CROSS-STANDARD public interest · Refrigerator / cold appliance
China-to-Japan Household Refrigerator Compliance Gap Matrix
AI-compiled from official public sources — cross-checked by multiple AI models, not human-verified. Informational only; see disclaimer. Public-interest, source-linked comparison of Chinese household refrigerator compliance (CCC, GB 4706.13, GB 12021.2) against Japan's DENAN Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act (PSE mark), JIS C 9335-2-24 / JIS C 9801, VCCI EMC requirements, the Top Runner Program energy-efficiency standard, and METI / JET conformity-assessment requirements.
Dataset 2026-06-11
Last verified 2026-06-15
7 rows
GAP MATRIX
Compliance Gap Matrix
| Compliance item | Common China baseline | Japan (PSE/JET) | Gap / action | Source + verification date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMC — Household Refrigerating Appliances (Voluntary VCCI scheme + CISPR 14 series) | China's EMC requirements for household appliances (including refrigerators) are primarily governed by GB 4343.1-2018 (Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics of household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission limits and measurement methods; mandatory, equivalent to CISPR 14-1:2016) and GB/T 4343.2-2020 (Part 2: Immunity — product family standard; recommended, equivalent to CISPR 14-2:2015). For harmonic emissions, GB 17625.1-2022 (mandatory, IDT IEC 61000-3-2:2020) applies. These standards are enforced under the CCC mandatory certification regime administered by SAMR/CNCA. Test reports generated by CNAS-accredited Chinese laboratories against GB 4343.1 are not directly accepted as the basis for Japanese conformity confirmation under the VCCI / CISPR-based JIS framework.GB 4343.1-2018 — Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics of household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission limits and measurement methods (mandatory; equivalent to CISPR 14-1:2016; enforced under CCC by SAMR/CNCA) GB/T 4343.2-2020 — Part 2: Immunity — product family standard (recommended; equivalent to CISPR 14-2:2015) GB 17625.1-2022 — Limits for harmonic current emissions ≤ 16 A/phase (mandatory; IDT IEC 61000-3-2:2020) |
Japan handles electromagnetic compatibility for household appliances (including refrigerators) differently from the EU's mandatory directive model. There is no single horizontal mandatory EMC law equivalent to EU Directive 2014/30/EU for ordinary household appliances; instead, emission control is principally addressed through the voluntary VCCI (Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment) framework for information-technology and related equipment, and through CISPR-based JIS standards. The applicable measurement standards are the JIS C 9335-family product safety standard combined with JIS-adopted CISPR 14-1 (emission) and CISPR 14-2 (immunity) for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus. For refrigerators that incorporate wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi / Bluetooth smart-home functions), the radio portion additionally requires Giteki (技適) type certification under the Radio Act administered by MIC. Conformity for the EMC emission aspect is generally established by the manufacturer or importer on a self-confirmation basis against the relevant CISPR-based JIS limits; mandatory third-party EMC certification is not required for ordinary household refrigerators.VCCI Technical Requirements — Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (voluntary EMC emission scheme; CISPR-based) JIS C 9335-1 / JIS C 9335-2-24 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances (product safety standard read alongside EMC requirements) CISPR 14-1 (as adopted in JIS) — Electromagnetic compatibility — Requirements for household appliances, electric tools and similar apparatus — Part 1: Emission CISPR 14-2 (as adopted in JIS) — Part 2: Immunity — product family standard Radio Act (電波法) — Giteki (技適) type certification via MIC, applicable only where wireless connectivity is present |
Because both GB 4343.1-2018 and the Japanese CISPR-based JIS limits derive from the CISPR 14-1 family, the underlying technical limits are largely aligned, but two practical gaps remain: (1) Regime difference — Japan has no single mandatory horizontal EMC directive for ordinary household appliances; emission control runs through the voluntary VCCI scheme and CISPR-based JIS, so the compliance evidence and any membership/registration obligations differ from a Chinese CCC EMC file; CNAS reports are not automatically recognised and conformity is established on a Japan-facing basis. (2) Wireless models — refrigerators with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth smart-home connectivity trigger the Radio Act: the radio module must hold Giteki (技適) type certification from an MIC-registered certification body, which has no GB 4343.1 equivalent; the Chinese SRRC radio approval does not satisfy Japanese Giteki. Manufacturers should confirm whether their existing CISPR 14-1 test data (and any radio test data) cover the configurations and frequencies required for the Japanese market before relying on it.