By Hitesh Ram | Fri Jul 28 2023 | 2 min read

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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)

Country-specific substance requirements are easier to manage with RoHS compliance software across global product lines and supplier networks.

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)

J_MOSS_japan rohs.png

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

Regilient 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.

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

What is Japan RoHS (J‑MOSS) and why is it required?
Japan RoHS (J‑MOSS) under JIS C 0950:2021 mandates labeling and public disclosure of six restricted substances in seven product categories sold in Japan—ensuring transparency beyond just internal compliance
Which products fall under Japan RoHS compliance?
Seven electrical/electronic products are within scope: personal computers, TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, microwaves, and unit-type air conditioners
What substances does J‑MOSS regulate and what are the thresholds?
J‑MOSS targets six hazardous substances—Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Hexavalent Chromium, PBB, and PBDE—with maximum allowed concentrations by weight in homogeneous materials: 0.1% (0.01% for Cadmium).
When do I use the orange vs. green J‑MOSS mark?
Use the orange “R” mark when any substance exceeds legal limits—mandatory on product, packaging, catalogs, plus online disclosure. Use green “G” mark if compliant or exempt; still requires online transparency
What must be disclosed online under J‑MOSS?
If any substance exceeds thresholds or is exempted, the product-specific substance presence must be published on a Japanese-language website as per JIS C 0950 Annex B
Who enforces Japan RoHS labeling requirements?
The standard is regulated by JEITA, JEMA, and JRAIA , jointly overseeing labeling guidelines, scopes, and updates under JIS C 0950
When did the latest J‑MOSS update occur and what changed?
The current standard, JIS C 0950:2021 , took effect March 22, 2021 , revising the orange logo and substance exemptions compared to the 2008 version