October 28, 2020 Appeal for Opinions on Draft Guidelines for Deterring the Distribution of Wireless Devices not Conforming to Technical Standards

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has drafted Guidelines for Deterring the Distribution of Wireless Devices that not Conforming to Technical Standards. Accordingly, MIC will make an appeal for opinions on the draft from Thursday, October 29 through Friday, December 4, 2020.

1. Background and overview

The Radio Act imposes an obligation on manufacturers, importers, and distributors to make efforts not to distribute wireless devices that do not meet technical standards (under Article 102-11 of the Radio Act). However, wireless devices that do not seem to meet Japan’s technical standards are sold at stores in town and shopping websites on the Internet.
In view of the situation, a fiscal 2019 meeting was held to follow up on the proposals summarized at a growth strategy roundtable meeting on the effective use of radio waves. The fiscal 2019 meeting made recommendations in December 2020. The recommendations state that it is appropriate to clarify the content of manufacturers, importers, and distributors’ efforts under the Radio Act to effectively suppress the distribution of wireless devices not conforming to technical standards. Simultaneously, the recommendations also state that it is appropriate to request strengthened voluntary efforts of those deeply involved in the sale of wireless devices by distributors on Internet shopping websites and function as virtual points of contact between these wireless devices and consumers.
With consideration of the recommendations, MIC drafted the Guidelines for Deterring the Distribution of Wireless Devices not Conforming to Technical Standards and has decided to make an appeal for opinions.

2. Subject and procedure of appeal for opinions

1. Subject

Draft Guidelines for Deterring the Distribution of Wireless Devices not Conforming to Technical Standards

2. Submission period

From Thursday, October 29, and no later than Friday, December 4, 2020 (Opinions, if submitted by mail, will be accepted if postmarked on the deadline date.)

3. Procedure for submitting opinions

See the linked procedure for the public appeal for opinions.

3. Points to remember in submitting opinions

A written opinion submitted may be officially announced along with the submitter’s name (corporate name if the submitter is a corporate body) and information on other attributes.
Please be reminded that the MIC is not able to give any specific answer to opinions submitted.

4. Future plans

Considering the results of the appeal for opinions, MIC will finalize and announce the contents of the Guidelines for Deterring the Distribution of Wireless Devices not Conforming to Technical Standards.

5. Method for obtaining reference information

MIC will post reference information on the public comment page of the e-Gov (https://www.e-gov.go.jp/en/ ).