[INFORMATIONAL] Japan addresses refrigerator EMC through the voluntary VCCI scheme and CISPR-based JIS limits rather than an EU-style mandatory EMC directive. Technical limits largely align with China's GB 4343.1-2018 (both CISPR 14-1 derived), but Chinese CCC EMC test data cannot be directly re-used for Japanese conformity confirmation. Refrigerators with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth additionally require mandatory Giteki (技適) type certification under the Radio Act — an obligation with no GB equivalent. | VCCI Council (Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment)2026-06-15 · reference |
| Energy Efficiency — Top Runner Program for Household Refrigerators (Act on the Rational Use of Energy / METI) | China's mandatory energy efficiency standard for household refrigerating appliances is GB 12021.2-2015 (Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household refrigerators). It establishes energy efficiency grades (Grade 1 most efficient, Grade 5 minimum threshold) and minimum annual energy consumption limits. The standard is mandatory (GB) and enforced by SAMR under the energy labelling system administered by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Products must display the China Energy Label (CEL) before sale. The GB 12021.2 framework uses a different test methodology and grade basis than Japan's Top Runner target standard value approach — Chinese energy grades and Japanese Top Runner attainment are not directly comparable.GB 12021.2-2015 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household refrigerators (mandatory; enforced by SAMR/NDRC under China Energy Label system) GB/T 8059-2016 — Household and similar refrigerating appliances (test method standard, aligned with IEC 62552 series) |
Energy efficiency for household refrigerators in Japan is regulated under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy (Energy Conservation Act / 省エネ法), administered by METI, through the Top Runner Program. Refrigerators are a designated Top Runner product category. METI sets a 'target standard value' (目標基準値) for energy efficiency for each category and rated-volume class, benchmarked to the most efficient products on the market at the time the standard is set (the 'top runner'). Manufacturers and importers that ship designated products must achieve, on a weighted shipment-average basis, at least the target standard value for the relevant target fiscal year; they must measure and report energy consumption, and shipments that fail to meet the target can trigger METI recommendations, publication, orders, and penalties against the business operator. Energy consumption is measured according to JIS C 9801 (Household refrigerating appliances — Characteristics and test methods). Unlike the EU's per-model EEI hard limit, the Top Runner obligation is a fleet-weighted-average obligation on the business operator rather than an absolute per-unit threshold.Act on the Rational Use of Energy (省エネ法 / Energy Conservation Act) — Top Runner Program framework, administered by METI METI Top Runner target standard values for household refrigerators (目標基準値) — category and rated-volume-class based JIS C 9801 — Household refrigerating appliances — Characteristics and test methods (measurement basis for energy consumption) |
Three major gaps exist between Chinese energy compliance and Japan's Top Runner requirements: (1) Different metric and methodology — the Top Runner target standard value is benchmarked to the Japanese market's best performers per category/volume class and measured to JIS C 9801, whereas GB 12021.2-2015 uses a grade-based framework measured to GB/T 8059; a Chinese Grade 1 or Grade 2 rating does NOT guarantee attainment of the Japanese target standard value without independent recalculation to the Japanese methodology. (2) Fleet-average obligation on the business operator — Top Runner compliance is assessed on a weighted shipment-average basis for the importer/manufacturer in Japan, not as a per-model pass/fail; this requires the Japanese-resident operator to track shipment volumes and weighted efficiency, an obligation absent in the Chinese per-model grade system. (3) Test conditions — JIS C 9801 ambient and loading conditions may differ from GB/T 8059, so Chinese consumption figures cannot be assumed valid for Japanese reporting. Energy consumption must be re-measured to JIS C 9801 for the Japanese market.[INFORMATIONAL] Japan's Top Runner Program under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy is legally binding on the manufacturer/importer for household refrigerators on a weighted shipment-average basis. Chinese GB 12021.2 energy grades do not substitute for Top Runner target standard value attainment — independent measurement to JIS C 9801 and recalculation to the Japanese methodology are required. The obligation falls on the Japanese-resident business operator, not on a per-model registration. | METI / Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) — Top Runner Program2026-06-15 · reference |
