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Series "PSE" Episode 1 "What is PSE?"
AC/DC Power Adapter and switching power supplies, what is "PSE"? This is the first installment in a series that explains it clearly once again.
What Is the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE)? A Fresh Explanation
One item closely related to the AC/DC Power Adapters we handle is "PSE."
Although it is not a term often used in everyday conversation, some of you may have heard of it.
In this series, we would like to explain "PSE" from the perspective of handling AC/DC Power Adapters.
First, what is "PSE"?
Those who are somewhat familiar with it may understand that "PSE" is an abbreviation related to the "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act."
According to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's website on the "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act," it is described as follows:
- "PSE": "P" and "S" stand for "Product Safety," and "E" stands for "Electrical Appliances & Materials."
- The English translation of "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act" is "Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act."
In other words, the abbreviated name of the "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act" in Japanese is "Denan Act," and "PSE" refers to the Products safety standards based on this law. However, it is often written as "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE)," and in this newsletter we will treat "PSE" and the "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act" as the same.
If You Violate PSE
The "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act" came into effect in April 2001 (Heisei 13), replacing the former "Electrical Appliance Control Act." Article 1 (Purpose) states that the law aims "to regulate the manufacture, import, and sale of electrical appliances and materials, and to promote voluntary activities by private business operators to ensure the safety of electrical appliances and materials, thereby preventing hazards and accidents caused by electrical appliances."
Manufacturers and importers of electrical appliances are obligated to ensure safety in accordance with the regulations established under PSE.
If these regulations are violated, penalties may be imposed depending on the nature of the violation, including imprisonment of up to 1 year, a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen, or both.
Since electrical appliances are closely connected to daily life, their safety is particularly important. Strict standards are established by law, and violations are subject to penalties according to the severity of the offense.
History of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act System
The table below shows the transition of the electrical appliance safety system from the "Electrical Appliance Control Act" to the current system.
Transition of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act System
| Electrical Appliance Control Regulations (Ministry of Communications Ordinance) | Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Enactment / Enforcement | Enacted in 1935 (Showa 10) | Enacted in 1961 (Showa 36) | Enforced in January 2001 (Heisei 12) |
| Supervising Authority | Ministry of Communications | Ministry of International Trade and Industry | Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry |
| Mark |  |  |   |
| Business Operators | Registration system | Registration system | Notification system |
| Products Safety | Government certification system | Government certification system | Self-certification system |
Under the system prior to the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, business operators were subject to a registration system, and Products were subject to a government certification system.
With the enactment of the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act, regulations were relaxed by transferring authority from the government to the private sector. The system shifted to a notification system for business operators and a self-certification system for Products.
Our company has been importing and selling electrical appliances since the era of the Electrical Appliance Control Act, prior to the enforcement of the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act.
We properly carry out the procedures and inspections stipulated by law and strive to provide Products that can be used with confidence.
Next time, we will explain "About Electrical Appliances."