September 23, 2020 Appeal for Opinions on Draft Ministerial Ordinance for Partial Revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) drafted a ministerial ordinance that will partially revise the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act in line with the revision of Article 102-11 (Recommendations on Non-Conforming Equipment) of the Radio Act. Accordingly, MIC will make an appeal for opinions as specified below from Thursday, September 24 through Monday, October 26, 2020.

1. Background and overview

Due to the development of Internet shopping in recent years, the distribution of radio equipment not meeting technical standards has expanded. There is an increasing risk that communication with radio stations in proper operation will be seriously adversely affected. Therefore, at the follow-up meeting of the Growth Strategy Roundtable Meeting on Effective Use of Radio Waves in fiscal 2020, proposals were made regarding revisions to Article 102-11 of the Radio Act (Recommendations on Non-Conforming Equipment).
Against this background, the revision of the Radio Act in 2020 relaxed the requirements for invoking recommendations and orders to manufacturers, importers, and distributors of radio equipment. This relaxation aimed to increase the effectiveness of deterring the distribution of wireless devices not meeting the technical standards.
Article 102-11, Paragraph 4 of the revised Radio Act stipulates that a Ministerial Ordinance shall specify radio stations that need to be operated properly. Accordingly, MIC drafted the ministerial ordinance that will partially revise the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act and has decided to make this appeal for opinions on the draft.

2. Subject and period of appeal for opinions

1. Subject

Draft Ministerial Ordinance for Partial Revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Radio Act

2. Period of appeal

From Thursday, September 24 and no later than Monday, October 26, 2020
(Opinions submitted by mail will be accepted if postmarked the same day.)

3. Points to remember in submitting opinions

An 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 result of the appeal for opinions, MIC will promptly proceed with the necessary procedures, including the revisions to the relevant ministerial ordinance.

5. Method for obtaining references

Reference information will be posted on the public comment page of the e-Gov (https://www.e-gov.go.jp/ ).