| Energy Labelling — Japanese Energy-Saving Label (省エネラベル) + Uniform Energy-Saving Label (METI) | China's energy labelling for household refrigerators is governed by the China Energy Label (CEL) system under the Measures for the Administration of Energy Efficiency Labels (NDRC/SAMR, revised 2016). The China Energy Label displays a 1-to-5 grade scale (1 highest, 5 minimum threshold) and annual energy consumption. Labels are administered by the China National Institute of Standardization (CNIS) under NDRC/SAMR. Manufacturers self-declare grade based on testing against GB 12021.2. The Chinese 1-to-5 grade label and Japan's省エネ achievement-ratio / multi-star label are structurally different and not cross-comparable without recalculation.Measures for the Administration of Energy Efficiency Labels (NDRC/SAMR 2016 revision) — China Energy Label framework GB 12021.2-2015 — Minimum allowable values of energy efficiency and energy efficiency grades for household refrigerators (underlying grade standard) |
Household refrigerators sold in Japan must carry Japanese energy-saving labelling under the Energy Saving Labelling Program tied to the Act on the Rational Use of Energy. Two label types apply: (1) the Energy-Saving Labelling (省エネラベリング制度) mark showing the energy-saving achievement ratio (省エネ基準達成率) relative to the Top Runner target standard value, the energy consumption efficiency, and a green/orange achievement indicator; and (2) the Uniform Energy-Saving Label (統一省エネルギーラベル), a multi-star rating (1–5 stars, displayed at point of sale) together with the estimated annual electricity cost (円/年) and the achievement ratio. Labels are based on energy consumption measured to JIS C 9801. Manufacturers and importers calculate and self-declare the figures; retailers display the multi-star label in-store and online. Unlike the EU model, Japan operates no pre-market product-registration database equivalent to EPREL — there is no EPREL-style hard registration gate, but the labelling and Top Runner reporting obligations remain mandatory.Energy Saving Labelling Program (省エネラベリング制度) — under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy, administered by METI Uniform Energy-Saving Label (統一省エネルギーラベル) — multi-star rating + estimated annual electricity cost, displayed at point of sale JIS C 9801 — Household refrigerating appliances — Characteristics and test methods (measurement basis for the labelled figures) |
Two label-and-reporting gaps with no direct Chinese equivalent: (1) Japanese label format and metric — the Uniform Energy-Saving Label (multi-star + estimated annual electricity cost in 円/年) and the省エネ achievement ratio relative to the Top Runner target standard value must be recalculated from JIS C 9801 measurements; the Chinese CEL 1-to-5 grade cannot be reused as the Japanese label, and the Japanese-language label content and point-of-sale display rules must be met. (2) No EPREL-style registration but reporting persists — Japan has no pre-market registration database equivalent to the EU's EPREL, so there is no online registration hard gate; however the manufacturer/importer must still measure to JIS C 9801, compute the achievement ratio and label figures, and (as a designated Top Runner operator) report to METI. Chinese exporters therefore swap an EU EPREL-style registration burden for a Japanese measurement/labelling/Top-Runner-reporting burden — the Chinese CEL satisfies neither.[INFORMATIONAL] Japanese energy-saving labelling (省エネラベル / Uniform Energy-Saving Label) is mandatory for household refrigerators, based on JIS C 9801 measurements and the Top Runner achievement ratio. Japan has no EPREL-style pre-market registration hard gate, but the Chinese CEL label does not satisfy Japanese labelling obligations — figures must be re-measured to JIS C 9801 and the Japanese-format label produced before sale. | METI / Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) — Energy Saving Labelling Program2026-06-15 · reference |
| PSE Mark — Multi-Regime Conformity (DENAN safety + Top Runner energy + J-Moss RoHS marking) | In China, household refrigerating appliances require China Compulsory Certification (CCC) covering both safety (GB 4706.13) and EMC (GB 4343.1) before sale. CCC is a mandatory third-party certification administered by CNCA-designated certification bodies (CABs); it does not involve manufacturer self-declaration. Energy labelling (China Energy Label based on GB 12021.2) is a separate mandatory requirement administered by NDRC/SAMR. China's RoHS regime (GB/T 26572 and the Management Methods for Restriction of Hazardous Substances in EEE) requires content marking and a hazardous-substances table. There is no single CCC-equivalent mark covering all of these — CCC covers safety/EMC, the China Energy Label covers energy, and China RoHS marking covers substances, each separately issued and displayed.CCC (China Compulsory Certification) — safety (GB 4706.13) + EMC (GB 4343.1); mandatory; administered by CNCA/SAMR China Energy Label — Measures for the Administration of Energy Efficiency Labels (NDRC/SAMR); based on GB 12021.2-2015 GB/T 26572 + Management Methods for Restriction of Hazardous Substances in EEE (China RoHS) — content marking and hazardous-substances table |
