Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition - English

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Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition

Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 82 of June 30, 2016

Pursuant to the High Pressure Gas Safety Act (Act No. 204 of 1951), and for the purpose of the implementation of the same Act, the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition is provided as follows.

Table of Contents

Chapter I General Provisions (Articles 1 and 2)

Chapter II Standards for Manufacturing Methods (Article 3)

Chapter III Standards for Containers (Articles 4 and 5)

Chapter IV Method of Stamping a Mark and Attaching a Marking Plate (Articles 6 and 6-2)

Chapter V Container Label (Articles 7 and 8)

Chapter VI Standards for Accessories (Articles 9 to 12)

Chapter VII Filling (Articles 13 and 14)

Chapter VIII Containers and Accessories Reinspection and Container Reinspection Stations (Articles 15 to 29)

Chapter IX Registration Relating to Container and Accessories Inspection

Section 1 Standards for Registration (Articles 30 to 47)

Section 2 Type Approval (Articles 48 to 59)

Chapter X Books (Article 60)

Supplementary Provisions

Chapter I General Provisions

(Scope of Application)

Article 1This Regulation provides for safety rules of containers for automobile fuel systems recognized to be in conformity with No. 110, No. 134, and No. 146 of the Regulations annexed to the Agreement concerning the Adoption of Uniform Technical Prescription for Wheeled Vehicles, Equipment and Parts which can be Fitted or be Used on Wheeled Vehicles and the Conditions for Reciprocal Recognition of Approvals Granted on the Basis of these Prescriptions (Convention No. 12 of 1998) (hereinafter referred to as the "Regulations Annexed to the Agreement"), pursuant to the provisions of the High Pressure Gas Safety Act (Act No. 204 of 1951; hereinafter referred to as the "Act") and the Order for Enforcement of the High Pressure Gas Safety Act (Cabinet Order No. 20 of 1997).

(Definition of Terms)

Article 2In this Regulation, the meanings of the terms set forth in the following items are listed in those items:

(i)the term "compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" means a container to be filled with compressed hydrogen for an automobile fuel system qualified to be in conformity with No. 134 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(ii)the term "natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" means the following containers:

(a)the term "compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" means a container to be filled with compressed natural gas for an automobile fuel system qualified to be in conformity with No. 110 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(b)the term "liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" means a container to be filled with compressed liquefied natural gas for an automobile fuel system qualified to be in conformity with No. 110 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iii)the term "compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" means a container to be filled with compressed hydrogen for a two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel system qualified to be in conformity with No. 146 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iv)the term "full-wrapped container" means a container having a liner winded with resin-impregnated continuous fiber in helical winding (meaning a method of winding a liner cylindrical part and dome part with fibers in a spiral manner) or inplane winding (meaning a method of winding a liner cylindrical part and dome part with fibers in a linear manner);

(v)the term "container recognized under the International Agreement" means the following containers:

(a)a container qualified by a state, region, or agency specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with No. 134 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement (limited to a container made of metallic materials specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the standards of manufacturing methods specified in paragraph (1), item (i) of the following Article);

(b)a container qualified by a state, region, or agency specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with No. 110 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(c)a container qualified by a state, region, or agency specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with No. 146 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement (limited to a container made of metallic materials specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the standards of manufacturing methods specified in paragraph (1), item (i) of the following Article);

(vi)the term "accessories recognized under the International Agreement" means the following accessories:

(a)accessories qualified by a state, region, or agency specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with No. 134 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement (limited to accessories made of metallic materials specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the specifications provided for in Article 11, item (i));

(b)accessories qualified by a state, region, or agency specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with No. 110 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(c)accessories qualified by a state, region, or agency specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with No. 146 of the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement (limited to accessories made of metallic materials specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the specifications provided for in Article 11, item (i)).

Chapter II Standards for Manufacturing Methods

Article 3(1)Among the standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 41, paragraph (1) of the Act, the standards related to a container for compressed hydrogen automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement are listed in the following items:

(i)a container must be manufactured by using materials appropriate to the type of high pressure gas to be filled, filling pressure, operating temperature, and operating environment;

(ii)a container must be manufactured in a manner that it will pass the test provided for in Article 5, paragraph (1), item (ii).

(2)Among the standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 41, paragraph (1) of the Act, the standards for a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement are listed in the following items:

(i)a container must be made of materials specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(ii)a container must be manufactured in a manner that secures the wall thickness specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iii)a container must be manufactured in accordance with the structure and specifications specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iv)a container must be manufactured by the processing, welding and heating methods specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(v)a container (excluding a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement) must be manufactured in a manner that secures appropriate dimension accuracy specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement; and

(vi)a container must be manufactured in a manner that it will pass the test provided for in Article 5, paragraph (2), item (ii).

Chapter III Standards for Containers

(Exemption from Container Inspection)

Article 4The container for usage specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 44, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Act is a container for export.

(Methods of Container Inspection)

Article 4-2(1)Among the methods specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 44, paragraph (1) of the Act, the method for a container for compressed hydrogen automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement is the method of testing specified in Article 5, paragraph (1), item (ii).

(2)Among the methods specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 44, paragraph (1) of the Act, the method for a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement is the method of testing specified in item (ii), paragraph (2) of the following Article.

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, a container recognized under the International Agreement is deemed to have passed the container inspection referred to in Article 44, paragraph (1) of the Act.

(Specifications for Containers)

Article 5(1)Among the specifications specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 44, paragraph (4) of the Act, the specifications related to a container for compressed hydrogen automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement are listed in the following items:

(i)materials for a container must be in conformity with the standards of manufacturing methods provided for in Article 3, paragraph (1), item (i);

(ii)a container must undergo and pass a test specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iii)a container must be one which has never been used for another purpose;

(iv)the type of high pressure gas to be filled, pressure (meaning the gauge pressure; the same applies hereinafter), and internal volume (limited to a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement) of a container must conform to the standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement.

