The IPA plans to start operating the voluntary system from March 2025. TÜV SÜD Japan, as a JC-STAR Testing Service Provider, will start accepting applications for level 1 of the scheme and provide third-party evaluation services.
JC-STAR was established based on the "IoT Product Security Conformity Assessment Scheme Policy" announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in August 2024. It is a voluntary system unique to Japan, but harmonized with domestic and international standards.
With security requirements for government-procured goods being recommended and potentially becoming mandatory in the future, IoT product vendors and distributors can gain a competitive advantage by obtaining this label. It also has the advantage of making it easier for consumers to choose safe IoT products by verifying their conformity with defined standards and creating more visibility for conformity.
JC-STAR applies to devices that have the ability to transmit and receive data using internet protocol (IP). Even if a device is not connected directly to the internet, as long as it can connect to the internet via another device using IP, the device is within the scope of JC-STAR. On the other hand, systems are not covered at this time.