NCS Guide to JPEx Certification
Comprehensive guidance for Japanese Ex certification requirements for imported equipment.
Overview and Legal Framework
This guide provides information on the requirements for JPEx (Japanese explosion-proof) certification for equipment already certified under IECEx or ATEX schemes.
Legal Requirements
Explosion-proof equipment intended for use in Japan must comply with the Japanese Industrial Safety and Health Act. While equipment certified under IECEx or ATEX meets international technical standards, it requires a Type Certificate of Conformity (JPEx certification) issued by a Japanese registered certification body to be legally used in Japan.
Important: Using equipment without valid JPEx certification constitutes a violation of Japanese law.
Eligibility to Apply
Applications for JPEx certification of imported equipment may be submitted by the overseas manufacturer of the equipment, or the legal importer in Japan. A complete application package is necessary in all cases.
Application Prerequisites
The following requirements must be satisfied prior to application submission:
1. Applicant Eligibility
The applicant must be either the overseas manufacturer, or a legal importer in Japan.
Note: EPC contractors, project managers, or third-party coordinators do not have standing to apply unless they also serve as the legal importer of record.
2. Validity of Quality System Certification
A valid Quality Assessment Report (QAR) for IECEx-based applications, or Quality Assurance Notification (QAN) for ATEX-based applications, is required.
3. Availability of Manufacturer Documentation
The overseas manufacturer's provision of technical documents, product samples, and timely responses to technical inquiries is a mandatory requirement for the assessment process.
4. Definition of Certification Scope
The specific models and protection types to be certified must be clearly defined. JPEx applications often require separation into individual applications even if covered by a single IECEx/ATEX certificate.
Required Submission Package
The following items are required for all applications. Incomplete submissions will affect assessment timelines. For a detailed list of materials, please refer to the link below:
For Applications Based on IECEx
| Required Item | Details |
|---|---|
| IECEx Certificate of Conformity (CoC) | Certificate number must be provided |
| Full Ex Test Report (ExTR) | Complete test report as issued by the test laboratory |
| Schedule Drawings | Drawings listed on the certificate that define the explosion-proof structure |
| Product Sample | Physical sample (minimum 1 unit) for inspection |
| Quality Assessment Report (QAR) | Valid QAR from the manufacturer |
For Applications Based on ATEX
| Required Item | Details |
|---|---|
| EU-Type Examination Certificate | For ATEX Category 1, 2, or 3 as applicable |
| Full ATEX Assessment Report | Equivalent to an ExTR ※ All versions from issue 0 to the latest are required |
| Schedule Drawings | Drawings listed on the certificate |
| Product Sample | Physical sample (minimum 1 unit) for inspection |
| Quality Assurance Notification (QAN) | Valid QAN from the manufacturer |
Separately Certified Components
Please Note: Equipment with an IECEx CoC often contains components with their own separate CoCs (e.g., cable glands, blanking elements, batteries). IECEx CoCs for these components are not valid in Japan by themselves.
Therefore, the applicant must also submit the relevant application documents for these separately certified components so they can undergo the JPEx conformity assessment.
Application Procedure
The certification process follows a clear set of steps, from document submission to the final issuance of the JPEx certificate.
Certification Steps
- Application Submission: The applicant submits the complete JPEx application package.
- Invoice Issuance: NCS issues an invoice for the certification fees.
- Document Examination: We conduct a thorough examination to confirm that the submitted documents comply with the applicable Japanese technical standards.
- Product Sample Examination: A physical product sample is examined to verify compliance with the submitted documents (as per IEC 60079-0 Clause 25). This is a mandatory step for all applications.
- Additional Testing (if necessary): If the document and sample review indicates a need for further verification, additional tests may be conducted.
- Draft Certificate Review: A draft certificate is sent to the applicant for confirmation. The applicant returns the signed draft.
- Certificate Issuance: The official JPEx certificate is issued.
Deliverables (JPEx Outputs)
Upon successful completion of the certification process, the applicant will receive the following:
| Item | Media Type and Quantity |
|---|---|
| JPEx certificate | ■ Paper (original): 1 (by post) ■ PDF (copy): 1 |
| Stamped drawings | PDF: 1 |
| Stamped drawings list | PDF: 1 |
| Stamped Schedule of Variants (models) | PDF: 1 |
Considerations for Projects Involving Multiple Parties
In projects involving end users, EPC contractors, and equipment manufacturers, early clarification of roles and documentation responsibilities is crucial to prevent delays.
Role of Manufacturer in the Assessment Process
Regardless of the applicant, the overseas manufacturer's cooperation is mandatory. This includes providing all technical documents, responding to technical inquiries, supplying product samples, and supporting any corrective actions.
Rationale for Separate JPEx Assessment
A common question is: "Why is a separate assessment required in Japan for products already certified under IECEx or ATEX?"
Jurisdictional Authority and Legal Responsibility
Japan maintains its own legal framework for industrial safety. As a Registered Certification Body, NCS bears legal responsibility for certifying product safety for the Japanese market. This principle applies globally; a JPEx certificate is not valid in Europe (which requires ATEX) or North America (which requires UL/CSA), and conversely, IECEx/ATEX certificates are not legally valid in Japan without JPEx assessment.
Utilization of Existing Test Data and Independent Assessment
While we utilize existing IECEx test data (ExTR) to streamline the process, our responsibility is to independently assess and verify compliance with Japan's technical standards. This constitutes a comprehensive technical assessment, not a simple administrative conversion of certificates.
Support and Certification Fees
Administrative support services for the application process are available. For information regarding available services and a quotation for certification fees, please contact us.
- Email for quotations: support@ncs-ex.com
Document History
Nov 12, 2025: Initial