(2)Among the standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 44, paragraph (4) of the Act, the specifications for a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement are listed in the following items:

(i)a container must be in conformity with the standards of the manufacturing method provided in Article 3, paragraph (2);

(ii)a container must undergo and pass a test specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iii)a container must be one which has never been used for other purposes; and

(iv)the type of high pressure gas to be filled and the pressure of the container must conform to the standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement.

Chapter IV Method of Stamping a Mark and Attaching a Marking Plate

Article 6The containers specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as those which are difficult to stamp that are referred to in Article 45, paragraph (1) of the Act are a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (limited to a full-wrapped container), a compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (limited to a full-wrapped container), a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel system under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement; provided, however, that for a compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (limited to a full-wrapped container), and a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, the applicable containers are limited to those with the name of its manufacturer and manufacturing number stamped on an exposed part of the metal.

Article 6-2For a container recognized under the International Agreement, a mark or marking plate according to the method specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement (or if a mark is stamped or a marking plate is attached as provided for in the following items, including the mark or marking plate) is deemed to be a mark referred to in Article 45, paragraph (1) of the Act (limited to the case of a container other than the container specified in the preceding Article) or a marking plate referred to in paragraph (2) of that Article (limited to the case of a container specified in the preceding Article):

(i)the permissible flaw depth of a container recognized under the International Agreement that is not detrimental to its operation, which the manufacturer of the container confirmed by an appropriate analysis method (referring to the case of the fiber-reinforced portion of the body) (Code: DC, Unit: mm); and

(ii)the permissible flaw depth of a container recognized under the International Agreement that is detrimental to its operation, which the manufacturer of the container confirmed by an appropriate analysis method (referring to the fiber-reinforced portion of the body) (Code: DD, Unit: mm).

Chapter V Container Label

(Methods of Labeling)

Article 7(1)A person that intends to label a container pursuant to Article 46, paragraph (1) or (2) of the Act (excluding a manufacturer or importer of a container obviously intended to be transferred) must do so in accordance with the following items:

(i)a sheet specifying the name, address and phone number (hereinafter referred to as "name or other identifying information" in this Article) of the container owner (or the container owner or the consignee of management services, if management services for the container have been consigned to a third party) must be firmly attached on a visible site on the exterior surface of the container; provided, however, that this does not apply in the case of a container set forth in (a) or (b):

(a)a container fitted on an automobile or two-wheeled motor vehicle whose owner is the same as the owner or transferee of the automobile or two-wheeled motor vehicle specified in a motor vehicle inspection certificate provided for in Article 58 of the Road Transport Vehicle Act (hereinafter simply referred to as a "motor vehicle inspection certificate"), light motor vehicle notification certificate provided for in Article 63-2, paragraph (3) of the Regulation for Enforcement of the Road Transport Vehicle Act, or transfer certificate provided for in Article 33 of that Act or other appropriate document; or

(b)a container that is not fitted on an automobile or two-wheeled motor vehicle, and is obviously intended to be transferred which is owned by a person that fits the container on an automobile or two-wheeled motor vehicle only transfers it;

(ii)a label must conform to any other standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement.

(2)In case of any change to the name or other identifying information, a container owner that labels the container with its name or other identifying information pursuant to item (i) of the preceding paragraph is to promptly change the label without delay. In this case, the container owner is to label the container in accordance with item (i) of the preceding paragraph.

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, if the method of labeling has been approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, the labeling referred to in Article 46, paragraph (1) or (2) may be carried out in accordance with the method approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Labeling to Be Carried Out by Persons Receiving Containers)

Article 8A person that intends to label a container pursuant to Article 47, paragraph (1) of the Act must do so in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (3) of the preceding Article.

Chapter VI Standards for Accessories

(Accessories for Containers Referred to in Article 49-2, Paragraph (1) of the Act)

Article 9The accessories specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in the main clause of Article 49-2, paragraph (1) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)a valve;

(ii)a safety valve;

(iii)a check valve (limited to a check valve to be fitted on a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a check valve to be fitted on a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement without using equipment (excluding a pipe)); and

(iv)an excess flow valve (limited to an excess flow valve which is fitted on a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and which forms an integral part of a valve).

(Methods of Accessories Inspection)

Article 10(1)The method specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-2, paragraph (1) of the Act is the method of testing specified in Article 11, item (ii).

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, accessories recognized under the International Agreement are deemed to have passed the container inspection referred to in Article 49-2, paragraph (1) of the Act.

(Specifications of Accessories)

Article 11The specifications for accessories by type of high pressure gas and degree of pressure specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-2, paragraph (4) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)materials used for accessories must be appropriate to the type of high pressure gas to be used, operating pressure, operating temperature and operating environment;

(ii)accessories must undergo and pass a test specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement;

(iii)accessories (limited to those fitted on a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, a compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement) must be directly fitted inside or outside the container;

(iv)a safety valve must be activated in response to temperature (or pressure or temperature, in case of a safety valve fitted on a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement) exceeding the normal scope of operation of the container on which it is fitted.

(A Mark or Marking Plate Considered as a Mark under Article 49-3, paragraph (1) of the Act)

Article 12For accessories recognized under the International Agreement, a mark or marking plate according to the method specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement is deemed to be a mark referred to in Article 49-3, paragraph (1) of the Act.

Chapter VII Filling

(Accessories for Containers)

Article 13The container specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Act is a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement; and the accessories specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in that item are the accessories listed in the following items:

(i)a safety valve; and

(ii)a check valve (limited to a check valve to be fitted on a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, and a check valve to be fitted on a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement without using equipment (excluding a pipe)); and

(iii)an excess flow valve (limited to an excess flow valve which is fitted on a natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and which forms an integral part of a valve).

(Standards for Processing of Containers)

Article 13-2The technical standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (iv) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)processing must be implemented so that the wall thickness after the processing will not be reduced below the wall thickness specified in Article 3, paragraph (2), item (ii); and

(ii)if welding is to be performed for the purpose of repairing a flaw or other defect of a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, the repaired parts after the processing must be free from any defect which would adversely affect its operation and must have appropriate strength.

