June 27, 2023 Announcement of the Final Report on FY2022 Test Purchases of Wireless Communications Devices

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) conducts test purchases of wireless communications devices available on Internet shopping sites and similar platforms, verifying their compliance with the standards of the Radio Act.
The results of the implementation in fiscal 2022 and the status of efforts based on them have been compiled and are now open to the public.

1. Initiatives overview

There have been instances where wireless communication devices have entered the market, emitting radio waves at power levels beyond what is permitted for wireless communications devices treated as radio stations that do not require a license under the Radio Act and relevant regulations (hereafter referred to as “license-free stations”) because the radio stations operating with extremely low power of emission (hereafter referred to as “extremely low-power radio stations”).
MIC wants to prevent consumers from violating the Radio Act (unlicensed establishment of radio stations) or causing interference or disturbance to other radio stations by purchasing and using wireless communications devices that do not conform to the standards, believing them to be extremely low-power radio stations. To this end, MIC purchases wireless communications devices widely available on the market. Then MIC measures the strength and characteristics of radio waves to confirm that they conform to the standards for extremely low-power radio stations and publicizes information on wireless communications devices that do not conform to the standards.
MIC announces the results of test purchases of wireless communications devices in fiscal 2022 and the status of its efforts based on the results.

2. Summary of results of test purchases of wireless communications devices in 2022

MIC purchased and measured 400 wireless communications devices (2 units × 200 models) widely sold in the market, including Internet shopping sites, and presumed not to comply with the standards for extremely low-power radio stations.
As a result, 262 units (131 models) out of 272 units (136 models), excluding those based on standards other than those for extremely low-power radio stations, such as equipment with construction design certification, exceeded the scope of the standards for extremely low-power radio stations, and they cannot be treated as license-free stations.
Details of the measurement results of the equipment and other information are published on MIC’s Radio Use website.

3. Status of response to dealers of wireless communications devices that do not conform to the standards

Based on the results of the test purchases, MIC has been advising sellers, manufacturers, and importers against the sale of non-compliant wireless communication devices, i.e., those that do not adhere to the standards for extremely low-power radio stations, to prevent interference and disturbance. As of June 1, 2023, approximately 91.2% (96.3% in the previous fiscal year) of the dealers had stopped selling such radio equipment.

4. Trends in the distribution market for extremely low-power radio stations

Wireless communications devices that emit radio waves at power levels exceeding the level allowed to wireless communications devices have been distributed in the market. Against this backdrop, the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAAMA) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference Japan (EMCC) are implementing an initiative to clarify through testing that the power level of radio waves emitted by products is within the range of extremely low-power radio stations and to register and disclose this information (the weak radio equipment registration system).

5. Future plans

Test purchases of wireless communications devices are also conducted in fiscal 2023.
In addition, MIC will announce any radio equipment that does not conform to the standards for extremely low-power radio stations on MIC’s Radio Use website (see link below) and will continue working to ensure an appropriate environment for radio use through cooperation with related organizations and by encouraging dealers and other parties.

*The published material is in Japanese only.