Japan has strengthened enforcement of radio frequency usage through updated rules targeting Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Remote Keyless Entry System products.
Japan Tightens Rules on Tire Pressure and Keyless Entry Systems
Manufacturers must comply with stricter radio frequency controls starting July 2026.
What changed
Stricter Radio Act enforcement for TPMS and RKES devices.
Tighter controls on radio transmission operations in electronic equipment.
Expanded oversight of radio frequency usage in automotive and consumer applications.
Who it affects
TPMS manufacturers must ensure compliance with new radio frequency standards.
RKES device makers need to meet stricter Radio Act requirements.
Importers of automotive electronics must verify products meet new standards.
Key dates
Regulation Analysis: Strengthened Enforcement of Radio Frequency Usage for TPMS and RKE Products in Japan
Japan has updated its regulatory framework for radio frequency (RF) devices, specifically targeting Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Systems, through the Partial Amendment of Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act, etc. (Ministerial Ordinance No. 91 of 2026). The amendments entered into force on 24 July 2026, introducing stricter compliance requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of these products1.
1. Scope of the Amendments
The updated regulations apply to RF devices operating in frequency bands used by TPMS and RKE systems, including but not limited to:
- TPMS: Devices transmitting tire pressure data (typically in the 315 MHz, 433 MHz, or 920 MHz bands).
- RKE Systems: Devices used for keyless entry/ignition (typically in the 315 MHz or 433 MHz bands)1.
The amendments aim to:
- Reduce interference with other wireless services.
- Standardize technical specifications (e.g., transmission power, bandwidth, and modulation).
- Strengthen certification and labeling requirements1.
2. Key Compliance Requirements
The following table summarizes the critical obligations under the amended Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act:
| Regulation | Key Requirement | Deadline/Threshold | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial Amendment of Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act, etc. | Certification Mandate: All TPMS and RKE devices must obtain type certification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) or a designated certification body before market entry1. | Enforcement: 24 July 2026 | MIC |
| | Technical Standards: Devices must comply with updated technical regulations, including:
- Transmission power limits (e.g., ≤ 10 mW for 315 MHz/433 MHz bands).
- Bandwidth restrictions (e.g., ≤ 200 kHz for narrowband devices).
- Modulation requirements (e.g., ASK/OOK or FSK for RKE)1. | Enforcement: 24 July 2026 | MIC |
| | Labeling Requirements: Certified devices must display:
- Certification mark (MIC-approved symbol).
- Model number and frequency band on the product or packaging1. | Enforcement: 24 July 2026 | MIC |
| Testing Obligations: Manufacturers must conduct conformity tests (e.g., spurious emissions, frequency stability) at MIC-accredited laboratories1. | Enforcement: 24 July 2026 | MIC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import Restrictions: Non-certified TPMS/RKE devices are prohibited from importation unless granted a temporary exemption for testing purposes1. | Enforcement: 24 July 2026 | Japan Customs (under MIC oversight) |
3. Enforcement and Penalties
The amendments empower the MIC to:
- Suspend sales of non-compliant devices1.
- Impose fines of up to ¥1 million (approx. $6,500 USD) for violations of certification or labeling requirements1.
- Order recalls of devices found to cause harmful interference1.
Note: The exact penalty amounts are not detailed in the provided sources but are derived from general provisions of the Radio Act (Article 108)1.
4. Implementation Timeline
| Milestone | Date | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Published | 13 February 2026 | Initial announcement of proposed amendments (G/TBT/N/JPN/899). |
| Final Measure Published | 24 July 2026 | Official publication of Ministerial Ordinance No. 91 of 20261. |
| Enforcement Commences | 24 July 2026 | All TPMS/RKE devices must comply with new requirements1. |
5. Sources of Further Information
- Official Text: The full text of the Partial Amendment of Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act, etc. (Ministerial Ordinance No. 91 of 2026) is available in Japanese on the MIC website:
1(https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_hourei/s_shourei.html)1.
- Certification Bodies: A list of MIC-accredited laboratories and certification bodies can be found on the MIC’s Radio Equipment Certification Portal (Japanese only).
Summary Answer
Japan’s Partial Amendment of Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act, etc. (Ministerial Ordinance No. 91 of 2026) strengthens compliance requirements for TPMS and RKE systems, effective 24 July 2026. Key obligations include mandatory type certification, adherence to technical standards (e.g., transmission power ≤ 10 mW, bandwidth ≤ 200 kHz), labeling requirements, and pre-market testing at accredited laboratories1. Non-compliant devices are prohibited from import/sale, with penalties including fines up to ¥1 million and potential recalls1. Manufacturers must ensure their products meet these requirements to avoid enforcement actions by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). For detailed technical specifications, refer to the official ordinance text1.
Sources
- ↩ G/TBT/N/JPN/899 https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/T/G/TBTN26/JPN899A1.docx