(Methods of Calculation of Mass of Liquefied Gas)

Article 13-3(1)The method specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in the items of Article 48, paragraph (4) of the Act is the following formula:

G=V÷C

In this formula, the characters "G", "V" and "C" are to represent the following figures, respectively:

G: figure of mass of liquefied gas (Unit: kilogram)

V: figure of internal volume of container (Unit: liter)

C: In the case of liquefied gas to be filled in a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, an inverse number of a figure arrived at when the figure of specific gravity of the liquefied gas (Unit: kg/L) at the maximum normal operating temperature of the container is multiplied by 9/10

Article 14A person that intends to obtain a permission referred to in Article 48, paragraph (5) of the Act must submit a written application for a special permission for filling gas using form 1 together with a document describing the reasons to the Director of the Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry having jurisdiction over the place of business where the filling of gas is to be made (or to the prefectural governor having jurisdiction over the place of business where the filling of gas is to be made, if the container's internal volume is 500 liters or less; or to the head of the designated city provided for in Article 252-19, paragraph (1) of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947; hereinafter referred to as a "designated city") having jurisdiction over the place of business where the filling of gas is to be made, if the container is within the designated city; the same applies in Article 21, paragraph (1), Article 22, paragraph (1), Article 26 and Article 29).

Chapter VIII Containers and Accessories Reinspection and Container Reinspection Stations

(Period of Container Reinspection)

Article 15(1)The periods specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (v) of the Act are four years and one month if a period of four years and one month or less has passed form the date of container manufacture (the years that have passed from the date of manufacture are referred to as "X years old" in this Article and Article 58), or two years and three months if a container is more than four years and one month old; and these periods are calculated from the last day of the month preceding the month of the date of container manufacture (meaning the month in which the container passed a hydrostatic test performed in its manufacturing process) as indicated in the mark referred to in Article 45, paragraph (1) of the Act or Article 49-25, paragraph (1) of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2)) or the marking plate referred to in Article 45, paragraph (2) of the Act or Article 49-25, paragraph (2) of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2)) (hereinafter collectively referred to as a "mark or making plate"), if the container has never undergone a container reinspection; or are calculated from the last day of the month preceding the month indicated by a mark under Article 27, paragraph (1) or a marking plate under paragraph (2) of that Article at the time of the passing of the previous container reinspection, if the container has undergone a container reinspection.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, for a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement (limited to a container recognized under the International Agreement) which has never undergone a container reinspection and which does not have a mark or making plate indicating the month of the container manufacture, the period specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (v) of the Act is the period from the date of manufacture of the container to the date when the container is filled for the first time in Japan.

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained or if undergoing a container reinspection within the periods specified in those paragraphs would be difficult due to a natural disaster or other compelling reasons, the relevant period for which the approval has been obtained or other period designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in consideration of those reasons may be applied as the period specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (v) of the Act.

(Methods of Container Reinspection)

Article 16(1)The method specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49, paragraph (1) of the Act is a visual inspection or other methods specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained, the approved method may be applied as the method specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49, paragraph (1) of the Act.

(Specifications of Containers for Container Reinspection)

Article 17(1)Among the specifications by type of high pressure gas and degree of pressure specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49, paragraph (2) of the Act, the specifications for a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, a compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement are listed in the following items:

(i)a container must undergo and pass a visual inspection pursuant to the following sub-items:

(a)the inspection is implemented for each container;

(b)only a container free from any corrosion, cracks, streaks, etc. on the external surface which would adversely affect operation is judged as acceptable;

(ii)a container must undergo and pass a leak test pursuant to the following sub-items:

(a)the test is implemented for each container;

(b)only a container free from any leak is judged acceptable;

(iii)a container must conform to any other standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)Among the specifications by the type of high pressure gas and degree of pressure specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49, paragraph (2) of the Act, the specifications for a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement are listed in the following items:

(i)a container must undergo and pass a visual inspection pursuant to item (i) of the preceding paragraph;

(ii)a container must undergo and pass a leak test pursuant to item (ii) of the preceding paragraph;

(iii)a container must pass a thermal insulation performance test to be conducted as prescribed by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry for each container; and

(iv)a container must conform to other standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained, the approved specifications may be applied as the container specifications specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49, paragraph (2) of the Act.

(Period of Accessories Reinspection)

Article 18(1)The period specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Act is the period from the day of passing an accessories inspection (or if a container passed an accessories reinspection, from the day of passing the latest reinspection) until the time of the first container reinspection of the container on which the accessories are fitted.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained or if undergoing an accessories reinspection within the periods specified in that paragraph would be difficult due to a natural disaster or other compelling reasons, the relevant period for which the approval is obtained or other period designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in consideration of those reasons may be applied as the period specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 48, paragraph (1), item (iii) of the Act.

(Methods of Accessories Reinspection)

Article 19(1)The method specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-4, paragraph (1) of the Act is a visual inspection or other methods specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained, the approved method may be applied as the method of an accessories reinspection specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-4, paragraph (1) of the Act.

(Specifications of Accessories for Accessories Reinspection)

Article 20(1)The specifications by type of high pressure gas and degree of pressure specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-4, paragraph (2) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)accessories must undergo and pass a visual inspection pursuant to the following sub-items:

(a)the inspection is implemented for each accessory;

(b)only accessories free from any corrosion, cracks, streaks, corrugation, deformation, etc. which would adversely affect operation is judged acceptable;

(ii)accessories must undergo and pass a leak test pursuant to the following sub-items:

(a)the test is implemented for each accessory;

(b)only accessories free from any leak are judged acceptable;

(iii)accessories must conform to other standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained, the approved specifications may be applied as the specifications specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-4, paragraph (2) of the Act.

(Procedures of Registration of Containers Reinspection Stations)

Article 21(1)For each container reinspection station, a person that intends to obtain a registration referred to in Article 49, paragraph (1) of the Act must submit a written application for registration of a container reinspection station using Form 2 together with a written description of inspection equipment to the prefectural governor having jurisdiction over the location of the container reinspection station.

(2)The details corresponding to the standards set forth in Article 24 must be specified in the written description of inspection equipment referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(Procedures for Renewal of Containers Reinspection Station Registrations)

Article 22(1)For each container reinspection station, a person that intends to obtain a renewal of a registration pursuant to Article 50, paragraph (1) of the Act must submit a written application for renewal of registration of a container reinspection station using Form 3 to the prefectural governor having jurisdiction over the location of the container reinspection station.

