Common challenges
Your equipment is built to an international code such as ASME, but its compliance with Japanese regulations has not been confirmed.
The application calls for many documents, and gathering them from the manufacturer and translating them into Japanese takes time.
It is unclear whether the equipment counts as Specified Equipment or as other high-pressure gas equipment, and when the application must be filed.
Five areas of support
Working closely with third-party inspection bodies, we provide technical support for Japanese certification in the following areas.
Compliance review at the design stage
We confirm compliance with Japanese technical standards while the design is still open, so that problems do not surface after fabrication has started.
Review of inspection documents
We review strength calculations, structural drawings, welding records, material certificates and other inspection documents.
Preparation of application documents
We prepare the application forms, organize the supporting documents and arrange the Japanese translations that are required.
Filing on your behalf
We handle the application procedures with the competent authorities and inspection bodies.
Attendance at official inspections in Japan
We attend inspections carried out in Japan and support you on the technical side.
Applicable laws and equipment
* Which law applies to a given piece of equipment, and which inspections or certifications it must undergo, depend on its specifications, the gas it handles and its operating conditions. We confirm this for each project.
How the process works
A typical flow for importing Specified Equipment under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act, using the special provisions for imported equipment.
Equipment classification
Determine whether the equipment is Specified Equipment or other high-pressure gas equipment (classified by factors such as design pressure × internal volume).
Design review and document preparation
Prepare the design documents (strength and seismic calculations), structural drawings, welding procedure specifications, material certificates, inspection records and more.
Application
Apply to the office in charge of the inspection location (KHK or another body). The application must be written in Japanese.
Design inspection
Once the design passes inspection, a design inspection report is issued and fabrication can begin.
Inspection during fabrication (witnessed)
Inspection of materials, forming, welding and construction. For fabrication outside Japan, a third-party inspection body witnesses the pressure and leak tests and records the results.
Verification after import
In Japan: nameplate verification, checks for damage in transit, and similar. A leak test is carried out where required.
Specified Equipment Inspection Certificate issued
Once the certificate is issued, part of the completion inspection for that equipment is waived, provided it takes place within a set period from the date of issue.
Note: For high-pressure gas equipment that is not Specified Equipment, the usual route is to undergo KHK's high-pressure gas equipment test and obtain a test certificate; the completion inspection after installation can then sometimes be limited to a document review. Equipment covered by the Industrial Safety and Health Act (boilers, Class 1 pressure vessels and so on) follows a separate inspection and certification process.
Why work with us
Half a century of hands-on design work
Founded in 1974, we review documents and handle applications with a working understanding of what is in your drawings and strength calculations.
Bridging Japanese law and international codes
We cover both sides: Japanese law (the High Pressure Gas Safety Act and the Industrial Safety and Health Act) and international codes such as ASME and API.
English documents and Japanese translation
We work with overseas manufacturers in English to gather and organize their documents, and arrange the Japanese translations the application requires.
Close cooperation with third-party inspection bodies
We work closely with inspection bodies so that witnessing and record-keeping requirements are met at every stage.
Frequently asked questions
If our equipment is built to an international code such as ASME, can it be used in Japan as it is?
Even when equipment is built to an international code, compliance with Japanese law (its technical standards) may have to be demonstrated separately. Confirming compliance at the design stage is essential.
Who files the application, and when?
The application is normally filed by the manufacturer, the importer or the user of the equipment. The timing differs between Specified Equipment under the High Pressure Gas Safety Act and equipment covered by the Industrial Safety and Health Act (boilers and pressure vessels). Because the procedure branches depending on the equipment classification and the circumstances of each case, we recommend checking at the planning stage.
Can documents be submitted in English?
The application form itself must be written in Japanese. Supporting documents in other languages are generally submitted together with Japanese translations. Gathering documents takes time, so it pays to start early.
What is the difference between Specified Equipment and other high-pressure gas equipment?
The two are distinguished by conditions such as design pressure × internal volume, and the type of application and the inspection flow differ accordingly. We start by helping you confirm the classification.
This page gives a general explanation. The actual equipment classification, required documents and inspection procedures depend on the equipment specifications, the gas handled and revisions to the relevant laws and standards. We confirm the details for each project.
Talk to us about import certification.
Inquiries at the planning stage are welcome. We can start by helping you confirm how your equipment is classified. Please write to us in English by email.
Tel. +81-3-3432-0452 (Tokyo, Japan Standard Time)