TELEC / GITEKI: radio certification in Japan
Guide · TELEC / GITEKI
The GITEKI mark (技適マーク), short for "Giteki" or technical conformity, is the only visible token that signals lawful radio operation in Japan. Behind that small logo sits the Radio Law (電波法, Denpa-hou), administered by MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Soumusho). MIC delegates dossier review to private bodies called Registered Certification Bodies (RCB). TELEC (Telecom Engineering Center) is the most-used RCB internationally for radio certification, while JATE handles wireline telecom equipment separately. This page covers the regulatory machinery, the two certification routes, the Japanese band plans that differ meaningfully from US and EU plans, and the recurring pitfalls for non-Japanese manufacturers.
Legal framework: the Radio Law and the role of MIC
Section titled “Legal framework: the Radio Law and the role of MIC”Japanese radio certification rests on the Radio Law, in Japanese Denpa-hou (電波法), enacted in 1950 and amended many times since. The text governs the use of the radio spectrum on Japanese territory and delegates ministerial ordinances and technical regulations to MIC.
Within MIC, the Telecommunications Bureau oversees:
- Spectrum planning and band allocations (Frequency Allocation Plan).
- Technical limits: power, emission mask, emission classes, frequency tolerance, harmonics.
- Registration of RCBs authorised to certify on MIC's behalf.
- The public Giteki database, which lists every certified equipment by its designation number.
The term Specified Radio Equipment, defined in article 38-22 of the Radio Law, is the list of radio equipment categories that must be certified before market placement. That list covers all common intentional emitters in consumer and industrial use: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 920 MHz LPWA, cellular, sub-GHz modules, telemetry, short-range radars, UHF RFID readers, and so on.
See glossary for key Japanese terms and their regulatory equivalents.
RCB: who certifies what
Section titled “RCB: who certifies what”Registered Certification Bodies are private organisations accredited by MIC to run tests and issue certificates on the regulator's behalf. MIC does not certify directly: it authorises, audits and, when needed, sanctions. The main RCBs are:
| RCB | Main scope | International reach |
|---|---|---|
| TELEC (Telecom Engineering Center) | Radio (Wi-Fi, BLE, cellular, LPWA, sub-GHz, radars) | Heavily used outside Japan, English-speaking, documented process |
| JATE (Japan Approvals Institute for Telecommunications Equipment) | Wireline equipment connected to the telephone network | Limited to wireline telephony |
| DSP Research | Radio, partial overlap with TELEC | Local alternative |
| Other local RCBs | Specific categories | Mostly Japan-only usage |
For a typical IoT product targeted at Japan (Wi-Fi + BLE + 920 MHz LPWA), TELEC is the default choice: English-speaking team, documented process in English, references with both Asian and Western manufacturers. For wireline equipment (DSL, leased lines, analogue telephony), JATE is the sole interlocutor.
Two certification routes
Section titled “Two certification routes”The Radio Law defines two formal routes for Specified Radio Equipment. The choice between them depends on production volume and the commercial model.
Route 1: Gijutsu Kijun Tekigou Shoumei
Section titled “Route 1: Gijutsu Kijun Tekigou Shoumei”The full name, 技術基準適合証明 (Gijutsu Kijun Tekigou Shoumei), translates as Technical Regulation Conformity Certification. This route certifies each individual unit, as a per-unit check. It is used for:
- Prototyping and field-test equipment.
- Professional equipment in very low volume (broadcast, niche medical devices).
- Used equipment returned to the market.
For mass production this route is not economically viable: certifying 10,000 units one by one would inflate the unit cost prohibitively.
Route 2: Koujisekkei Ninshou
Section titled “Route 2: Koujisekkei Ninshou”The full name, 工事設計認証 (Koujisekkei Ninshou), translates as Construction Type Certification or Technical Conformity Approval (TCA). It is type approval for mass production. Once the type is approved, all units built to the same construction design (Koujisekkei) are deemed certified, provided the manufacturer maintains a documented quality-control programme.