(2)At the time of the application referred to in the preceding paragraph, if the inspection equipment is different from the inspection equipment at the time of receiving a registration of the relevant container reinspection station (or if the registration is being renewed, the previous registration), the applicant must attach a written description of inspection equipment to the written application referred to in the preceding paragraph.

(Registration Certificate of Container Reinspection Stations)

Article 23(1)When the prefectural governor or head of the designated city makes a registration of a container reinspection station or its renewal pursuant to Article 50, paragraph (3) of the Act, the prefectural governor issues a registration certificate for container reinspection station using Form 4 to the person that received the registration or its renewal.

(2)A person to whom a registration certificate for a container reinspection station under the preceding paragraph has been issued must return the certificate to the prefectural governor or head of the designated city that issued the certificate without delay, if five years has passed from the date of issuance of the certificate, if the person has discontinued a container reinspection service, or if the person's registration is revoked pursuant to Article 53 of the Act.

(Standards of Inspection Equipment)

Article 24The technical standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 50, paragraph (3) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)for a container reinspection station which conducts a container reinspection, the station must be equipped with the following inspection equipment:

(a)equipment for cleansing the surface of a container;

(b)equipment for performing a lighting inspection of the external surface of a container;

(c)equipment for measuring dimensions of a flaw, corroded section, etc. of a container; and

(d)equipment for a leak test; and

(e)equipment for a thermal insulation performance test (limited to equipment pertaining to a container reinspection station for re-inspecting a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement).

(ii)for a container reinspection station which conducts an accessories reinspection, the station must be equipped with inspection equipment for a leak test;

(iii)the inspection equipment specified in the preceding items must conform to the standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Qualification of Chief Inspectors)

Article 25A person with knowledge and experience satisfying the conditions specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 52, paragraph (1) of the Act is a person set forth in one of the following items:

(i)a person who graduated from a university or college of technology under the School Education Act (Act No. 26 of 1947) or a university or professional training college under former provisions after completing the prescribed courses of chemistry, physics or engineering (including those who completed the courses and the first term of a program at a professional university specified in that Act); and who has one year or more of practical experience in filling high pressure gas, manufacturing containers or accessories, or inspecting containers or accessories;

(ii)a person who graduated from a high school under the School Education Act or a technical school under former provisions after completing prescribed courses of industrial technology, and who has two years or more of practical experience in filling high pressure gas, manufacturing containers or accessories, or inspecting containers or accessories;

(iii)a person who has three years or more of practical experience in manufacturing containers or accessories, or inspecting containers or accessories; or

(iv)a person who has the qualification of class-I large automobile maintenance engineer, class-I small automobile maintenance engineer, class-I motorcycle maintenance engineer, class-II gasoline automobile maintenance engineer, class-II diesel automobile maintenance engineer or class-II motorcycle maintenance engineer under Article 2 of the Regulation on Qualification Test for Automobile Maintenance Engineer (Order of Ministry of Transport No. 71 of 1951).

(Notifications of Appointment of Chief Inspectors)

Article 26A person that intends to make a notification of appointment or dismissal of a chief inspector pursuant to Article 52, paragraph (2) of the Act must submit a written notification of chief inspector using Form 5 together with a copy of the production safety management certificate received by the chief inspector or a document certifying the qualification under the preceding Article to the prefectural governor having jurisdiction over the location of the container reinspection station; provided, however, that in the case of dismissal, the copy or document may be omitted.

(Stamping a Mark on or Attaching a Marking Plate to Containers Which Have Passed Container Reinspection)

Article 27(1)A person that intends to stamp a mark pursuant to Article 49, paragraph (3) of the Act is to stamp the details set forth in the following items below or on the right side of the mark referred to in Article 6 or Article 53, paragraph (1); provided, however, that if it is difficult to stamp a mark on the container that is fitted on an automobile, stamping a mark referred to in Article 49, paragraph (3) of the Act may be substituted by attaching a marking plate in accordance with the method specified in the following paragraph:

(i)a code representing the name of the inspection agency; and

(ii)the year and month of container reinspection.

(2)A person that intends to attach a marking plate pursuant to Article 49, paragraph (4) of the Act is to attach a certificate specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in accordance with the provisions provided for by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained, the approved standard may be applied as the mark referred to in Article 49, paragraph (3) of the Act or the marking plate referred to in paragraph (4) of that Article.

(Stamping Accessories Which Have Passed Accessories Reinspection)

Article 28(1)A person that intends to stamp a mark pursuant to Article 49-4, paragraph (3) of the Act must stamp a code representing the name of the inspection agency and the year and month of the accessories reinspection below or on the right side of the mark referred to in Article 12 or Article 59; provided, however, that for accessories that are not suitable for stamping, it may be substituted using the method specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry is obtained, a mark may be stamped in accordance with the approved method.

(Notifications of Discontinuance of Containers Reinspection Stations)

Article 29A person that intends to make a notification of discontinuance of a re-inspection service at a container reinspection station pursuant to Article 56-2 of the Act must submit a written notification of discontinuance of a container reinspection station using Form 6 to the prefectural governor having jurisdiction over the location of the container reinspection station.

Chapter IX Registration Relating to Container and Accessories Inspection

Section 1 Standards for Registration

(Business Categories Regarding Containers)

Article 30The business categories regarding containers, etc. specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-5, paragraph (1) of the Act are categories specified in the right column of the appended table in accordance with the categories as set forth in the left column of the table.

(Application for Registration)

Article 31(1)A manufacturer of containers, etc. that intends to obtain a registration referred to in Article 49-5, paragraph (1) of the Act pursuant to that paragraph must submit a written application for registration using Form 7 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (or in the case of a manufacturer of containers, etc. that has manufacturing sites or business facilities for manufacturing containers or accessories located only in the same jurisdictional district of the Director of the Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry, to the Director of the Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry having jurisdiction over the site or facility; hereinafter the same applies in this Article, Article 39, Articles 41 through 43, Article 48, Article 50, Article 54 and Article 56).