Unlike the EU's single CE mark, Japan has no unified conformity mark; a household refrigerator must satisfy several separate regimes before sale: (1) DENAN (Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act) — the round (◯) PSE mark via conformity confirmation to the DENAN technical standard / J60335-2-24 (refrigerators are Non-specified appliances); (2) the Top Runner Program under the Act on the Rational Use of Energy — weighted-average energy-efficiency target attainment plus the省エネ / Uniform Energy-Saving Label measured to JIS C 9801; (3) J-Moss marking (JIS C 0950) — the Japanese RoHS-style content marking for specified chemical substances, requiring the green/orange 'R' or content-table marking on the product and catalogue; and (4) where wireless connectivity exists, Giteki (技適) type certification under the Radio Act (MIC). EMC for the appliance itself runs through the voluntary VCCI / CISPR-based JIS framework rather than a mandatory directive. Each regime is separately evidenced; the manufacturer or Japan-resident importer compiles the conformity documentation (test records, the business notification to METI, label calculations) and affixes the PSE mark and Japanese-language markings before market placement.Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (電気用品安全法 / DENAN) — PSE mark; safety (J60335-2-24 / JIS C 9335-2-24) Act on the Rational Use of Energy (省エネ法) — Top Runner Program; energy efficiency + 省エネ / Uniform Energy-Saving Label (JIS C 9801) JIS C 0950 (J-Moss) — Marking for presence of specified chemical substances for electrical and electronic equipment (Japanese RoHS-style marking) Radio Act (電波法) — Giteki (技適) type certification via MIC, where wireless connectivity is present VCCI / CISPR-based JIS — voluntary EMC emission framework for the appliance |
Chinese manufacturers must build a complete Japan conformity package from scratch — CCC, China Energy Label, and China RoHS do not substitute for any Japanese requirement: (1) DENAN / PSE — conformity to the DENAN technical standard (J60335-2-24), affixing of the round (◯) PSE mark, and the business notification (事業届出) to METI; (2) Top Runner — weighted-average energy-efficiency attainment and the省エネ / Uniform Energy-Saving Label calculated from JIS C 9801 measurements; (3) J-Moss (JIS C 0950) — the Japanese specified-chemical-substance content marking (green 'R' / orange table) replacing the China RoHS marking; (4) Japanese-language markings, instructions and rating-plate; (5) where wireless is present, Giteki (技適) type certification (SRRC does not transfer); (6) a Japan-resident importer/notifier who files the METI business notification and holds compliance responsibility (see row frigjp-market-002). The conformity confirmation for refrigerators is largely the responsibility of the manufacturer / Japan-resident importer (Non-specified appliance route), with third-party RCAB assessment only mandatory for Specified appliances — but test records must still be retained.[INFORMATIONAL] Japan has no single CE-equivalent mark: a household refrigerator must separately satisfy DENAN/PSE (safety), the Top Runner Program + 省エネ/Uniform Energy-Saving Label (energy), J-Moss/JIS C 0950 (substances), and — where wireless — Giteki/技適 (radio). Chinese CCC, China Energy Label, and China RoHS are entirely separate systems and substitute for none of these. Manufacturers must build all Japanese compliance documentation, Japanese-language markings, and the METI business notification independently. | METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) — DENAN / PSE portal2026-06-15 · reference |
| Japan-Resident Importer / Notifier — Business Notification (事業届出) under DENAN + Home Appliance Recycling obligations | China has no direct regulatory equivalent requiring manufacturers of export-bound products to designate a foreign-country resident legal representative responsible for product compliance and market surveillance cooperation. Chinese export manufacturers typically appoint overseas distributors or trading companies on a commercial basis, without a statutory Japan-style importer/notifier obligation. Under the CCC domestic regime, the certification holder is the responsible party for domestic market compliance — this role and obligation does not extend to or satisfy Japanese DENAN business-notification, Top Runner reporting, or Home Appliance Recycling requirements.N/A — no direct Chinese regulatory equivalent for the Japanese importer/notifier obligation | Under DENAN, the party that manufactures in Japan or imports electrical appliances