October 31, 2025 Announcement of Intermediate Report (First Round) on FY2025 Test Purchases of Wireless Communications Devices

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) is conducting an initiative (test purchases of wireless communications devices) in which wireless devices distributed through online shopping sites and other channels are purchased to verify their compliance with the criteria set forth in the Radio Act.
　The MIC has now compiled and released the Interim Report (First Round) for FY2025 based on the results of these test purchases.

Note: The published materials are in Japanese only.

1. Overview of test purchases of wireless communications devices

　Under the Radio Act, one type of wireless communication device that may be used without requiring a license is equipment that emits radio waves of extremely low power (hereinafter referred to as “extremely low-power radio equipment”). Such equipment is intended for short-range communication and must, in principle, be operated within the criteria defined for extremely low-power radio equipment. However, some devices on the market emit radio waves that exceed the permissible levels for extremely low-power radio equipment. These noncompliant devices have, in some cases, caused interference and other disruptions to licensed radio stations.

　To prevent consumers from unintentionally violating the Radio Act, specifically, the illegal establishment of a radio station (punishable by up to one year of imprisonment or a fine of up to one million yen), and to avoid interference with other radio stations, MIC purchases radio equipment sold through online shopping sites and similar channels and conducts initiatives such as measuring the strength and characteristics of radio waves to verify whether they comply with the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment, and publicly disclosing information on any radio equipment found not to meet these criteria.

2. Results of the Interim Report (First Round) of Test Purchases of Wireless Communications Devices in 2025

　In the first round of this initiative, the MIC prioritized the purchase of widely available products, such as keyless entry systems and drones, that can be easily obtained through online shopping sites and other platforms. As a result of testing these devices, it was confirmed that 58 models emitted radio waves exceeding the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment. The results have been published on the Radio Use Portal.
(https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/adm/monitoring/illegal/result/index.htm)

In addition, there are some efforts as a voluntary initiative in the private sector to display a certification mark on radio equipment that comply with the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment.

3. Future plans

　The MIC will request that sellers refrain from selling any radio equipment confirmed in this report to emit radio waves that do not comply with the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment.

　Furthermore, the MIC will continue to conduct test purchases of wireless communications devices and publish the results. In cooperation with relevant organizations, as well as through proactive engagement with retailers and online shopping platform operators, the MIC will work to ensure a proper radio-use environment.