(2)The documents specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-5, paragraph (3) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)articles of incorporation and a certificate of registered information;

(ii)a document including officers' names and resumes;

(iii)regulations for inspection of containers, etc.; and

(iv)a drawing of the manufacturing site or business facility.

(3)If the applicant does not attach the documents referred to in Article 36, paragraph (2) to the written application referred to in the preceding paragraph, the applicant must submit a written application for an inspection using Form 8 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(4)On the written application referred to in paragraph (1), it is allowed to attach a document certified by a person considered to be appropriate by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry stating that the quality control method and organization for inspection at the manufacturing site or business facility subject to the application (hereinafter referred to as a "quality control method and organization for inspection") conform to the standard specified in the Japan Industrial Standards under the Industrial Standardization Act (Act No. 185 of 1949) (hereinafter referred to as the "JIS") Q9001 (2008) or the specifications provided by the International Organization for Standardization (hereinafter referred to as the "International Specifications") ISO9001 (2008), among the technical standards specified in Article 34, paragraph (2).

(5)In the case of inspection conducted by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry or investigation conducted by the Institute or an investigation agency for investigating inspection organizations, etc. in relation to an application for registration, the portion relating to the document specified in the preceding paragraph may be omitted.

(Manufacturing Equipment for Containers and Accessories)

Article 32The manufacturing equipment for containers, etc. specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-5, paragraph (2), item (iv) of the Act is the equipment that is necessary according to the business category regarding containers, etc., and the technical standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-7, item (i) of the Act are that the equipment in question has the capability to manufacture a container subject to self-inspection in an appropriate manner.

(Inspection Equipment for Containers and Accessories)

Article 33The inspection equipment for containers, etc. specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-5, paragraph (2), item (v) of the Act is the equipment that is necessary according to the business category regarding containers, etc., and the technical standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-7, item (ii) of the Act are that the equipment in question has the capability to inspect a container subject to self-inspection in an appropriate manner.

(Quality Control Methods and Organizations for Inspection)

Article 34(1)The details relating to the quality control method and organization for inspection specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-5, paragraph (2), item (vi) of the Act are quality system requirements of JIS Q9001 (2008) or International Specifications ISO9001 (2008) which are necessary for ensuring appropriateness of the quality control method and organization for inspection for containers, etc. subject to self-inspection.

(2)The technical standards specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-7, item (iii) of the Act are the standards specified in the quality system requirements of JIS Q9001 (2008) or International Specifications ISO9001 (2008), and any other standards which are necessary for ensuring appropriateness of the quality control method and organization for inspection for containers, etc. subject to self-inspection (in the case of a registered manufacturer of containers, including collection of containers by appropriate methods and testing specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry).

(Qualifications and the Number of Inspectors)

Article 35(1)The qualifications specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-7, item (iv) of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)a person who has a class A mechanical safety management certificate, class B mechanical safety management certificate or class A chemical safety management certificate, or graduated from a university or college of technology under the School Education Act or a university or professional training college under former provisions after completing the prescribed courses of physical science or engineering (including those who completed the courses and the first term of a program at a professional university specified in that Act); and who has one year or more of practical experience in inspecting containers or accessories;

(ii)a person who has graduated from a high school under the School Education Act or a technical school under former provisions after completing prescribed courses of engineering, and who has two years or more of practical experience in inspecting containers or accessories; or

(iii)a person who has five years or more of practical experience in inspecting containers or accessories.

(2)The number of inspectors specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-7, item (iv) of the Act is two.

(Application for Investigation by the Institute or an Agency)

Article 36(1)A manufacturer of containers, etc. that intends to receive an investigation referred to in Article 49-8, paragraph (1) of the Act must submit a written application for investigation using Form 9 to the Institute or an agency for investigating inspection organizations, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "the Institute or an agency").

(2)The format of the document under Article 49-8, paragraph (2) of the Act is as specified in Form 10.

(Renewal of Registration)

Article 37A person who intends to obtain a renewal of registration referred to in Article 49-9 of the Act must make an application in accordance with Article 31, paragraph (1).

(Registration Certificate)

Article 38The format of the registration certificate referred to in Article 49-11, paragraph (1) of the Act is as specified in Form 11.

(Notification of Changes)

Article 39A person that intends to make a notification of change referred to in Article 49-12 of the Act must submit a written notification of change using Form 12 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Minor Changes)

Article 40The minor changes specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-12 of the Act are listed in the following items:

(i)replacement of manufacturing equipment for containers, etc. subject to the registration with manufacturing equipment possessing equivalent or higher capabilities;

(ii)replacement of inspection equipment for containers, etc. subject to the registration with inspection equipment possessing equivalent or higher capabilities; or

(iii)details relating to the quality control method and inspection organization subject to the registration, which are set forth in the following sub-items (a) and (b):

(a)a change of a person who exercises authorities and performs duties in place of a custodian under JIS Q9001 (2008) or International Specification ISO9001 (2008), if the custodian is absent; or

(b)a change of suppliers of materials, parts, etc.

(Notification of the Closure of Business)

Article 41A person that intends to make a notification of the closure of a registered business pursuant to Article 49-14 of the Act must submit a written notification of closure of the business using Form 13 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Re-Issuance of Registration Certificates)

Article 42A person that intends to obtain re-issuance of a registration certificate pursuant to Article 49-15 of the Act must submit a written application for re-issuance of a registration certificate using Form 14 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Request for Issuance or Inspection of a Certified Copy of Registry)

Article 43A person that intends to make a request for issuance or inspection of a certified copy of the registry pursuant to Article 49-20 of the Act must submit a written request for issuance (inspection) of certified copy of the registry using Form 15 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Keeping Records by Electronic or Magnetic Means)

Article 44(1)The inspection record provided for in Article 49-24, paragraph (2) of the Act may be prepared and kept using electronic or magnetic means (meaning an electronic form, a magnetic form or any other form not recognizable to human perception).

(2)If the inspection record is kept pursuant to the preceding paragraph, it must be immediately made available as necessary, using a computer or any other equipment.

(3)If the inspection record is kept pursuant to the provisions of paragraph (1), the person in question must endeavor to ensure compliance with the standards specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Application of Foreign Manufacturers of Containers, etc.)