into Japan is the regulated 'business operator' (事業者) and must file a business notification (事業届出) with METI within 30 days of starting the business, declaring the product category. This operator must be a Japan-resident legal entity: a foreign manufacturer selling into Japan generally relies on a Japan-resident importer to act as the notifier, conduct the conformity confirmation, perform and retain the required factory/inspection records, and affix the PSE mark. The same Japan-resident operator typically carries the Top Runner reporting obligation as the shipping manufacturer/importer, the energy-saving label responsibility, and — for refrigerators specifically — the recycling-fee and take-back obligations under the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法), which lists refrigerators/freezers as one of the four covered appliance types. The notifier/importer is the entity that Japanese authorities hold responsible for compliance, market surveillance cooperation, and corrective action (including recall). This role cannot be discharged by a freight forwarder, customs broker, or test laboratory.Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (電気用品安全法 / DENAN) — business notification (事業届出) to METI within 30 days; conformity confirmation and record retention by the business operator Act on the Rational Use of Energy (省エネ法) — Top Runner reporting obligation borne by the shipping manufacturer/importer Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法 / Act on Recycling of Specified Kinds of Home Appliances) — refrigerators/freezers covered; recycling-fee and take-back obligations |
This is a structural gap with no Chinese regulatory analogue. Chinese refrigerator manufacturers selling into Japan (including via cross-border e-commerce or direct B2B supply) must work through a Japan-resident importer/notifier who files the DENAN business notification (事業届出) with METI, performs and retains the conformity-confirmation records, affixes the PSE mark, carries the Top Runner reporting and energy-saving-label obligations, and — critically for refrigerators — bears the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法) recycling-fee and take-back obligations. Without a Japan-resident operator fulfilling these roles, the product cannot legally be placed on the Japanese market regardless of any test results. Japanese authorities hold this operator responsible for market surveillance cooperation and corrective action. A logistics provider or customs agent cannot satisfy the notifier role.[INFORMATIONAL] Chinese refrigerator manufacturers selling into Japan must work through a Japan-resident importer/notifier who files the DENAN business notification (事業届出) with METI, holds the conformity-confirmation and PSE responsibility, carries Top Runner reporting, and — for refrigerators — bears Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法) obligations. This is a hard legal gate: without a compliant Japan-resident operator, the product cannot be lawfully placed on the Japanese market, and Japanese authorities can order withdrawal and impose penalties on the operator. | METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) — DENAN business notification (事業届出) guidance2026-06-15 · reference |
| Refrigerant — R600a Flammable Refrigerant Handling (Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act フロン排出抑制法 + JIS C 9335-2-24) | China regulates refrigerant use primarily through GB 9237-2001 (Safety requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps — general and related definitions; aligned with ISO 5149) and the more recent GB/T 5773-2016 (Performance test methods for positive displacement refrigerant compressors). For household appliances, refrigerant charge limits are addressed in GB 4706.13-2014 (which incorporates R600a flammability provisions derived from IEC 60335-2-24). China has not adopted an equivalent to Japan's Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act framework for refrigeration; China operates its HFC phase-down under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (ratified June 2021), with its own schedule administered by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). Chinese appliance manufacturers exporting to Japan with R600a units are generally well-positioned for the refrigerant aspect, but must verify charge amounts and documentation against Japanese requirements.GB 4706.13-2014 — Annex provisions for flammable refrigerant (R600a) requirements in household refrigerating appliances (derived from IEC 60335-2-24) GB 9237-2001 — Safety requirements for refrigerating systems and heat pumps (aligned with ISO 5149:1993) Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol — China HFC phase-down schedule (ratified June 2021, administered by MEE) |