This route is the standard path for:
- Consumer electronics (smartphones, tablets, consumer IoT).
- Radio modules embedded in industrial products.
- LPWA gateways, wireless sensors, Wi-Fi/BLE equipment.
The issued certificate carries a unique designation number (Designation Number) that becomes the product's official identifier in MIC's Giteki database.
The GITEKI mark: format and content
Section titled “The GITEKI mark: format and content”The GITEKI mark (技適マーク) is built from a precise combination of graphic and alphanumeric elements. Its structure is not optional: an incorrect format is a non-conformity at import.
Main logo
Section titled “Main logo”The GITEKI logo schematically depicts a stylised katakana character surrounded by a circular shape. For radio equipment specifically, a capital R inside a circle is present, indicating that the certification covers the radio perimeter (as opposed to wireline telecom, which is marked with a T inside a circle and managed by JATE).
Designation number
Section titled “Designation number”The Designation Number, or DSP, is assigned by the RCB at certificate issuance. It follows a codified form, typically R-XXX-XXXXXX or a similar pattern depending on the issuing RCB. The number must appear:
- On the product itself (physical marking or e-label).
- On the commercial packaging.
- In the user manual (or its digital equivalent).
- In MIC's public Giteki database, searchable online.
Physical marking or e-label
Section titled “Physical marking or e-label”Historically, the marking had to be permanent and visible on the enclosure. Since MIC's regulatory evolution in the 2010s, an e-label has been accepted for some equipment categories (smartphones, tablets, IoT devices with a graphical interface). Conditions:
- The logo and designation number must be reachable through a user menu in three actions or fewer.
- The logo must render at a readable size (the minimum size is defined by MIC).
- Access must not require administrative privileges or external tools.
For equipment with no display (LPWA sensor, embedded module), only physical marking is possible.
Japanese band plans: the specificities
Section titled “Japanese band plans: the specificities”The Japanese radio spectrum is managed by MIC and published as the Frequency Allocation Plan. Several bands present meaningful differences compared with US (FCC) and European (ECC/CEPT) plans. These differences are the primary cause of non-conformity for products derived from FCC or RED designs.
Critical bands table
Section titled “Critical bands table”| Band | Japanese specificity | Standard / reference |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, channels 1-13 | Same as EU, no specific restriction | ARIB STD-T66 |
| Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, channel 14 | Allowed in Japan only, DSSS (802.11b) only, strict MIC conditions | ARIB STD-T66 |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz UNII-1 (5150-5250 MHz) | Indoor only, Japan-specific power limits | ARIB STD-T71 |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz UNII-2 (5250-5350 MHz) | Indoor only, DFS + TPC required, Japanese DFS profile distinct from FCC and ETSI | ARIB STD-T71 |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz UNII-2-Extended (5470-5725 MHz) | Indoor/outdoor per sub-band, JP DFS profile | ARIB STD-T71 |
| Wi-Fi 5 GHz UNII-3 (5725-5850 MHz) | Not available in Japan for consumer Wi-Fi | --- |
| LPWA 920 MHz | Around 915-930 MHz, similar in spirit to US 915 MHz ISM but Japan-specific power, duty cycle and LBT rules | ARIB STD-T108 |
| Sub-GHz 426 / 429 MHz | Short-range telemetry bands specific to Japan | ARIB STD-T67 / T93 |
| Millimeter-wave 57-66 GHz | Allocations and limits distinct from FCC Part 15.255 and RED 5G NR FR2 | ARIB STD-T74 / T117 |
| 5G NR mid-band | Japan-specific allocations (sub-6, n77, n78, n79) | 3GPP + MIC notices |
Why Wi-Fi channel 14 is an exception
Section titled “Why Wi-Fi channel 14 is an exception”Channel 14 in the 2.4 GHz band (centred near 2484 MHz) is allowed nowhere else in the world. MIC has retained it since the early days of 802.11b networks, subject to DSSS-only operation and a ban on OFDM transmission (802.11g/n) on that channel. A Wi-Fi firmware that exposes channel 14 only in Japan remains compliant; conversely, a firmware that exposes channel 14 outside Japan is non-compliant in other regions.
