What is the Technical Compliance Mark? A thorough explanation of the certification required for use of wireless devices

Updated: July 2025, 6

Bluetooth devices and other wireless communication products includeTechnique mark" is required to be displayed.
This mark is essential for the legal use of devices that emit radio waves within Japan.

　Do you know the Technical Conformity Mark?

"Giteki" is an abbreviation for "Technical Standards Conformity Certification," and in order to legally use radio communication equipment in Japan, the "Giteki mark" must be displayed through this certification.
Therefore, if radio communication equipment is sold overseas and does not have the 'Technical Approval' mark, it may be in violation of the law.
　 　
There are two types of systems generally referred to as "technical suitability":

This can be confusing because the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has jurisdiction over both and uses the same "Technical Suitability" mark, but each has its own purpose and has different applicable laws.

Here, we will explain the "Technical Standards Conformity Certification" based on the Radio Law.

First, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' website states the following:
　

To prevent interference and disruption in wireless communications, and to ensure the efficient use of radio waves, which are a valuable and scarce resource, the establishment of radio stations is, in principle, subject to a licensing system. During the license application process, inspections are conducted to ensure that the radio equipment used at the station conforms to technical standards.
However, for radio stations for use in small-scale radio stations such as mobile phones and specified by Ordinance of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Specified Radio Equipment), from the perspective of user convenience, standards based on the Radio Law must be established in advance. If you are certified and bear the mark (Technical Conformity Mark) specified by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications ordinance, you will be entitled to special measures regarding procedures for opening a radio station, such as the omission of inspections during license procedures.

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website

　
Simply put, in order to use radio communication equipment, you must either obtain a license as a radio station or obtain a technical compliance mark.

　What is the position of “technical suitability”?

All devices that use radio waves for communication, such as smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth headphones, areradio” is called.
Radio waves emitted by radio devices spread out from the antenna and can interfere with other radios and electronic devices, so they are controlled and regulated by each country's government.
　
In Japan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications is in charge of managing radio waves.You cannot use radio waves without a license.
　
However, for devices that are used by a large number of people, such as smartphones, Wi-Fi routers, and Bluetooth headphones, issuing individual licenses for each one would be unrealistic and too time-consuming, so special measures have been put in place.
That is, for a particular application,It is permitted to use the equipment (radio) without a separate license..
　
Therefore"Technical aptitude" was established as a system to accommodate the above-mentioned special provisions.
In other words, although it is necessary to obtain a license in principle, some devices are permitted to be used without a license. In this case, it is necessary to follow the procedures in accordance with the Technical Conformity System and display the Technical Conformity Mark on the equipment.

However, many smartphones and devices intended for overseas markets cannot be used in the Japanese market because they have not gone through the procedures required by the Technical Approval System.
Therefore, if you want to use these devices in Japan, you will need to obtain a separate license.
The use of wireless devices that do not comply with the technical standards is prohibited.Radio law violation.

Bluetooth is a wireless standard that uses frequencies in the 2.4 GHz band (2400 to 2483.5 MHz), and is intended for low-power wireless connections over short distances of several meters to 10 meters.
　
There are many electronic devices on the market that are equipped with Bluetooth, such as speakers, earphones, keyboards, mice, and smart watches, so you may have heard the name Bluetooth often. Although initial settings are required, since it is wireless communication, there is no need to worry about cable connections, and this is an area where the market is expanding.

　What is a "Registered Certification Body" that performs technical conformity certification?

A person in Japan who has been registered by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications as a person conducting technical standards conformity certification business. (Article 38-XNUMX-XNUMX of the Radio Act)

　
In order to receive registration, it is necessary to meet standards regarding the knowledge and experience of the person performing the certification work, the equipment used for certification, and neutrality. You will be responsible.
As of February 5, 2, approximately 1 corporations have been registered as registered certification bodies and are conducting business.
　
There are two types of wireless authentication:

　Materials required for application, etc.

The required contents will vary depending on the actual application.
Here, let's compare it to a communication board using a communication IC.
　
The required tests are generally as follows.
　

1. Transmission spurious

This refers to noise and unwanted signals that occur incidentally in addition to normal communications.
Although it depends on the performance of the transmitter, if the transmission spurious is too large, it may affect surrounding communications or degrade the quality of your own communications.
　

2. Occupied bandwidth

This refers to the bandwidth required for communication, and indicates the width of the band that occupies a certain frequency.
For example, the occupied bandwidth of FM radio is approximately 20 kHz.
　

3. Spreading bandwidth

In spread spectrum communication, the original signal is dispersed over a wide frequency band according to certain rules to achieve communication.
The spreading bandwidth is determined by how it is distributed. The larger the spreading bandwidth, the faster the communication speed, but it may affect the communication quality.
　

4.Secondary launch

This refers to signals that occur accidentally at frequencies other than those for communication.
For example, collateral emissions produced during communication on a mobile phone can affect nearby radio or television reception.
　

A pass/fail judgment will be made after determining whether all of the above items meet the standards.
Prior to the certification body's exam, we conduct a preliminary evaluation to ensure that there are no problems.

For consultation regarding technical compliance, please contact Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation.

At Support Administrative Scriveners Corporation, we provide application support and consulting for wireless devices to both new entrants into the industry and existing businesses.

Technical suitability is highly specialized, and it can be said that it is one of the fields in which there are few administrative scriveners who can handle it.
We provide legal services related to radio equipment based on the know-how and track record that we can accumulate because we are administrative scriveners who handle applications and negotiations with administrative agencies on behalf of companies on a daily basis.
　
Our staff has a track record of applying in all prefectures across the country. Please contact us by all means.