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Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has notified the WTO of proposed amendments to the Radio Act enforcement ordinance that will expand frequency bands for Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) and Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) systems to 433.05-434.79 MHz. The changes eliminate equipment enclosure requirements and align Japan's technical requirements with global automotive radio equipment practices.
Japan's current Radio Act framework specifies narrower frequency bands for TPMS and RKE systems than those commonly adopted internationally. The proposed amendments reflect Japan's effort to harmonize its technical requirements with global practices for short-range automotive radio equipment. According to the WTO notification G/TBT/N/JPN/840, major countries do not impose enclosure-specific requirements on this category of equipment, creating regulatory divergence that affects international trade.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications circulated the WTO TBT notification on February 13, 2026, proposing partial amendments to the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Radio Act. The notification indicates that manufacturers worldwide have adopted a wider frequency band for TPMS and RKE applications, prompting Japan to align its framework with international practices.
The Land Radio Communications Committee reviewed these technical conditions under Inquiry No. 2009 concerning low-power radio systems. During its 97th meeting held on January 22, 2026, the Committee compiled the draft report supporting the proposed changes.
The legal foundation for this amendment is the Radio Act of 1950, Law No. 131. The proposed changes will modify two key regulatory instruments:
Under the current framework, Japan structures its regulatory approach around different frequency allocations than those used in international markets. The amendment introduces partial revisions that will bring Japan's technical conditions into alignment with the 433 MHz band primarily relied upon by international markets.
The frequency band expansion affects manufacturers of TPMS and RKE systems, automotive manufacturers incorporating these systems, and the broader automotive electronics supply chain serving the Japanese market. The changes will impact regulatory compliance and type approval requirements for TPMS and RKE devices operating in Japan.
The removal of equipment enclosure requirements may simplify product design and certification processes for manufacturers, reducing the need for Japan-specific product modifications. This harmonization facilitates international trade by reducing barriers created by divergent technical requirements.
Manufacturers must review product frequency configurations to assess conformity with the expanded 433.05-434.79 MHz band. Companies should update compliance documentation where necessary and prepare for the transition to the new technical framework.
The amendment will require manufacturers to:
Key regulatory milestones include:
Stakeholders have a 60-day window from the date of notification to submit comments to Japan's Enquiry Point. Once adopted, the amendment will be published in the Official Gazette and incorporated into the enforcement ordinance.
Manufacturers should immediately review their product portfolios to identify TPMS and RKE devices intended for the Japanese market. Verify current frequency configurations against the proposed 433.05-434.79 MHz band and assess whether existing products require modification.
Companies should monitor the final publication timeline and prepare compliance documentation updates. Consider submitting comments during the consultation period if the proposed changes affect your products or compliance strategy.
Update internal compliance procedures to reflect the elimination of equipment enclosure requirements. This change may allow for simplified product designs and reduced certification complexity for the Japanese market.
Establish monitoring procedures for the Official Gazette publication to ensure timely implementation of the new requirements when they enter into force in June 2026.