Japan controls fluorinated greenhouse gases through the Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons (フロン排出抑制法 / Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act), administered by METI and the Ministry of the Environment, complemented by Japan's HFC phase-down implementing the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Household refrigerators and freezers marketed in Japan have overwhelmingly transitioned to R600a (isobutane, GWP ≈ 3) — a hydrocarbon refrigerant outside the scope of the fluorocarbon controls. However, manufacturers must: (1) verify that the refrigerant charge complies with JIS C 9335-2-24 (the Japanese adoption of IEC 60335-2-24) flammable-refrigerant requirements (maximum R600a charge per appliance configuration, ventilation and ignition-source requirements); (2) ensure product documentation and Japanese-language markings declare the refrigerant type and charge quantity (grams); (3) if any model still uses HFCs such as R134a (GWP 1430) or HFOs, confirm the status of those gases under the Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act and Japan's HFC phase-down schedule; (4) note that the Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act's recovery/management obligations focus chiefly on commercial/industrial fluorocarbon-using equipment — small household hydrocarbon (R600a) appliances do not in practice trigger the fluorocarbon-handling-qualification requirements, but disposal/recovery at end-of-life is governed by the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法), which lists refrigerators/freezers as a covered product.Act on Rational Use and Proper Management of Fluorocarbons (フロン排出抑制法 / Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act) — administered by METI and the Ministry of the Environment Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol — Japan HFC phase-down schedule (implemented domestically) JIS C 9335-2-24 — Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances (flammable-refrigerant / R600a charge limits, ventilation, ignition-source requirements; Japanese adoption of IEC 60335-2-24) Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法) — end-of-life recovery for refrigerators/freezers ISO 817 — Refrigerants — Designation and safety classification (R600a classified A3: lower flammability) |
For R600a appliances, the main gap is documentation and charge verification rather than a fundamental technology gap: (1) Japanese product documentation and Japanese-language markings must explicitly state the refrigerant designation (R600a / isobutane), charge weight in grams, and relevant safety precautions per JIS C 9335-2-24; (2) The exact R600a charge against JIS C 9335-2-24 maximum limits must be verified — these depend on appliance configuration; Chinese CCC test reports may not explicitly confirm Japanese charge-limit compliance if tested under slightly different configurations; (3) If any appliance in the export range still uses R134a or another HFC, the manufacturer must assess its status under the Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act and Japan's HFC phase-down schedule; (4) End-of-life recovery falls under the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法), which imposes recycling-fee and collection obligations on manufacturers/importers of refrigerators in Japan — an obligation with no direct Chinese export equivalent. [NOTE: The exact applicability of the Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act and HFC phase-down timelines to specific household-refrigerator models should be confirmed against the current Japanese statutory text before regulatory submissions.][INFORMATIONAL] R600a is the dominant refrigerant in Japanese household refrigerators and is outside the scope of fluorocarbon-control prohibitions. However, manufacturers must verify R600a charge against JIS C 9335-2-24 limits and explicitly document refrigerant type and charge weight in Japanese. Any HFC-based models should be assessed against the Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act (フロン排出抑制法) and Japan's HFC phase-down, and end-of-life obligations under the Home Appliance Recycling Act (家電リサイクル法) apply. | Ministry of the Environment, Japan — Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act (フロン排出抑制法) portal2026-06-15 · reference |
| Electrical Safety — Household Refrigerating Appliances (DENAN / Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act + PSE mark, J60335 / JIS C 9335-2-24) | China's mandatory safety standard for household refrigerating appliances is GB 4706.13-2014 (Safety of household and similar electrical appliances — Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers), which is technically derived from IEC 60335-2-24:2010 but incorporates Chinese national deviations. GB 4706.13-2014 is mandatory (GB) and enforced by SAMR under the China Compulsory Certification (CCC) regime. Products must be CCC-certified by a CNCA-designated certification body before sale in China. CCC test reports issued by Chinese laboratories against GB 4706.13 are NOT accepted as equivalent evidence under the Japanese DENAN / PSE conformity-confirmation pathway.GB 4706.13-2014 — Safety of household and similar electrical appliances — Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers (mandatory; derived from IEC 60335-2-24:2010 with national deviations; enforced under CCC by SAMR/CNCA) GB 4706.1-2005 — General requirements (read in conjunction with GB 4706.13) |
