2024Home appliancesExports to Japan as a whole showed a stable and positive trend. The export of household appliances has become increasingly diversified, covering not only traditional large appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, but also small appliances such as electric kettles, spitters and small ovens.

China Domestic Air Conditioning Cumulative January-February 2024Exports to Japan749,000 units, an increase of 11% year-on-year; washing machines exported to Japan amounted to 890,000 units, an increase of 9.1% year-on-year; rice cookers, electric ovens, blenders, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners and other small home appliances exported to Japan totaled 3,534,000 units, an increase of 10.5% year-on-year; refrigerators and freezers exported to Japan 767,000 units, an increase of 16.2% year-on-year.

The following is a specific introduction to the overall process of exporting Chinese household appliances to Japan and the related certification, packaging and labeling requirements:

I. Export Process

1. Market research and customer development

Gain in-depth understanding of the Japanese market's demand characteristics, consumption habits, market capacity, competition situation, etc. for home appliances, identify target customer groups, and develop Japanese customers through participating in international exhibitions, online platforms, business visits, etc.

2. ChooseExport agentor freight forwarder

Find a reputable and experienced export agency or freight forwarder, examine its qualifications, professional capabilities, service scope and customer reputation, and ensure that it is familiar with the Japanese market and relevant laws and regulations and policies and can provide one-stop service.

3. Signing of the contract

We have detailed discussions with Japanese customers on product specifications, quantity, price, delivery date, payment method, quality standards, after-sales service and other terms, and sign a formal export contract after reaching an agreement.

4. Production and stocking

Organize production according to the contract requirements to ensure that product quality meets Japanese standards and customer requirements. During the production process, attention should be paid to raw material procurement, production process control, quality inspection and other links to ensure product consistency and stability. After production is completed, the products should be packaged and labeled, and inventory management should be done well.

5. Apply for certification

According to Japan's certification requirements, select a suitable certification body to carry out relevant certification of the product, such as PSE certification, TELEC certification, etc.

6. Customs declaration and inspection

Prepare the documents required for customs declaration and inspection, including invoice, packing list, contract, certificate of origin, quality inspection certificate, etc., and declare to the customs and inspection and quarantine departments. The customs and inspection and quarantine departments will inspect the goods to ensure that the goods meet the export requirements.

7. Arrange transportation and insurance

According to the quantity, weight, volume, delivery time and other factors of the goods, choose the appropriate mode of transportation, such as sea transportation, air transportation, etc., and sign a transportation contract with the freight forwarder or shipping company. At the same time, purchase transportation insurance for the goods to reduce transportation risks.

8. Delivery and Settlement

After the goods arrive at the Japanese port, the freight forwarder or shipping company is responsible for delivering the goods to the Japanese customer. After the customer receives the goods and inspects them, they will settle the payment according to the payment method agreed in the contract. Export companies should track the receipt of payment in a timely manner to ensure the safety of funds.

II. Certification Standards

1. PSE certification

According to Japan's Electrical Appliance Safety Law, electrical products are divided into specific electrical appliances and non-specific electrical appliances, both of which must be affixed with the PSE certification mark before entering the market. Specific electrical appliances must be certified by a designated certification body and affixed with the PSE diamond mark, while non-specific electrical appliances must undergo self-testing and self-declaration and affix the PSE circular mark.

2. TELEC certification

Japan implements mandatory certification TELEC (MIC certification) for wireless communication equipment. This certification applies to home appliances with wireless communication modules (limited to 2.4GHz WIFI wireless access devices).

3. METI filing

After the product obtains PSE certification, it is also necessary to register with METI. Japanese buyers must register and declare to Japan METI within one month after purchasing the goods, and must mark the purchase name or ID on the product to facilitate supervision and management during future product sales.

4. Electromagnetic compatibility requirements

Where applicable, products within the scope of the PSE certified product catalogue must comply with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements and pass testing and certification.

III. Packaging labeling requirements

1. Basic information label

• The product name should be accurate and clear, using a common name or a name widely accepted by the market, and describing the product's main functions, features, specifications, ingredients, etc.;
• Each product should have a unique model or number; clearly marked with the name, address and contact information of the manufacturer and supplier;
• Clearly indicate the product’s country of origin, such as “made in China”.

2. Instructions for use and safety warning signs

• Write clear and concise instruction manuals in the local official language or a common international language. For products with complex operation, detailed step-by-step instructions should be provided, including installation, operation, maintenance and care.
• Identify potential safety risks of the product, such as dangerous voltage, hot surfaces, sharp edges, etc., and provide necessary safety protection measures based on the nature and risk level of the product.

3. Certification and compliance marks

• If the product has passed an internationally recognized quality certification, the corresponding certification mark should be correctly marked on the packaging;
• Indicate the international standards or importing country standards that the product complies with;
• For some products that are subject to special trade controls, such as those containing ingredients from endangered species or protected by intellectual property rights, corresponding compliance marks are required.

4. Packaging materials and environmental labels

• Indicate the type of packaging material, such as paper box, plastic, glass, etc. For some special packaging materials, such as biodegradable materials or recyclable materials, their characteristics should be clearly marked;
• According to the environmental protection requirements of the importing country, mark the corresponding environmental protection logo.

5. Wood packaging labeling

If the packaging is made of wood and contains solid wood parts, the IPPC mark is generally required.