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National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) Program
A way for U.S. conformity assessment organizations to demonstrate their competence
The National Voluntary Conformity Assessment Systems Evaluation (NVCASE) Program is a voluntary service operated by the NIST Standards Coordination Office (15 CFR Part 286). NVCASE evaluates and formally recognizes U.S. conformity assessment organizations that meet specific regulatory requirements.
Benefits of NVCASE Recognition
- Builds Trust: Provides regulatory authorities confidence in U.S. conformity assessment organizations.
- Facilitates Global Trade: Facilitates the acceptance of U.S. products in foreign regulated markets based on U.S. conformity assessment results.
Operational areas (sub-programs) are established following NVCASE guidelines, including a public notification period.
Sub-Program: EMC/Telecommunications Equipment
Under this sub-program, NIST formally recognizes accreditation bodies that accredit Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs) for U.S. and foreign regulatory schemes.
To achieve NVCASE recognition, accreditation bodies must comply with ISO/IEC 17011 and prove their competence in evaluating certification bodies against ISO/IEC 17065 and specific regulatory requirements for the following economies:
- United States
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Singapore
Supported Agreements and Regulatory Programs
- FCC TCB Program: Federal Communications Commission Telecommunications Certification Body Program.
- APEC TEL MRA Phase II Economies: Mutual Recognition Agreements with Canada, Hong Kong, and Singapore under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
- U.S.-Japan MRA: Telecommunications Mutual Recognition Agreement between the United States and Japan.
Recognized Accreditation Bodies
| Accreditation Body Name | Recognition Details |
|---|---|
| American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) | A2LA Terms of Recognition |
| ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) | ANAB Terms of Recognition |
Program Resources & Legal Guidance
- NVCASE Program Handbook: Procedures for obtaining NIST recognition as an accreditation body.
- 15 CFR Part 286 Regulations: Code of Federal Regulations governing the NVCASE program.
- Federal Register Establishment Notice: Original notice establishing the NVCASE Program.