact information and location |
| Unknown points | Inquire with the seller about the presence or details of the PSE mark before proceeding with the purchase |
Ms.GadgetsI’m anxious about whether the display is really there when it’s online…
Mr.GadgetsCases have been reported where there is a description but the delivered product does not have the display. After the product arrives, be sure to check the actual item, and if there is no display or it is unclear, contact the store immediately.
Referring to reviews or choosing products from manufacturers that have authorized distributors in Japan can also lead to choosing safe products.
Penalties for violating display obligations
To ensure the safety of electrical products, the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act mandates that business operators display the PSE mark on subject products, and strict penalties are established for violations.
If Specified Electrical Appliances or other electrical appliances are manufactured, imported, or sold in Japan without displaying the PSE mark, in addition to being subject to sales suspension orders or product recall orders from the government, the violating business operator may be subject to imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 1 million yen, or both (in the case of a corporation, a fine of up to 100 million yen).
| Violation | Penalties/Measures |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing/Importing/Selling subject products without PSE mark | Sales suspension order, product recall order, imprisonment (up to 1 year), fine (individual: up to 1 million yen, corporation: up to 100 million yen) |
Ms.GadgetsThere are such heavy penalties!
Mr.GadgetsYes, that is how important ensuring the safety of electrical products is considered. These penalty provisions are intended to encourage business operators to comply with the law and to exclude dangerous products from the market.
Us consumers checking for the PSE mark also leads to choosing reliable business operators that comply with the law and provide products with safety in mind.
PSE mark-related precautions
Relationship with overseas safety certification marks
When looking at electrical products, you may see various marks other than the PSE mark.
Particularly famous ones include the CE mark used in Europe and the UL mark, which is an American safety standard.
These indicate that the product meets safety standards in their respective countries or regions.
However, what requires caution is that even if these overseas safety certification marks are attached, it does not necessarily mean that they meet the standards of Japan’s Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act.
To sell electrical products subject to the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act within Japan, it is legally mandated to undergo procedures based on Japanese law and to display the PSE mark.
| Mark Type | Main Region/Country | Basis Law/Standard | Effect in Japan |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSE Mark | Japan | Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act | Mandatory for domestic sale of subject products |
| CE Mark | EU member states, etc. | EU Directives | Cannot be sold in Japan with this alone (PSE mark separately required) |
| UL Mark | United States | UL Standard (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) | Cannot be sold in Japan with this alone (PSE mark separately required) |
Ms.GadgetsIt’s safe if it has a famous overseas mark, right?
Mr.GadgetsUnfortunately, you must have the PSE mark in Japan.
Therefore, when purchasing imports from overseas, in particular, it is most important for choosing a safe product to always confirm whether the PSE mark is displayed, regardless of the presence of CE or UL marks.
How to deal with cases where the mark cannot be found
What should you do if the PSE mark cannot be found even though the product should be subject to the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act?
It makes you anxious whether it’s okay to use it as-is, right?
First, what we would like you to try is to check every corner of the product and packaging again.
The PSE mark might be displayed on the back or side of the product, the base of the power cord, the AC adapter unit, or in the instruction manual or outer box.
Displays can be small, especially on small products.
If you still cannot find the mark, it is unclear whether that product meets Japanese safety standards, and its safety is not guaranteed.
In such cases, we strongly recommend refraining from using it.
Ms.GadgetsIt is dangerous to easily use a product whose safety cannot be confirmed just because the price is low or you like the design.
Mr.GadgetsIf you are anxious or cannot get an appropriate response from the business operator, we recommend consulting the nearest consumer affairs center, the METI window, or the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (Consumer Hotline “188”).
Points for choosing electrical products with peace of mind
We have looked at various information regarding the PSE mark, and finally, we will summarize the specific points for choosing electrical products with peace of mind.
Since these are things we use in our daily lives, we want to pay particular attention to safety, right?
The most important thing is to check whether the PSE mark is displayed before purchasing.
In addition, it is also important to purchase from a reliable retailer.
Caution is required for products with extremely low prices or products of unknown origin.
If you use online shopping, it is also a good idea to check whether there is a description regarding the PSE mark in the product description and whether the sales source information is clear.
Mr.GadgetsBe careful with manufacturers you don’t know well just because they are written as “Reiwa Latest Edition”!
Ms.GadgetsYou can’t be at ease just because it’s ranked high on Amazon…
| Check Item | Verification Content |
|---|---|
| Presence of PSE Mark | Is the diamond or circular PSE mark displayed on the product or packaging? |
| Display of Notifying Business Name | Is the name of the business that manufactured or imported the product listed near the PSE mark? |
| (If diamond) Inspection Org Name | Is the name of the registered inspection organization listed near the diamond PSE mark? |
| Reliability of Seller | Are you purchasing from a reliable seller, whether it’s a physical store or an online shop? |
| Confirmation of Product Info | Especially for online shopping, check the product description for mentions of the PSE mark, specifications, reviews, etc. |
The PSE mark is an important indicator for choosing safe electrical products.
By correctly understanding the meaning of this mark and developing the habit of checking it at the time of purchase, you will reduce the risk of accidents caused by electrical products and protect the safety of yourself and your family.
Acquire the correct knowledge and choose products safely.
Thank you for reading until the end!
- Product prices, information, etc., are current as of the time of writing.
- Please note that this site cannot be held responsible even if this information is incorrect.
- Product and service names mentioned on this site are trademarks of their respective companies.
This article was originally written in Japanese and has been translated.
Comments