Series "PSE" Part 1: "What is PSE?"

What is the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE)? A Refresher Explanation

One topic closely related to the AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount handled by our company is "PSE."

It's not a term that comes up often in everyday conversation, but some of you may have heard it in passing.
In this series, we would like to explain "PSE" from the perspective of dealing with AC/DC Power Adapters — Desktop & Wall-Mount.

First, what is "PSE"?
Those who are a bit more informed may already understand that "PSE" is an abbreviation for 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," the following is stated.

In other words, the abbreviation for the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act is "Electro-safety Act," and PSE refers to the product safety standards based on the "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act." However, it is commonly referred to as "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE)," and in this newsletter, we will not distinguish between "PSE" and the act itself.

What Happens If You Violate PSE

The "Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act" came into force in April 2001, replacing the former "Electrical Appliance Control Act." Article 1 (Purpose) states, "By regulating the manufacture, import, and sale of electrical appliances and encouraging private businesses to voluntarily ensure product safety, the law aims to prevent hazards and impediments caused by electrical appliances."

Manufacturers and importers of electrical appliances are obligated to ensure safety in accordance with PSE regulations.

In case of violations, depending on the content, offenders may be subject to penalties such as imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to 1 million yen, or both.

Because electrical appliances are closely associated with daily life, their safety is particularly important. Therefore, strict standards are set by law, and any violations are subject to penalties based on the nature of the offense.

History of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act System

The table below shows transitions of the legal system regarding electrical appliances under the former "Electrical Appliance Control Act."

Transition of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety System

Electric Appliance Control Regulations (Ministry of Communications Ordinance)Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (Electro-safety Act)
Enactment & Enforcement

Enacted in 1935

Enacted in 1961Enforced in January 2001
Supervising AuthorityMinistry of CommunicationsMinistry of International Trade and IndustryMinistry of Economy, Trade and Industry
MarkMark from Ministry of Communications RegulationMark 1 under the Electrical Appliance Control ActMark 2 under the Electrical Appliance Control ActDiamond-shaped PSE mark under the Electro-safety ActRound PSE mark under the Electro-safety Act
Business OperatorsRegistration systemRegistration systemNotification system
Products SafetyGovernment certification systemGovernment certification systemSelf-certification system

Before the Electrical Appliance Control Act, businesses were regulated under a registration system and Products followed a government certification system.

Starting with the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act, regulatory authority has been transferred from the government to the private sector, transitioning to a notification system for businesses and a self-certification system for Products.

Our company has been engaged in the import and sale of electrical appliances since before the enforcement of the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act and during the era of the Electrical Appliance Control Act.

We thoroughly comply with legal procedures and inspections to ensure we provide safe and reliable Products.

In the next issue, we will explain "About Electrical Appliances."

Related content