Household refrigerating appliances sold in Japan must comply with DENAN, the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (電気用品安全法), administered by METI. Under DENAN, electrical products are classified as 'Specified Electrical Appliances and Materials' (特定電気用品), which require third-party conformity assessment by a METI-Registered Conformity Assessment Body such as JET (Japan Electrical Safety & Environment Technology Laboratories) or JQA and carry the diamond (◇) PSE mark, or 'Non-specified Electrical Appliances and Materials' (特定電気用品以外), which carry the round (◯) PSE mark via the manufacturer's or importer's own conformity confirmation. Household refrigerators are Non-specified, so the round (◯) PSE mark applies. The applicable technical requirements are the DENAN Ministerial Ordinance technical standards — for which compliance can be shown either via the legacy specific technical standards (別表) or via the J60335 series, the Japanese deviation set built on IEC 60335, i.e. J60335-2-24 (H27) read with J60335-1, equivalent to JIS C 9335-2-24 / JIS C 9335-1. Key requirements cover: protection against electric shock; insulation resistance and dielectric strength; thermal cut-outs; creepage and clearance distances; mechanical strength of housing; earthing continuity; and Japanese-language appliance markings. The importer or domestic manufacturer must also file a business notification (事業届出) with METI and maintain inspection records.Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act (電気用品安全法 / DENAN) — administered by METI; PSE mark scheme DENAN Ministerial Ordinance Establishing Technical Standards (電気用品の技術上の基準を定める省令) — compliance shown via 別表 specific standards or via the J-standard route J60335-2-24 (H27) — Particular requirements for refrigerating appliances, ice-cream appliances and ice-makers (Japanese deviation of IEC 60335-2-24) J60335-1 (H27) — General requirements (read in conjunction with J60335-2-24) JIS C 9335-2-24 / JIS C 9335-1 — equivalent JIS safety standards for household and similar electrical appliances |
Both GB 4706.13-2014 and J60335-2-24 / JIS C 9335-2-24 descend from IEC 60335-2-24, so the core safety engineering is broadly aligned, but Japan-specific gaps remain: (1) PSE conformity confirmation — the importer or domestic manufacturer must affix the round (◯) PSE mark based on conformity to the DENAN technical standard, file the business notification (事業届出) with METI, and retain inspection records for the statutory period; Chinese CCC certification does not discharge any of these obligations. (2) Grid conditions — Japanese mains is 100 V / 200 V at 50 Hz (east) or 60 Hz (west), versus China's 220 V / 380 V at 50 Hz; appliances must be verified for the lower voltage and dual-frequency operation, including motor/compressor rating and protective-device coordination. (3) National deviations and plug type — J60335 carries Japanese deviations and Japan uses the JIS C 8303 / Type A plug and earthing conventions, so Chinese CCC test data cannot be assumed to cover the Japanese test requirements without engineering review. (4) Japanese-language markings and instructions are required.[INFORMATIONAL] The PSE mark under DENAN is mandatory for household refrigerating appliances sold in Japan. Refrigerators are Non-specified appliances, so the round (◯) PSE mark applies via conformity confirmation to the DENAN technical standard (J60335-2-24 / JIS C 9335-2-24). Chinese CCC certification to GB 4706.13 does not satisfy DENAN; testing to the Japanese standard, the METI business notification (事業届出), 100/200 V dual-frequency verification, and Japanese-language markings are required. | METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) — DENAN / Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act portal2026-06-15 · reference |
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- VCCI Council (Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment) · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- METI / Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) — Top Runner Program · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- METI / Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) — Energy Saving Labelling Program · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) — DENAN / PSE portal · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) — DENAN business notification (事業届出) guidance · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- Ministry of the Environment, Japan — Fluorocarbons Emission Control Act (フロン排出抑制法) portal · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows
- METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) — DENAN / Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act portal · accessed 2026-06-15 · reference · used in 1 rows