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 accepted applications from qualified U.S. certification bodies seeking designation by NIST and recognition by Japan as MIC Foreign Registered Certification Bodies (RCBs).

Application requirements are detailed in the NIST Criteria for Designation of U.S. Conformity Assessment Bodies under the U.S.-Japan Mutual Recognition Agreement (Version 3.0).  Certification bodies interested in RCB status under Japan’s Radio Law and/or Telecommunications Business Act must complete the Annex I Application Checklist (refer to pages 21–23) and submit it, along with all supporting documents, to mra [at] nist.gov (mra[at]nist[dot]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

Criteria for Designation of U.S. Conformity Assessment Bodies under the U.S.-Japan Mutual Recognition Agreement (Version 3.0) 

U.S.-Japan MRA Fact Sheet

Current List of Designated CABs for Japan

Radio Act - Further Information

Technical Standards Conformity Certification System Manual (Spring 2023 Edition)

              Test Methods (see page 34 of Manual)

                          Test Methods of Specified Radio Equipment (Japanese)  (MIC Notification No. 88) 

                          Temporary Test Methods used by RCBs

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)

Related Websites