Japan’s MIC (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications) certification under the Radio Wave Act is mandatory for any product that uses wireless communication or emits radio frequencies — including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 5G, and IoT devices.
Unlike fixed-fee certifications, MIC certification costs vary significantly depending on the device’s radio complexity, certification path, and test scope.
This guide provides an in-depth cost breakdown based on 2025 market data, helping manufacturers plan budgets more accurately and identify cost-saving opportunities.
The total cost typically includes testing fees, agency service fees, and official charges.
Here’s an updated cost reference (in Japanese Yen, JPY) for different product categories:
| Product Category | Core Testing Requirements & Certification Path | Estimated Total Cost (JPY) | Key Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Power SRD Device (e.g., simple Bluetooth tag) | Technical Standards Conformity Declaration (no RCB certificate) | ¥400,000 – ¥800,000 | Frequency bands; Modulation complexity |
| Standard Wireless Device (e.g., Wi-Fi 5 router, Bluetooth speaker) | Full Certification (RF + EMC) | ¥800,000 – ¥1,800,000 | Multi-band testing; Antenna count; RCB selection |
| High-Performance / Multi-mode Device (e.g., Wi-Fi 6E/7 AP, 5G CPE) | Full Certification (Multi-band RF + Advanced EMC) | ¥1,800,000 – ¥4,000,000+ | 6GHz band testing; MIMO; 5G NR conformance |
| IoT Device with Cybersecurity (e.g., industrial gateway, smart meter) | Full Certification + Cybersecurity Assessment | ¥1,500,000 – ¥3,500,000+ | Cybersecurity scope; Penetration testing depth |
Actual cost may vary by certification body, number of models, and frequency band complexity.
Testing makes up 60–80% of total MIC certification costs.
a. RF Conformance Testing:
Validates radio performance — transmit power, frequency tolerance, occupied bandwidth, and spurious emissions.
Single-band device: ¥500,000 – ¥1,000,000
Multi-band (e.g., 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz Wi-Fi): ¥2,000,000+
b. EMC Testing:
Ensures electromagnetic interference and immunity compliance.
Typical cost: ¥200,000 – ¥500,000
c. Cybersecurity Assessment (New 2025 Requirement):
Mandatory for connected IoT devices under the IoT Device Security Baseline.
Basic documentation & vulnerability assessment: ¥300,000 – ¥800,000
Full penetration testing: +¥500,000 – ¥1,000,000
Wi-Fi 6E/7 and 5G devices usually require the longest and most expensive test cycles.
Foreign manufacturers must apply through a Japanese Domestic Representative — this is a legal requirement under the Radio Wave Act.
a. Domestic Representative Service Fee:
¥200,000 – ¥500,000
Covers legal representation, document submission, and communication with regulators.
b. Project Management & Documentation Fee:
¥300,000 – ¥700,000
Includes translation, project coordination, and preparation of Japanese-language technical files.
Choosing an experienced local partner can prevent costly re-submissions and delays.
RCB Certification Fee: ¥100,000 – ¥300,000
Paid to the Registered Certification Body (RCB) for report review and certificate issuance.
MIC Filing Fee: ¥10,000 – ¥30,000
Charged for registering the product in the MIC database.
| Category | Description | Estimated Cost (JPY) |
|---|---|---|
| Modification & Re-testing | If the product fails initial testing and needs adjustment/retesting | 30–70% of original test fee |
| Translation & Localization | Japanese-language manual, label, and document translation | ¥50,000 – ¥150,000 |
| Factory Audit (High-Risk Products) | Required for some high-power or sensitive devices | ¥500,000 – ¥1,500,000 |
Products using software-defined radios or supporting multiple wireless protocols (Wi-Fi + 5G + BLE) often face re-testing costs after firmware updates.
To reduce total project cost and avoid unnecessary repetition, manufacturers can apply the following strategies:
If you already hold FCC, CE, or CB certificates, partial data can often be reused to reduce Japanese test scope — saving up to 40% of the testing cost.
For product families sharing identical RF modules or circuit designs, group them under one certification to minimize repeated testing.
Perform internal pre-checks (especially for spurious emissions and output power) before formal submission to avoid costly retests.
Different RCBs specialize in different product types. Selecting one familiar with your technology can shorten time and lower administrative fees.
For IoT devices, prepare encryption, OTA update, and access control documentation early — this can eliminate extra revision cycles.
JP Mandatory Domestic Representative:
All foreign manufacturers must appoint a Japanese entity for MIC applications.
Severe Penalties for Non-Compliance:
Selling uncertified devices in Japan can result in:
Product confiscation or destruction
Fines up to ¥100 million
Blacklisting from future imports
MIC enforcement has intensified in 2025 — especially for unregistered IoT and Wi-Fi 6E products.
At Blue Asia Technology (Shenzhen), we specialize in helping manufacturers navigate the entire Japan MIC certification process — from testing to documentation and representation.
Our services include:
JP Full MIC Certification (RF / EMC / Cybersecurity)
Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, and IoT device testing
CB/FCC report conversion for faster approval
Domestic Representative coordination and submission
Cost optimization & project timeline management
king.guo@cblueasia.com
+86 135 3422 5140
If you’re planning to launch wireless products in Japan, we can help you calculate your estimated certification budget and shorten approval timelines.
Request a Free MIC Cost Assessment →
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