June 30, 2025 Announcement of the Summary of the Report on the FY2024 Test Purchases of Wireless Communication Devices

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has started the initiative (test purchases of wireless communication devices) to purchase wireless communication devices distributed through online shopping sites, etc., to verify their compliance with the conditions of the Radio Act.
　The MIC has compiled the results of the FY2024 report and the status of initiatives based on those results.

1. Overview of test purchases of wireless communication devices

　In the Radio Act, one type of radio equipment that can be treated as a radio station that does not require a license for use is radio equipment with extremely low-power emission (hereinafter referred to as “extremely low-power radio equipment”). Such equipment is generally used within specified the criteria, but there are also radio equipment on the market that exceed the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment, and causing interference and other disruptions to other radio stations.
　In order to prevent consumers from violating the Radio Act (illegal establishment of a radio station) or causing interference and other disruptions to other radio stations by purchasing and using wireless communication devices that do not meet the criteria, MIC purchases such devices distributed in the websites, etc., measures the power and characteristics of the emission from these devices to verify their compliance with the criteria and publishes information on devices that do not meet the criteria.

2. Summary of the results of the FY2024 test purchases of wireless communication devices

　Among the wireless communication devices distributed through websites, etc., 204 models that lacked information regarding radio station licensing procedures and compliance with technical standards, and which were presumed not to meet the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment were purchased and measured.
　As a result of the measurements, it was confirmed that 153 models, excluding those with construction design certification and other devices subject to standards separate from those for extremely low-power radio equipment, did not conform to the criteria. A summary of the results is provided in the attached PDF .
　Details of measurement results for wireless communication devices are published on the MIC's Radio Use Portal. (https://www.tele.soumu.go.jp/j/adm/monitoring/illegal/result/index.htm ).

3. Status of response measures taken against vendors selling non-compliant wireless communication devices

　Based on the results of the test purchases of wireless communication devices, MIC is requesting that distributors, manufacturers, and importers of wireless communication devices that do not comply with the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment to refrain from selling such devices in order to prevent interference or other disruptions. In FY2024, it was confirmed that approximately 95.1% of the vendors (as of June 16, 2025) had taken corrective measures, such as suspending the sale of the relevant wireless communication devices or clearly indicating on sales pages and similar platforms that a radio station license is required for use, as the devices do not comply with the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment.

4. Trends in extremely low-power radio equipment in the circulation market

　Against the backdrop of wireless communication devices that emit power exceeding the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment being distributed in the market, the Japan Auto Accessories Manufacturers' Association (JAAMA) and the Electromagnetic Compatibility Conference Japan (EMCC) are carrying out an initiative (registration system for extremely low-power radio equipment) that involves testing products to verify that the power they emit falls within the criteria for extremely low-power radio equipment, and then registering and publicly disclosing that information to help consumers select such products with peace of mind.

5. Future plans

　The MIC will continue to conduct test purchases of wireless communication devices in FY2025. The MIC will work to secure an appropriate radiocommunication environment by continuing to conduct test purchases of wireless communication devices, announcing the results, cooperating with related institutions, and proactively reaching out to retailers and platform providers of online shopping sites.