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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 foreign registered CABs. See the NIST Criteria for Designation to Japan (October 1, 2012 - Version 2.0) for the requirements and application instructions.
For questions about the application process, contact mra [at] nist.gov.
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)
Current List of Designated CABs for Japan
Radio Act - Further Information
Test Methods of Specified Radio Equipment (Japanese)
Searchable Database of Certified Equipment - Radio Act (Japanese)
FAQs on the Conformity Mark (English)
Telecom Business Law - Further Information
Telecommunications Business Act and Related Cabinet Orders, Ordinances and Public Notices (Japanese)
Public Notices of Certification - Telecommunications Business Act (Japanese)
EMC Arrangement for Acceptance of EMC Test Data
U.S. EMC Letter to Japan (February 16, 2007)
Japan EMC Letter to the U.S. (February 26, 2007)
Content last revised on September 26, 2018