Welcome to Japan! For those visiting Japan, here are some tips for bringing Wi-Fi and other wireless devices with you
This article was translated from Japanese to English using AI. Click here to view the original article (in Japanese).
I'm going to Japan next week! I'm going to take lots of pictures with this phone.
That's great! By the way, does this phone have a "Technical Conformity Mark"?
"Technical Conformity Mark"? What do you mean?
To all of you who are planning to visit Japan, whether for sightseeing or for work, I hope you will enjoy yourselves. By the way, there is something you should check before visiting Japan. That is the "Technical Conformity Mark. Have you ever seen this mark?
Hmmm, where have I seen it before? Why is it necessary to have this mark?
As it turns out, using a wireless device in Japan without the "Technical Conformity Mark" may be illegal. In this article, we will explain what the "Technical Conformity Mark" is.
"Technical Conformity Mark" is a safety mark for "wireless devices" in Japan.
In order to use a wireless device in Japan, it must have the "Technical Conformity Mark" attached. Of course, the same applies to foreign travelers.
So, what is a "wireless device"? Here are some typical examples.
- Smartphones
- Pocket Wi-Fi
- Wireless earphones
- Personal computers
- Drones
- transceivers
Hmmm, there are quite a few things I'm planning to bring. I can't seem to find any "technical mark" on my phone either.
I see many of the devices on the eligible list are familiar to us. Yes, it is relevant to everyone.
Why do we have these laws?
"Radio waves" are invisible, but they are a shared asset used by many people, so they cannot be used in an unregulated manner. This is not unique to Japan. I am sure that your countries have similar rules.
For example, in China, the SRRC (CCC certification) markis used, in Korea,the RRA (KC mark), in the US, the FCC/ISED (FCC certification mark), and in EU countries, the CE mark.
From left to right, Technical Conformity Mark, FCC Mark, CE Mark
総務省 電波利用ホームページ 海外から持ち込まれる携帯電話端末・BWA端末、Wi-Fi端末等の利用
https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/sys/others/inbound/
Related Links：
MIC The Radio Use Website｜Radio Monitoring｜FAQ on Technical Conformity Mark
There is also a system that allows the use of wireless devices without a technical conformity mark only when brought in during a visit to Japan.
Does this mean I have to travel without a smartphone?
Don't worry. There is a system that allows you to use wireless devices without a "Technical Conformity Mark" under certain conditions.
Even if the product is "not approved in Japan", it can be used"within 90 days from the date of entry into Japan" as long as it meets the conditions.
The conditions are that the product must have "FCC certification in the U.S. or CE mark in Europe" and be "Wi-Fi Alliance certified. Furthermore, the use is limited to public wireless LAN and deserialization, and mainly only the 2.4GHz band can be used.
Good! It seems that my terminal can be used for 90 days. I can use it during my trip.
This system allows many handsets to be used in Japan, albeit on a limited basis. However, if you are planning to stay in Japan for longer than 90 days, or if you want to use your device more comfortably, use a device with a "Technical Conformity Mark".
Also, please note that not all devices are compatible with this exception. In particular,transceivers are often a problem in Japan. Since the rules differ slightly from country to country, even if there is no problem in your country, it may be illegal in Japan.
Among them, FRS (Family Radio Service) and GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service), which are manufactured according to U.S. standards, are often brought into Japan by many people and require caution. These devices cannot be used in Japan because they do not have a Technical Conformity Mark.
Nevertheless, some devices are falsely labeled as having acquired the "Technical Conformity Mark" or can be conveniently used in Japan through online sales. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) website also warns against this. Please be careful.
Related Links：
総務省 外国製無線機（FRS、GMRS等）についてのご注意
What will happen if I use a device that does not have the Technical Conformity Mark?
Use of equipment without the "Technical Conformity Mark" may violate Japan's Radio Law.
The Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website explains wireless LAN devices without the Technical Conformity Mark as follows./p>
Use of wireless LAN equipment that does not bear the Technical Conformity Mark may be a violation of the Radio Law*.
Please exercise caution when purchasing or using wireless LAN equipment.
(* Violation of the Radio Law is subject to imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to one million yen. In addition, if you cause interference to a public radio station, you will be subject to imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than 2.5 million yen).
So it was required by law. Good to know before I go.
It is not the manufacturer or seller, but the user of the product that is the target of the violation. Be careful.
To enjoy Japan with peace of mind
In addition to Japan's Technical Conformity Mark, there are rules regarding radio waves in every country, but you may rarely see them in your daily life with any awareness. However, these rules are very important to protect the radio environment, which is the common property of mankind. They are not difficult to follow as long as you know them. Please make sure you know the laws concerning radio waves in Japan correctly and use your wireless equipment for an enjoyable stay!
