Recently, Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) revised 62 standards (J60335-2-XXX) in Appendix 12 of household appliance safety requirements. This revision primarily updates the publication year of the general standard JISC9335-1 to align with the J60335-2-XXX standards. For companies exporting electrical appliances to Japan, understanding and complying with these new standards is crucial to ensure products meet the latest safety requirements and gain smooth market access.

I. Overview of Revisions

Publication Year Update

The 62 revised J standards (J60335-2-XXX) now have a publication year of 2024. As this revision only involves updating the publication year without modifying technical content, no grace period applies. Enterprises must immediately adapt to the new standards to ensure product compliance.

Key Affected Areas

JISC9335-1 standards mainly cover the following areas:

• Safety of household and similar electrical appliances:Specifies safety requirements for household and similar electrical appliances with rated voltages not exceeding 250V for single-phase appliances and 480V for others.
• Abnormal operation:Introduces immunity testing for protective electronic circuits to ensure appliance safety under abnormal conditions.
• Clearance, creepage distances and solid insulation:Adds requirements for thin insulation sheets and regulations for high frequencies exceeding 30kHz.
• Heat resistance and flammability:Clarifies flammability testing methods for small materials.
• Software evaluation:Adds Appendix R concerning software evaluation to ensure electrical appliance software safety.

II. Application of Relevant Standards

The JSC9335-1 standard is typically used alongside other relevant standards (e.g., JSC9335-2-5). Clause numbering corresponds with JISC9335-1 and may replace, supplement or modify it. The JSC9335 series comprises approximately 100 parts, comprehensively covering household appliance safety requirements.

III. Impact on Exporting Enterprises

Compliance Requirements

Electrical appliance exporters to Japan must ensure products comply with the newly revised J60335-2-XXX series and JISC9335-1 standards. With no grace period, enterprises must implement these standards immediately to avoid product recalls or import bans due to non-compliance.

Testing and Certification

Enterprises must conduct necessary testing and certification to demonstrate product compliance with new standards. Particular attention should be paid to testing and evaluation requirements for high-frequency appliances, those with electronic circuit protection, and software-controlled devices.

Technical Documentation Updates

Companies must update technical documentation and compliance declarations to reflect adherence to the latest J60335-2-XXX series and JISC9335-1 standards. Ensure completeness and accuracy of technical files for regulatory inspections.

IV. Compliance Strategies and Recommendations

Advance Preparation

Although no grace period exists for implementing new standards, enterprises should prepare in advance by conducting product testing and certification early. Collaborate with testing and certification bodies to ensure timely compliance.

Continuous Monitoring

Enterprises should continuously monitor updates and revisions to Japans household appliance safety standards, promptly adjusting product designs and manufacturing processes to maintain compliance. Regular staff training ensures team understanding and implementation of latest standards and requirements.

Seeking Professional Support

For situations where standard updates and compliance requirements are relatively complex, enterprises can seek support from professional consulting agencies to obtain detailed guidance and advice on the implementation of new standards, ensuring that products comply with all relevant regulations.

Conclusion

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) recently revised the safety standards for household appliances, introducing new requirements for electrical appliance exporters to Japan. Enterprises must pay high attention to these new standards and immediately implement compliance measures to ensure products meet the latest safety requirements. In the context of increasingly fierce global market competition, compliance is not only a basic condition for market entry but also a crucial factor for enterprises to enhance brand credibility and competitiveness. For further questions or consultation, please contact a professional compliance service team.ZhongShen International TradeCommitted to providing clients with the most professional support to help them smoothly enter the Japanese market.