# Japan SCS supply chain security implementation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-scs-supply-chain-security-implementation > Updated: 2026-08-25T02:12:07.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), in coordination with the Cabinet Secretariat’s National Center of Incident Readiness and Strategy for Cyber, is preparing to launch the Security Countermeasures Evaluation System for Supply Chain (SCS) by the end of fiscal year 2026, with operations expected to begin around March 2027. Managed by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), the system utilizes a star-based rating system (★3 to ★5) to standardize cybersecurity levels and provide a common benchmark for verifying supplier security postures. Recent developments emphasize that the system focuses heavily on “evidence and accountability.” Approximately 70% of the 153 evaluation items require companies to demonstrate established operational rules and the ability to prove actions through logs, rather than merely implementing new technology. This structure is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build trust with larger clients through consistent operational frameworks. In anticipation of the launch, several firms have expanded their compliance services. BTN Consulting has released a free, registration-free self-check tool covering 26 requirements and 81 criteria to help companies identify gaps for ★3 level alignment. Canon IT Solutions is expanding its diagnostic services to include execution plan formulation in August 2026 and implementation support in October 2026, targeting ★3 (Basic) and ★4 (Standard) certifications. Additionally, Internet Initiative Japan (IIJ) has launched an assessment solution featuring consultant-led interviews and improvement roadmaps, while Atomitech is hosting educational webinars to assist businesses in managing vendor risks. The initiative responds to intensifying ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, particularly medical institutions, where disruptions to clinical operations have lasted up to two months. ## Claims - The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry plans to launch the Security Countermeasures Evaluation System for Supply Chain (SCS) by the end of fiscal year 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The SCS evaluation system is based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The ★3 level represents the minimum baseline of organizational and system defense measures required for all supply chain companies. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The evaluation framework uses seven categories, incorporating 'supplier management' alongside the NIST CSF functions of governance, identification, protection, detection, response, and recovery. (single source) - The ★4 level requires comprehensive measures including governance and incident response, verified through third-party evaluation. (single source) - OPTiM Biz has launched a support package designed to help companies achieve the ★3 level or higher in the SCS evaluation system. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-25: Japan prepares SCS cybersecurity evaluation system for supply chains Japan's upcoming SCS Evaluation System aims to strengthen supply chain cybersecurity by March 2027. Companies like IIJ are launching assessment services to help businesses meet new security standards. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japans-scs-cybersecurity-evaluation-system-prepares-for-2026-launch ### 2026-08-22: Japan strengthens cybersecurity measures against rising ransomware attacks Japan is launching a Supply Chain Security (SCS) evaluation system to combat rising ransomware attacks targeting medical institutions and critical supply chains. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-strengthens-cybersecurity-measures-against-rising-ransomware-attacks ### 2026-08-20: Japan to launch SCS supply chain security evaluation system in 2026 Japan's METI will launch the SCS cybersecurity evaluation system by fiscal year 2026 to strengthen supply chain security using a star-based rating system based on NIST standards. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-to-launch-scs-supply-chain-security-evaluation-system-in-2026 ### 2026-08-18: Japanese firms launch services for SCS supply chain security compliance Japanese firms BTN Consulting and Canon IT Solutions are launching tools and services to help companies comply with the upcoming SCS Evaluation System for supply chain security. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-firms-launch-services-for-scs-supply-chain-security-compliance --- Cite as: Japan SCS supply chain security implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-scs-supply-chain-security-implementation