Summary of J-Moss by RSJ Technical Consulting

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What is J-Moss?

J-Moss is short for Japan Marking of Specific Substances

METI No. 77 - PCs
METI No. 78 - unit A/Cs
METI No. 82 - TVs
METI No. 83 - microwaves
METI No. 84 - dryers
METI No. 85 - refrigerators
METI No. 86 - washers
Summary of J-Moss standard

J-Moss is an acronym for "the Marking for presence Of the Specific chemical Substances for electrical and electronic equipment," which is the name of Japanese Industrial Standard JIS C 0950. The "C" identifies it as a standard for electronic and electrical engineering.

JIS C 0950 is the marking standard required under Japan RoHS. These fifteen ministerial ordinances, issued by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), amended the Design for Environment "judgment criteria" for eight electrical/electronic products.

Seven ordinances (covering PCs, TVs, refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwave ovens and unit air conditioners) introduce a RoHS marking requirement. The new judgment criteria include:
	Appended table: the six RoHS substances are listed (lead, mercury, hexavalent chromium, cadmium, PBBs and PBDE)
	Control of materials: materials in the appended table should be identified and quantified, but their use is not prohibited
	Provision of information: products must be marked per JIS C 0950 to indicate the presence of materials in the appended table

The standard was revised in 2008 and is identified as JIS C 0950:2008. Because it is a national standard, it is available only by purchase from the Japanese Standards Association (JSA). However, a summary of the standard is available from the body that drafted it, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA):
	Annex A: target values (same percentages as EU maximum concentration levels)
	Annex B: exemptions from marking requirements, i.e. situations in which the target values may be exceeded (similar to EU RoHS exemptions)
	Content mark (orange mark): placed on product when target levels are exceeded
	Website information: table describes the "presence condition" of each RoHS substance in each component part of the product (in Japanese characters)
When content mark and website information are required:
	If any substance is over target value: place content mark on product and describe presence condition on website
	If substance is over target value but qualifies for exemption in Annex B: do not place content mark on product but describe presence condition on website
	If no substance is over target value: do not place content mark on product or describe presence condition on website
The J-Moss green mark was dropped in the 2008 revision to the standard. It may still be used voluntarily according to the guidelines issued by these three industry associations:
	JEITA - Japan Electronics & Information Technology Industries Assoc JEMA - Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association JRAIA - Japan Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Industry Association

This summary of J-Moss is designed to provide you with an accurate, easy-to-understand overview of the topic and does not constitute legal advice. The actual standard in the original language should be reviewed and used for all business, legal, and product compliance purposes.

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