Since its 12 December 2025 notice, Amazon.co.jp has told overseas sellers to appoint a Domestic Administrator (国内管理人) in Japan and file the METI notification, and has said that listings may be removed otherwise. If you received that request, the marketplace is treating you as a possible specified importer (an overseas business selling regulated products directly to Japanese consumers without a Japanese importer). Whether your product is actually in scope is still your call to check.
What the notice is asking for
METI's rule requires a specified importer (an overseas business selling directly) to notify METI and to appoint an individual or company in Japan that will (1) be the contact point for METI, (2) handle hazard-prevention measures including recalls, (3) receive ministerial notices, (4) keep test records and conformity certificates available, and (5) respond to reports and inspections. METI publishes the administrator's name alongside yours, so the details you give Amazon should match your METI filing.
Three ways to satisfy it
| Option | Typical cost | Fits when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Domestic Administrator service provider | roughly JPY 60,000–300,000 per year; some list from JPY 5,000 per month | You want to keep selling direct | Liability cap, who holds the test reports, what happens if you become unreachable, whether they also cover customs ACP |
| A Japanese importer of record | their margin | You are fine giving up direct sales | The importer becomes the notifying business and controls the listing |
| Your own Japanese entity | JPY 60,000 registration plus accounting | Volume justifies it | Takes 3–6 weeks; you still need a person in Japan |
The order of operations that usually works
- Confirm which products are in scope. A bundled AC adapter or a lithium-ion cell above the energy-density threshold is the usual trigger; a USB-only device without a battery may be outside the list. The free Quick Check gives a first answer in 20 seconds.
- Get the PSE evidence in order first (certificate or test report, the mark on the product, the notifying-business name on the label). An administrator cannot fix missing test reports.
- Sign the delegation contract and file the METI notification. The METI filing needs the administrator's registry certificate or resident record, a certificate of authority (権限証明書), the contract copy and a pledge.
- Reply to Amazon with your business name and address and the administrator's name and address; keep the METI receipt in case it is requested. Our notice decoder drafts that reply.
Early access to our own service
Torii Japan Compliance is opening the Domestic Administrator and customs ACP roles to a first group of five brands, in English, with a draft agreement you can read before committing: Domestic Administrator — early access. Joining the list is free and non-binding; if you need a provider today, we introduce an English-speaking one at no charge.
Informational summary from public sources, not legal advice. Confirm with METI or a registered conformity assessment body. Source: METI, 海外事業者が製品安全４法の規制対象となりました.