Japanese 920 MHz and ARIB STD-T108
Section titled “Japanese 920 MHz and ARIB STD-T108”The Japanese LPWA band, governed by ARIB STD-T108, is central to sub-GHz IoT deployments in Japan (LoRa, Sigfox, Wi-SUN, Japanese Z-Wave). It differs from US 915 MHz ISM in several ways:
- A slightly shifted exact range (around 920 to 928 MHz for the main uses, with sub-bands at 915-918 MHz for specific uses).
- Power limits per channel and per equipment class, typically ranging from 1 mW to 250 mW depending on category.
- A mandatory Listen Before Talk (LBT) mechanism for some classes.
- Duty cycle and transmission-time rules distinct from US ISM.
A LoRa module configured for the US 915 MHz profile is not compliant with the JP 920 MHz profile: centre frequencies, output powers and LBT behaviour all differ. TELEC calibration is module-specific.
See FCC pillar and RED pillar for the US and EU profile equivalents.
Testing and laboratories
Section titled “Testing and laboratories”Radio tests for GITEKI certification must follow the protocols defined by MIC and detailed in ministerial ordinances. Authorised laboratories are:
- TELEC's own facilities in Japan (notably in Tokyo and the Kansai region).
- Sub-contracted laboratories recognised by TELEC, which can run measurements under documentary supervision.
- For certain categories, overseas laboratories operating under TELEC supervision (TELEC witnessed testing), with either an on-site TELEC representative or a strict documentary review.
Most manufacturers use either:
- TELEC's Japan lab when the product is mainly destined for Japan.
- An MRA-recognised laboratory (for instance in Korea, Taiwan, or Europe with specific accreditation) to shorten the schedule, subject to TELEC's documentary acceptance.
The Japan-US and Japan-EU MRAs (Mutual Recognition Agreements) exist but are narrow in scope, mainly targeting certain cellular categories. They do not, for the majority of Wi-Fi/BLE/LPWA products, remove the need to submit the dossier to a Japanese RCB such as TELEC.
GITEKI versus FCC and CE/RED
Section titled “GITEKI versus FCC and CE/RED”The following table compares the main operational differences between the three regimes. It is the framing baseline for any product with a worldwide perimeter.
| Aspect | GITEKI (JP) | FCC (US) | CE / RED (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | MIC (Soumusho) | FCC | European Commission + national authorities |
| Certifying body | RCB (TELEC, DSP Research, etc.) | TCB or FCC directly | Manufacturer (self-declaration) or NB |
| Marking format | GITEKI logo + R-XXX-XXXXXX (Designation Number) | FCC ID (codified GRANTEE-PRODUCT) | CE logo + DoC |
| Band plans | MIC Frequency Allocation Plan, Wi-Fi channel 14, 920 MHz LPWA | FCC Table of Frequency Allocations, 915 MHz ISM | ECC/CEPT, 868 MHz SRD |
| Test reciprocity | Limited, partial cellular MRA | TCB partially shared with ISED (Canada) | Largely shared between Member States |
| SAR tests | Japan-specific limits (close to ICNIRP) | 1.6 W/kg over 1 g (KDB 447498) | 2 W/kg over 10 g (EN 50360) |
| Local representative | Recommended or required in practice for Koujisekkei | US Agent for Service of Process mandatory (non-US) | EU authorised representative mandatory (non-EU) |
| E-label | Accepted by category, MIC conditions | Accepted under KDB 784748 | Accepted per Member State, variable conditions |
| Public database | Giteki (tele.soumu.go.jp/giteki) | FCC EAS (apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas) | Variable per Member State |
| Submission language | Japanese (English accepted by some RCBs such as TELEC) | English | Official EU languages |
The critical point is test non-transferability: an FCC report, even if produced in an MRA-recognised laboratory, is not sufficient to obtain a TELEC certificate. Japanese limits (emission masks, per-channel powers, emission classes) are distinct and require a dedicated campaign or, at minimum, a documentary review with complementary measurements.