Article 45(1)A person that intends to obtain a registration referred to in Article 49-31, paragraph (1) of the Act must submit a written application for registration of foreign manufacturers using Form 16 together with the documents set forth in Article 31, paragraph (2) to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)If the applicant does not attach the documents referred to in Article 36, paragraph (2) to the written application referred to the preceding paragraph, the applicant must submit a written application for an inspection using Form 17 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(3)A person that intends to receive an investigation by the Institute or an agency pursuant to Article 49-8, paragraph (1) of the Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-3, paragraph (2) of the Act must submit a written application for investigation using Form 18 to the Institute or an agency.

(4)The provisions of Article 31, paragraphs (4) and (5) apply mutatis mutandis to the application referred to in paragraph (1).

(Notifications of Changes Relating to Registered Foreign Manufacturers of Containers, etc.)

Article 46(1)A registered foreign manufacturer of containers, etc. that intends to make a notification of change pursuant to Article 49-12 of the Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-31, paragraph (2) of the Act must submit a written notification of change using Form 19 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2)A registered foreign manufacturer of containers, etc. that intends to make a notification of discontinuation of business pursuant to Article 49-14 of the Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-31, paragraph (2) of the Act must submit a written notification of discontinuance of business using Form 20 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(3)A registered foreign manufacturer of containers, etc. that intends to receive re-issuance of its registration certification pursuant to Article 49-15 of the Act as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-31, paragraph (2) of the Act must submit a written application for re-issuance of registration certificate using Form 21 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Application, Mutatis Mutandis)

Article 47The provisions of Article 30, Articles 32 through 35, Article 36, paragraph (2), Article 37, Article 38 and Article 43 apply mutatis mutandis to the registration referred to in Article 45, paragraph (1); and the provisions of Article 40 and Article 44 apply mutatis mutandis to a registered foreign manufacturer of containers, etc.

Section 2 Type Approval

(Application for Type Approval of Containers)

Article 48A person that intends to obtain a type approval of a container pursuant to Article 49-21, paragraph (1) and Article 49-33, paragraph (1) of the Act for a container provided in those paragraphs must submit a written application for a type approval of a container using Form 22 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Containers and Documents Necessary for Type Approval)

Article 49(1)The quantity of containers specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-21, paragraph (3) of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2) of the Act; the same applies in the following paragraph and Article 55) is the quantity of containers necessary to ensure compliance with the container specifications set forth in Article 5.

(2)The documents specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-21, paragraph (3) of the Act which relate to a type approval of container are listed in the following items; provided, however, for a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement and a compressed hydrogen container for two-wheeled motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement, it is not necessary to attach the documents referred to in item (iii) to the written application:

(i)structural drawings;

(ii)a certificate of materials; and

(iii)a design drawing.

(Container Type Approval Certificate)

Article 50When the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry approves a container type pursuant to Article 49-22 of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2) of the Act; the same applies in Article 56), the Minister is to issue a container type approval certificate (meaning a certificate in accordance with the form provided in the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement).

(Application for Tests)

Article 51A person that intends to receive a test referred to in Article 49-23, paragraph (1) of the Act in relation to a container must submit a written application for a container type approval test using Form 23 to the Institute or a designated container conformity inspection body.

(Container Type Test Compliance Certificate)

Article 52When the relevant container passes the test pursuant to Article 49-23, paragraph (3) of the Act, the Institute or a designated container conformity inspection body must issue a container type test compliance certificate using Form 24.

(Methods of Stamping a Mark or Attaching a Marking Plate by Registered Manufacturers of Containers and Registered Foreign Manufacturers of Containers)

Article 53(1)A person that intends to stamp a mark pursuant to Article 49-25, paragraph (1) of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2) of the Act) must do so in accordance with the methods specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement.

(2)A person that intends to attach a marking plate pursuant to Article 49-25, paragraph (2) of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2) of the Act) must do so in accordance with the methods specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement.

(Application for Type Approval of Accessories)

Article 54A person that intends to obtain a type approval of accessories pursuant to Article 49-21, paragraph (1) and Article 49-33, paragraph (1) of the Act for accessories provided in those paragraphs must submit a written application for a type approval of accessories using Form 25 to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(Accessories and Documents Necessary for Type Approval)

Article 55(1)The quantity of accessories specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-21, paragraph (3) of the Act is the quantity of accessories necessary to ensure compliance with the accessories specifications set forth in Article 11.

(2)The documents specified by Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as referred to in Article 49-21, paragraph (3) of the Act which relate to a type approval of accessories are listed in the following items:

(i)structural drawings; and

(ii)a certificate of materials.

(Accessories Type Approval Certificate)

Article 56If the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry approves accessories types pursuant to Article 49-22 of the Act, the Minister is to issue an accessories type approval certificate (meaning a certificate in accordance with the form provided for in the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement).

(Application for Tests)

Article 57A person that intends to undergo a test referred to in Article 49-23, paragraph (1) of the Act that is related to accessories must submit a written application for an accessories type approval test using Form 26 to the Institute or a designated container conformity inspection body.

(Accessories Type Test Compliance Certificate)

Article 58If the relevant accessories pass the test pursuant to Article 49-23, paragraph (3) of the Act, the Institute or a designated container conformity inspection body must issue an accessories type test compliance certificate using Form 29.

(Stamping a Mark by Registered Accessories Manufacturers and Registered Foreign Accessories Manufacturers)

Article 59A person that intends to stamp a mark pursuant to Article 49-25, paragraph (3) of the Act (including as applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 49-33, paragraph (2) of the Act) must do so in accordance with the methods specified by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as being in conformity with the Regulations Annexed to the Agreement.

