Regulatory Compliance News

Japan Introduces Technical Rules for 6.7 MHz Wireless Power Transfer Systems Under Radio Act

Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) submitted a formal World Trade Organization (WTO) notification under the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) agreement—reference G/TBT/N/JPN/833—outlining a partial amendment to the Ordinances for Enforcement of the Radio Act. The regulatory update introduces dedicated technical requirements and operational standards for Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) systems operating in the 6.7 MHz frequency band (specifically centered around 6.78 MHz). By establishing a clear legal framework for high-frequency inductive and resonant power transfer, the MIC aims to support expanding industrial automation, logistics infrastructure, and autonomous mobile robot deployments across distribution centers and manufacturing facilities throughout Japan.

The integration of 6.7 MHz WPT technical standards addresses critical electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio frequency spectrum co-existence requirements. Under the revised ordinance parameters, WPT systems utilizing the 6.7 MHz band must maintain defined maximum power transfer thresholds, strict out-of-band spurious emission limits, and robust shielding to prevent harmful interference with primary radio communication services and nearby sensitive electronics. Furthermore, the technical specifications define operational safety conditions and human exposure boundaries to ensure high-power industrial wireless charging units operate safely in automated workplace environments.

These regulatory developments directly expand equipment authorization pathways managed under Japan's Radio Law framework. Manufacturers, industrial automation integrators, and testing laboratories producing or importing 6.7 MHz WPT equipment for the Japanese market must ensure technical construction files comply with the updated ordinance requirements. Depending on the specific system classification—whether categorized as high-frequency equipment requiring individual installation permits or specified radio equipment subject to Technical Regulations Conformity Certification (Giteki mark)—compliance managers must coordinate with MIC-recognized Registered Certification Bodies (RCBs) to verify accredited test reports before commercial distribution and operational deployment in Japan.