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Standards.gov

US-Japan MRA

Recognition of Certification Bodies

The Mutual Recognition Agreement between the United States and Japan (US- Japan MRA) establishes procedures for mutual acceptance of the results of conformity assessment procedures conducted by certification bodies in the U.S. and Japan within the scope of this Agreement (telecommunications terminal equipment and radio equipment).

The MRA aims to promote trade between the U.S. and Japan by reducing the cost for companies that are engaged in trade in these sectors.

Since November 1, 2010, NIST has been accepting applications from qualified U.S. certification bodies seeking to be designated by NIST and recognized by Japan as MIC foreign registered certification bodies (RCBs). The NIST Criteria for Designation to Japan document is currently under revision. CABs interested in obtaining recognition should contact NIST (mra [at] nist.gov (mra[at]nist[dot]gov)) to obtain information on the scopes of recognition that are available and the current application requirements and instructions.

Certification bodies interested in seeking MIC RCB status for the Radio Law or the Telecommunications Business Law must contact NIST (via mra [at] nist.gov (mra[at]nist[dot]gov)) in advance of applying - to discuss the current designation requirements

Separate US-Japan EMC Arrangement for Acceptance of EMC Test Data

The US and Japan have made special arrangements for the acceptance of EMC test data for Information Technology Equipment (ITE). The Arrangement was formalized through exchange letters and became effective April 1, 2007. Under the Arrangement, (1) the FCC accepts EMC test results for ITE from accredited Japanese laboratories that meet ISO/IEC 17025 and specific FCC requirements and (2) Japan’s Voluntary Control Council for Interference by ITE Council (VCCI Council), a private-sector organization, accepts IT equipment test data from accredited US laboratories that meet ISO/IEC 17025 and specific VCCI requirements (VCCI Membership and VCCI Laboratory Registration).

Further information can be obtained here.

U.S.-Japan Resources

MRA

Full text of the U.S.-Japan Mutual Recognition Agreement

NIST Criteria for Designation to Japan (October 1, 2012 - Version 2.0) - This version is no longer available. Please contact NIST to review current updated designation requirements.

U.S.-Japan MRA Fact Sheet

Current List of Designated CABs for Japan