See CE/FCC EMC comparison and EU + US dual certification for the mechanics between the other two regimes.
Sequence of a TELEC programme
Section titled “Sequence of a TELEC programme”Here is a qualitative schedule for a Wi-Fi/BLE + 920 MHz LPWA product targeted at the Japanese market via TELEC. The programme starts at T0, where the product's radio specification is frozen (power, bands, antennas, Japan regional firmware).
- Regulatory scoping: identify the applicable Specified Radio Equipment categories (Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz, Wi-Fi 5 GHz, LPWA 920 MHz). Choose the RCB (TELEC by default). Choose the route (Koujisekkei Ninshou for mass production).
- Japan regional firmware: JP country code, channel 14 exposure if relevant, per-band power table matching MIC limits, LBT behaviour for 920 MHz per ARIB STD-T108, Japanese DFS profile for 5 GHz.
- Internal pre-tests: radiated emission, conducted power, emission masks, channel occupancy, LBT compliance. These pre-tests prevent surprises in the external lab.
- Lab booking: TELEC in Japan or a TELEC-recognised laboratory under supervision. Sample delivery (typically 3 to 5 identical, serialised units).
- Formal radio campaign: tests run per the MIC ordinances applicable to each band in use. Duration depends on the number of bands, modulation modes and antenna configurations.
- Koujisekkei dossier assembly: schematics, functional description (Koujisekkei = construction design), critical-component list, production procedure with quality control, internal/external photos, user manual including the required GITEKI notices.
- Submission to the RCB: full dossier in Japanese or English depending on RCB acceptance. TELEC accepts English for the majority of sections, with certain regulatory notices required in Japanese.
- Review and possible RCB questions: question/answer cycles, typically a few days to a few weeks.
- Designation Number issuance: a unique R-XXX-XXXXXX number is allocated and entered in MIC's Giteki database.
- Marking: physical apposition or e-label implementation showing the GITEKI logo and Designation Number. User manual and packaging update.
- Japan market placement: lawful distribution through domestic channels, customs declarations referencing the Designation Number.
For multi-market scheduling including Japan, see certification timeline.
Recurring pitfalls for non-Japanese manufacturers
Section titled “Recurring pitfalls for non-Japanese manufacturers”Assuming the FCC report will be accepted
Section titled “Assuming the FCC report will be accepted”This is the leading cause of failure. An FCC report is generally insufficient for TELEC: Japanese limits (per-channel power, emission masks, emission classes, average-power measurement method) differ. A manufacturer who submits an FCC report as-is to TELEC is asked to run a new campaign in the MIC format, adding several weeks to the schedule.
Ignoring the 5 GHz Japanese constraints
Section titled “Ignoring the 5 GHz Japanese constraints”The Japanese DFS profile at 5 GHz is not identical to the FCC profile (UNII-2/UNII-2e) or the ETSI profile (EN 301 893). Radar detection thresholds, Channel Availability Check (CAC) durations, and behaviour on detection all differ. A DFS firmware validated under FCC or RED can fail the Japanese DFS test. Firmware calibration must target the JP profile.
Mis-scoping the 920 MHz LPWA
Section titled “Mis-scoping the 920 MHz LPWA”Japanese 920 MHz is not US 915 MHz ISM with a frequency offset. Equipment classes under ARIB STD-T108, per-class powers, LBT and duty cycle are Japan-specific. A US LoRa module must be reconfigured (frequencies, powers, LBT MAC) and retested for the JP profile.
Poorly implemented e-label
Section titled “Poorly implemented e-label”An e-label that requires more than three user actions, that displays the logo at a reduced size, or that requires administrator privileges is non-compliant. The RCB rejects the dossier in documentary review, before testing even starts. The display procedure must be documented and tested.