Chapter X Books

Article 60(1)The details entered in books referred to in Article 60, paragraph (1) of the Act are the details specified in the right column of the following table in accordance with the categories of the persons as set forth in the left column of that table:

Categories of parties required to make record entry	Matters to be recorded
Container manufacturer	(i) When a mark was stamped or a marking plate was attached:
	The type approval number (limited to a container with a self-inspection mark, etc.), the manufacturing number of the container, the type of gas to be filled, the internal volume, the year, month and date of manufacture, the place and results of container inspection, and the manufacturer of materials
	(ii) When a container istransfered:
	The manufacturing number of the container, the name of transferee, and the year, month, and date of the transfer
A party which has obtained a registration with a container reinspection station	(i) When a container re-inspection was conducted:
	The number of the container type approval, the manufacturing number, the year, month, and date of the re-inspection, and its results
	(ii) When an accessories re-inspection was conducted:
	The number of the accessories type approval, the year, month, and date of the accessories re-inspection, and its results

(2)A person that obtained a registration of a container manufacturer and a container reinspection station pursuant to Article 60, paragraph (1) of the Act must prepare books containing the details set forth in the preceding paragraph for each unit of containers and accessories, and must keep them for the period listed in the following items:

(i)for a container, during the period until one month has passed when counting from the day when four years and one month passed from the date of entry of the details specified in the preceding paragraph, if the container is four years and one month old or less; or during the period until one month has passed when counting from the day when two years and three months passed from the date of entry of the details set forth in that paragraph, if the container is four years and one month old or more;

(ii)for accessories fitted on a container, during the period until one month has passed when counting from the first container reinspection date after the date of entry of the details specified in paragraph (1).

(3)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph, the period for which a person that has received a registration of a container manufacturer and a container reinspection station must prepare and keep the books containing the details set forth in paragraph (1) for each unit of containers and accessories is listed in the following items:

(i)if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 15, paragraph (3) is obtained, during the period until one month has passed when counting from the expiry date of the period approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as specified in Article 15, paragraph (3) from the day of entry of the details specified in paragraph (1); or

(ii)if an approval of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry under Article 18, paragraph (2) is obtained, during the period until one month has passed when counting from the expiry date of the period approved by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as specified in Article 18, paragraph (2) from the day of entry of the details specified in paragraph (1).

(4)Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding two paragraphs, if a container manufacturer transfers a container, it must prepare books containing the details set forth in paragraph (1) for each container, and must keep the books during the period until one month has passed when counting from the first container reinspection date after the date of entry of the details specified in paragraph (1).

Supplementary Provisions

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Ministerial Order comes into effect from June 30, 2016.

(Partial Amendment to the Regulation on Safety of Containers)

Article 2A part of the Regulation on Safety of Containers (Order of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry No. 50 of 1966) is amended as follows.

In Article 1, the phrase "hereinafter referred to as the 'Order'" is deleted, and the phrase "(excluding containers to which the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition (Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 82 of 2016) applies" is added.

In Article 2, the term "item (xxviii)" is replaced with "item (xxviii)-2".

In Article 11, the term "paragraph (4)" is replaced with "paragraph (5)".

In Article 38 paragraph (2), after the phrase "Notwithstanding the provisions of the preceding paragraph", the phrase "for accessories which conform to the provisions of Article 10 of the Civil Aeronautics Act, the standards specified in Article 14-2, paragraph (10) of the Regulation for Enforcement of the Civil Aeronautics Act" is added; and the phrase "a mark may be stamped in accordance with the approved method" is replaced with "the approved standard may be applied as stamping a mark referred to in Article 49-4, paragraph (3) of the Act".

In Article 70, after the term "Director of the Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry", the phrase "(or to the prefectural governor having jurisdiction over the location of the container, in case of accessories fitted on a container with an internal volume of 500 liters or less (excluding a container to be fitted on a railroad vehicle))" is added.

(Partial Amendment to the Regulation on Safety of General High Pressure Gas)

Article 3A part of the Regulation on Safety of General High Pressure Gas (Order of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry No. 53 of 1966) is amended as follows.

In Article 6, paragraph (2), item (ii), sub-item (j), the phrase "a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems or a compressed hydrogen container for transportation automobiles specified in item (xvii)-2 of that Article" is replaced with the phrase "a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems, a compressed hydrogen container for transportation automobiles specified in item (xvii)-2 of that Article or a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement specified in Article 2, item (iii) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition (Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 82 of 2016)"; the phrase "in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems specified in item (xiii)-3 of that Article (hereinafter referred to as a "GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems"), the year and month of container inspection)" is deleted; the term "item (xiii) of that Article" is replaced with "Article 2, item (xii) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers"; and after the phrase "the year, month and date of fillable period has passed", the phrase "; the year and month of the fillable period under Article 8, paragraph (1), item (x) of that Order has passed, in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems specified in Article 2, item (xiii)-3 of that Order (hereinafter referred to as a "GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems"); or the month in which a 15-year passes from the month preceding the month of manufacturing of the container (meaning the month of passing a hydrostatic test performed in the course of manufacturing process thereof) has passed, in the case of a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement specified in Article 2, item (iii) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition (hereinafter referred to as a "compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement")" is added.

In Article 18, item (ii), sub-item (f), the phrase "in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems, the year and month of a container inspection)" is deleted; and after the phrase "the year, month and date of the fillable period has passed", the phrase "; the year and month of the fillable period under that item has passed, in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems; or the month in which a 15-year passes from the month preceding the month of manufacturing of the container (meaning the month of passing a hydrostatic test performed in the course of manufacturing process thereof) has passed, in the case of a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" is added.

In Article 46, paragraph (2), item (iv) is renumbered as item (v), and the following item is added after item (iii):

(iv)in the case of importing high pressure gas filled in a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement;

In Article 49, paragraph (1), item (iii), the phrase "(in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems, the year and month of a container inspection)" is deleted; and after the phrase "the year, month and date of the fillable period has passed", the phrase "; the year and month of the fillable period under that item has passed, in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems; or the month in which a 15-year passes from the month preceding the month of manufacturing of the container (meaning the month of passing a hydrostatic test performed in the course of manufacturing process thereof) has passed, in the case of a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" is added.

In Article 50, item (iii), the phrase "in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems, the year and month of a container inspection)" is deleted; and after the phrase "the year, month and date of the fillable period has passed", the phrase "; the year and month of the fillable period under that item has passes, in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems; or the month in which a 15-year passes from the month preceding the month of manufacturing of the container (meaning the month of passing a hydrostatic test performed in the course of manufacturing process thereof) has passed, in the case of a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement" is added.

