Since 25 December 2025, foreign businesses selling regulated products (PSE/PSC/gas/LPG categories) DIRECTLY to Japanese consumers — e.g. via online marketplaces — are explicitly covered by the four product-safety acts as 特定輸入事業者, and appoint and notify a domestic administrator (国内管理人) in Japan who bears safety-compliance responsibilities. Notification procedures run through METI's electronic systems (GBiz-ID).
What changed
- Foreign sellers are now squarely in scope. The 2024 amendment to the four product-safety acts (consumer products, electrical appliances, gas, LPG) took effect on 25 December 2025 and explicitly covers foreign businesses that sell regulated products directly to Japanese consumers — the 特定輸入事業者 (specified importer) concept.
- The domestic administrator (国内管理人). Such sellers appoint and notify a Japan-resident administrator who carries safety-compliance responsibilities on the ground — recalls, accident reporting, records.
- Marketplaces are watching. Major platforms increasingly require proof of compliance for PSE/PSC listings shipped from abroad.
- Children's products. The same amendment expands PSC coverage of child products.
What to do
- Determine whether your direct-to-consumer sales include regulated (PSE/PSC) products
- Appoint a qualified 国内管理人 (domestic administrator) and file the notification
- Keep the administrator informed for recalls / accident reporting duties
Sources
METI — 海外事業者が製品安全4法の規制対象となりました · JETRO business news on the amendment
Need a domestic administrator or an import partner? This is exactly the gap a Japan-side logistics partner fills. Talk to us or read the IOR guide.