Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) Compliance: What You Don’t Know *Will* Hurt Your Market Access

If you’re shipping TVs, laptops, or microwaves into Japan and still treating Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) like a “soft” regulation — you’re walking into risk blind.

Japan’s RoHS regulation — officially known as JIS C 0950:2021 — is strict, visible, and enforceable. And just like EU RoHS, it targets 6 hazardous substances in electronics. But here’s what makes it unique: Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) is a marking law. If you don’t label correctly, you’re non-compliant. Period.

Let’s break down what the latest update means — and how to stay ahead.

What is Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) (JIS C 0950:2021)?

Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) is Japan’s mandatory hazardous substance labeling rule for 7 types of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). It doesn’t just restrict lead, mercury, and other substances — it forces manufacturers to declare them publicly.

You must disclose:

• If your product exceeds the legal thresholds
• Which substances are present
• Where the information lives (website, catalogs, product labels)

And yes — the orange and green Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) marks are mandatory.

Regulated Substances and Limits (Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) Table)

| Substance | Limit (by weight in homogeneous material) | | -------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | | Lead (Pb) | 0.1% | | Mercury (Hg) | 0.1% | | Cadmium (Cd) | 0.01% | | Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺) | 0.1% | | PBB | 0.1% | | PBDE | 0.1% |

These limits mirror EU RoHS, but Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) enforces public presence declarations, not just internal DoCs.

Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) Marking Explained (Orange vs Green)

There are only two types of Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) marks:

• Orange Mark: If any substance exceeds limits (and isn’t exempted), this mark must be printed on product, packaging, and catalogs. You must also publish a webpage explaining which substances are present.
• Green Mark: Used when a product meets limits or qualifies for exemptions. It’s voluntary, but requires the same level of transparency (including a web-based substance declaration).

⚠️ Don't guess — these markings are regulated under JIS C 0950:2021. Failure to label properly = non-compliance.

Who Enforces Japan RoHS (J-MOSS)?

Three heavyweight industry bodies:

• JEITA (Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association)
• JEMA (Japan Electrical Manufacturers Association)
• JRAIA (Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association)

They guide compliance, labeling standards, and updates under Japan RoHS (J-MOSS).

Scope of Japan RoHS (J-MOSS): Who Must Comply?

Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) applies to 7 product categories:

• Personal computers
• Unit-type air conditioners
• Television sets
• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Clothes dryers
• Microwaves

Manufacturers must:

• Stay current with threshold updates
• Document the use of substances and any exemptions
• Publish declarations in Japanese per JIS C 0950 Annex B
• Display accurate and compliant labeling (online and on-pack)

If you manufacture, brand, or import — you’re responsible.

Final Thoughts: Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) Compliance Isn’t Just a Label. It’s a Strategy.

Japan RoHS (J-MOSS) is more than a compliance check — it’s a reputational checkpoint. The brands that label transparently win trust, avoid penalties, and go global.

Let Acquis Take the Guesswork Out of Japan RoHS (J-MOSS)

Acquis helps you build substance declarations that are Japan RoHS (J-MOSS)-compliant and audit-ready.

• Track thresholds by component
• Flag risks across BOMs
• Centralize exemption handling
• Auto-generate disclosure pages (JP + EN)

Book a walkthrough with our compliance experts today. Go-to-market faster. Build trust through transparent substance reporting.