Forgetting the local representative
Section titled “Forgetting the local representative”For a Koujisekkei Ninshou, the absence of an identifiable contact point in Japan creates practical issues: handling MIC requests, audits, user complaints, market withdrawals. Many foreign manufacturers rely on a Japanese consulting firm or a distribution partner for this function.
Confusing TELEC and JATE
Section titled “Confusing TELEC and JATE”TELEC certifies radio. JATE certifies wireline (DSL, PSTN). A product that is both radio and wireline (for example a Wi-Fi gateway with an integrated DSL port) needs both certifications, one via TELEC and the other via JATE. Confusing the two RCBs is a frequent cause of delay.
Underestimating review times
Section titled “Underestimating review times”TELEC is known for the quality of its examinations and for its documentary rigour. RCB review questions can request precise complements (high-resolution photos of internal areas, additional measurements, clarification of operating modes). A poorly prepared dossier can multiply review cycles.
Trusting the Japan-US MRA too far
Section titled “Trusting the Japan-US MRA too far”The Japan-US MRA exists and covers some cellular products, mainly LTE/5G modems tested against shared 3GPP protocols. It does not cover most IoT products (Wi-Fi, BLE, LPWA). The Japan-EU MRA has the same kind of narrow scope. The exact perimeter is set by bilateral decree and evolves slowly.
Koujisekkei documentation
Section titled “Koujisekkei documentation”A Construction Type Certification dossier broadly includes:
- Product identification: commercial name, manufacturer reference, hardware version, firmware version.
- Manufacturer identification: legal entity, address, technical contact, possibly Japanese local representative.
- Functional description: operating modes, bands used, emission classes, per-band powers, integrated antennas.
- Schematics and electrical description: a level of detail comparable to an FCC or RED dossier, with emphasis on the RF emission chains.
- Photos: external views (all sides), internal views (PCB component and solder sides), GITEKI marking area or e-label demonstration.
- User manual: Japanese regulatory notices, designation number, prohibited-modification instructions.
- Test report: TELEC report or recognised-laboratory report, conformant to the MIC ordinances, in Japanese or English depending on acceptance.
- Production procedure and quality control: this is the key difference from a Technical Regulation Conformity Certification. The Koujisekkei (construction design) includes the manufacturer's commitment to produce per the certified specifications, with documented quality control.
See glossary for the term mapping between Koujisekkei, EU technical file and FCC exhibit list.
The cellular case
Section titled “The cellular case”For a cellular product (LTE Cat-M, Cat-1, 5G NR), three layers stack in Japan:
- GITEKI via TELEC for MIC radio conformity.
- Local PTCRB-equivalent: in Japan, carrier homologation runs through the proprietary programmes of the three main operators (NTT Docomo, KDDI/au, SoftBank), with Rakuten Mobile in some cases. These programmes have technical and commercial scopes distinct from North American PTCRB.
- Local IMS/VoLTE compatibility: Japanese IMS profiles can differ from US/EU profiles, particularly for voice codecs and emergency services (110, 119, 118).
For the general cellular pillar, see PTCRB pillar and EU + US dual certification, which covers the multi-regime mechanics.
Sources & references
- TELEC (English): Telecom Engineering Center , TELEC www.telec.or.jp/eng/
- MIC (English): Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications , MIC / Soumusho www.soumu.go.jp/english/
- MIC Radio Equipment Search (Giteki database) , MIC www.tele.soumu.go.jp/giteki/
- JATE: Japan Approvals Institute for Telecommunications Equipment , JATE www.jate.or.jp/
- ARIB STD-T108: 920 MHz-band Telemeter, Telecontrol and Data Transmission Radio Equipment , ARIB www.arib.or.jp/english/
- Radio Law of Japan (Denpa-hou): translated overview , MIC www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/joho_tsusin/eng/Resources/laws/RadioLaw.pdf