Mandatory PSE certification for lithium batteries in Japan: From April 2026, lithium-ion batteries must bear the circular PSE mark. Exporters to Japan should take note

 Mandatory PSE certification for lithium batteries in Japan: From April 2026, lithium-ion batteries must bear the circular PSE mark. Exporters to Japan should take note

On April 1, 2026, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan officially included certain lithium-ion batteries in the list of "Specified Electrical Products" under the Electrical Appliance Safety Law, explicitly requiring these batteries to obtain the round PSE certification. Previously, some lithium batteries had been subject to lenient management and did not require mandatory PSE certification; however, as of April 1, this loophole has been closed.

Meanwhile, the technical standards for PSE round certification are also facing an upgrade - switching from the old version J60950-1 to the new version J62368-1 (2023), with a transition deadline of April 30, 2026. There are only a little over two weeks left from now. If your product is still using the old standard, it must be updated by the end of the month, otherwise it will not be able to pass the Japanese customs or e-commerce platform audits.

This article outlines the background, scope of application, testing requirements, considerations for standard upgrades, and key timelines of this mandatory standardization, to assist enterprises exporting to Japan in preparing for compliance.

1. Which lithium batteries are included in the mandatory PSE certification?

According to the official notice issued by METI in March 2026, the lithium-ion batteries newly added as "specific electrical products" include:

· Rechargeable lithium batteries used in portable electronic devices (such as mobile phones, tablets, cameras, power banks, Bluetooth headphones, electronic cigarettes, etc.)

· Lithium battery packs for power tools, vacuum cleaners, drones, and electric toys

· Lithium batteries used in light vehicles such as electric wheelchairs and electric bicycles (excluding large traction batteries for automobiles)

It should be noted that cylindrical cells (such as 18650, 21700) sold as standalone products (not embedded in complete machines) also need to comply with the PSE circular certification requirements. This is different from Amazon's ban on standalone cylindrical batteries on its US site, as Japan requires compliance for market access.

Scope of exemption: disposable lithium batteries (non-rechargeable), large-scale power batteries for automobiles (subject to separate safety standards), and large-scale energy storage systems for industrial use (subject to evaluation under other regulations).

II. Testing standards and requirements for circular PSE certification

The circular PSE certification is primarily based on the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) for electrical appliances. For lithium-ion batteries, the core standards are as follows:

· JIS C 8712 (Safety Requirements for Portable Sealed Secondary Lithium Battery Packs)

· JIS C 8714 (Performance Testing of Lithium-Ion Battery Packs for Portable Electronic Devices)

From April 30, 2026, all circular PSE certifications must comply with the J62368-1 (2023) standard, replacing the old J60950-1 standard.

Main test items:

· Overcharge protection

· Short circuit protection

· Thermal abuse (high-temperature storage)

· Mechanical tests such as squeezing, dropping, and vibration

· Label and instruction requirements

Cost and duration:

The cost of the circular PSE test is approximately 3,000-6,000 yuan, with a testing period of 2-3 weeks

If the product has already undergone IEC 62133 or UL 1642 testing, some tests can be mutually recognized, resulting in reduced costs

Certificate validity: The circular PSE certificate is usually valid for 1-3 years and requires regular updates.

III. Standard Upgrade: Only Two Weeks Left in the Transition Period for J62368-1 (2023)

In the past, the safety standards for many electronic products, including battery-powered devices, were based on J60950-1 (corresponding to IEC 60950-1). This standard has been gradually replaced by J62368-1 (corresponding to IEC 62368-1). According to Japan's METI regulations, all PSE certifications (including round and diamond shapes) must adopt the new standard, and old J60950-1 certificates will no longer be accepted from April 30, 2026.

This means:

If your PSE round certificate is still based on J60950-1, you must apply for a standard upgrade test to the certification body before April 30, 2026, and obtain a new certificate in the J62368-1 (2023) version.

If you are a new applicant for certification, please proceed with testing directly according to the J62368-1 (2023) standard.

Key points of upgrade testing:

· Newly added energy source classification requirements (with more detailed assessments of power and voltage)

· Safety requirements for battery charging circuits

· Additional testing on internal wiring and insulation

Cost and duration: Upgrading testing is usually cheaper than obtaining a brand new certification, costing approximately 2000-4000 yuan and taking 7-10 working days. Considering the deadline at the end of the month, it is recommended to contact the laboratory immediately to arrange it.

IV. How to complete PSE circular certification and METI filing?

Step 1: Confirm whether the product requires PSE round certification

Based on the latest METI catalog. If in doubt, consult a professional organization.

Step 2: Choose a laboratory recognized by METI in Japan

The laboratory must possess ISO 17025 accreditation, and its test results must be recognized by authorized institutions in Japan. It is recommended to choose an institution with experience in PSE certification.

Step 3: Submit samples and provide technical documents

· Sample quantity: 3-5 batteries or battery packs

· Technical documents: cell specification, circuit diagram, BOM, product label, instruction manual

Step 4: Obtain the PSE circular test report

After passing the test, the laboratory will issue a report in Japanese or English.

Step 5: Complete METI filing

The PSE test report is just the first step. Before a product enters the Japanese market, it is also necessary for the Japanese importer to submit it to METI for record-keeping and obtain an acceptance notice. If you do not have a physical presence in Japan, you will need to entrust a Japanese Authorized Representative (AR) to handle the process.

Step 6: Mark the PSE circular logo on the product

The logo must be clearly visible and accompanied by the information of the Japanese importer.

V. Common Misconceptions and Risk Warnings

Misconception 1: Thinking that PSE certification for lithium batteries only applies to the battery cells

In fact, battery packs (such as portable power banks and electric tool battery packs) also require certification. Using certified batteries in the entire machine can simplify some tests, but it cannot be completely exempted.

Misunderstanding 2: Confusion over the deadline of the standard upgrade transition period

Many people mistakenly believe that "April 30, 2026" is still far away, but in reality, it's just over two weeks away. If the renewal is not completed on time, the old certificate will become invalid, and the product will not be able to clear customs.

Misconception 3: Confusing PSE circles with diamonds

Lithium-ion batteries currently fall within the circular PSE scope, but it is not ruled out that some high-capacity or high-energy density batteries may be classified as diamond-shaped in the future (subject to factory inspection). It is recommended to pay attention to subsequent announcements from METI.

Risk warning:

Since 2026, Japanese customs has intensified its spot checks on lithium battery products, and goods without PSE markings or outdated standards may be detained.

Amazon Japan has started requiring sellers to upload PSE certificates and METI filing numbers. Failure to do so will result in the removal of the listing.

VI. My suggestions

Suggestion 1: Immediately confirm the version of your existing certificate. If you already have a PSE round certificate, check whether it is based on J60950-1. If it is, contact the laboratory immediately to arrange for a standard upgrade test, and strive to complete it before April 30th.

Suggestion 2: For new certification applications, directly adopt J62368-1 (2023). Do not submit for testing according to the old version to avoid subsequent repeated upgrades.

Suggestion 3: Attention should also be paid to battery pack products. Even if the cells have an IEC 62133 report, the PSE test for the battery pack still needs to be conducted and cannot be skipped.

Suggestion 4: Conduct METI filing and PSE testing simultaneously. Find a Japanese authorized representative in advance to avoid any delay in shipment due to filing after the testing is completed.