(Partial Amendment to the Regulation on Safety of Industrial Complexes)

Article 4A part of the Regulation on Safety of Industrial Complexes (Order of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry No. 88 of 1986) is amended as follows.

In Article 5, paragraph (2), item (ii), sub-item (k), the phrase "a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems or a compressed hydrogen container for transportation automobiles specified in item (xvii)-2 of that Article" is replaced with the phrase "a liquefied natural gas container for automobile fuel systems, a compressed hydrogen container for transportation automobiles specified in item (xvii)-2 of the same Article or a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement specified in Article 2, item (iii) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition (Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 82 of 2016)"; the phrase "(in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems specified in item (xiii)-3 of that Article, the year and month of a container inspection)" is deleted; the term "item (xii) of that Article" is replaced with "Article 2, item (xii) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers"; and after the phrase "the year, month and date of the fillable period has passed", the phrase "; the year and month of the fillable period under Article 8, paragraph (1), item (x) of that Order has passed, in the case of a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems specified in Article 2, item (xiii)-3 of that Order; or the month in which a 15-year passes from the month preceding the month of manufacturing of the container (meaning the month of passing a hydrostatic test performed in the course of manufacturing process thereof) has passed, in the case of a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement specified in Article 2, item (iii) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition)" is added.

(Partial Amendment to the Regulation on Inspection of Specific Equipment)

Article 5A part of the Regulation on Inspection of Specific Equipment (Order of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry No. 4 of 1976) is amended as follows.

In Article 3, item (ix) is renumbered as item (x), the following item is added after item (i), and items (ii) through (viii) are renumbered accordingly.

(ii)a container to which the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition (Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 82 of 2016) applies;

Article 6A part of the Ministerial Order on Designated Testing Institutes under High Pressure Gas Safety Act (Order of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry No. 23 of 1997) is amended as follows:

The items of Article 35, paragraph (1) are amended as follows:

(i)a general seamless container;

(ii)a seamless compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems;

(iii)a welded container with an internal volume of less than 4,000 liters;

(iv)an ultra-low temperature container with an internal volume of less than 4,000 liters;

(v)a welded container or ultra-low temperature container with an internal volume of 4,000 liters or more;

(vi)a brazed container;

(vii)a general FRP composite container;

(viii)a general FRP composite container for liquefied petroleum gas;

(ix)a composite compressed natural gas container for automobile fuel systems;

(x)a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems;

(xi)a GTR-compliant compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems;

(xii)a compressed hydrogen container for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement;

(xiii)a compressed hydrogen container for transportation automobiles;

(xiv)a non refillable container; and

(xv)accessories.

In Article 66-11, paragraph (1), item (v), after the phrase "a document referred to in Article 46, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers", the phrase "a document referred to in Article 36, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition (Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 82 of 2016)" is added.

In Article 67, paragraph (8), item (v), after the phrase "a document referred to in Article 46, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers", the phrase "a document referred to in Article 36, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition" is added.

Supplementary Provisions [Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 49 of June 30, 2017]

This Ministerial Order comes into effect from the date of its promulgation.

Supplementary Provisions [Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 83 of November 15, 2017]

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Ministerial Order comes into effect from April 1, 2018.

(Transitional Measures)

Article 2(1)If a notification was submitted to the prefectural governor before the enforcement of this Ministerial Order pursuant to Article 77, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas before amendment by this Ministerial Order, and the notification relates to the administrative affairs that are to be carried out on behalf of the head of the designated city provided for in Article 252-19, paragraph (1) of the Local Autonomy Act (Act No. 67 of 1947) (hereinafter referred to as a "designated city" in this Article) after the day of enforcement of this Ministerial Order (hereinafter referred to as the "date of enforcement" in this Article), pursuant to Article 77, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of Liquefied Petroleum Gas amended by this Ministerial Order, that notification is deemed to be a notification submitted to the head of the designated city, after the date of enforcement.

(2)If a notification was submitted to the prefectural governor before the enforcement of this Ministerial Order pursuant to Article 79, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of General High Pressure Gas before amendment by this Ministerial Order, and the notification relates to the administrative affairs that are to be carried out on behalf of the head of the designated city after the data of enforcement, pursuant to Article 79, paragraph (2) of the Regulation on Safety of General High Pressure Gas amended by this Ministerial Order, that notification is deemed to be a notification submitted to the head of the designated city, after the effective date.

Supplementary Provisions [Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 2 of January 16, 2018]

This Ministerial Order comes into effect from the date of its promulgation.

Supplementary Provisions [Order of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry No. 6 of March 30, 2018]

(Effective Date)

Article 1This Ministerial Order comes into effect from April 30, 2018; provided, however, that the provisions of Article 1 amending Articles 4, 14 and 23, Article 30, paragraph (1), Article 32 and Article 36 of the Regulation on Safety of Containers; the provisions of Articles 2, 3 and 4 amending Article 2, paragraph (1), item (v), (d), Article 3, paragraph (1), Article 31, paragraph (1) and Article 32, paragraphs (1) and (3) of the Regulation on Safety of General High Pressure Gas; the provisions of Article 5 amending Article 2, paragraph (1), item (v), (d) of the Regulation on Safety of Industrial Complexes; and the provisions of Article 6 amending Articles 1, 14 and 23 of the Regulation on Safety of Containers Relating to International Reciprocal Recognition come into effect from April 1, 2018.

(Transitional Measures Related to Penal Provisions)

Article 2Prior laws continue to govern the application of penal provisions to acts committed before the enforcement of this Ministerial Order.

Appended Table (Re: Article 30)

Categories of manufactured containers, etc.	Business category of the container
Compressed hydrogen containers for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 101
Accessories for compressed hydrogen containers for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 102
Compressed natural gas containers for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 103
Accessories for compressed natural gas containers for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 104
Compressed liquefied natural gas containers for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 105
Accessories for liquefied natural gas containers for automobile fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 106
Compressed hydrogen containers for two-wheel motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 107
Accessories for compressed hydrogen containers for two-wheel motor vehicle fuel systems under the International Reciprocal Recognition Agreement	Class 108