NIST Global Standards Information US-Japan MRA

U.S.-Japan Mutual Recognition Agreement

Overview

US-Japan MRA

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@nist.gov.

US-Japan EMC Arrangement

A separate arrangement has been made for the acceptance of test data for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) for Information Technology (IT) Equipment between the U.S. and Japan. Based on an exchange of letters between the Government of Japan and United States Trade Representative (USTR), The Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment (VCCI), a private-sector Japanese organization, will accept test results for IT equipment from accredited U.S. laboratories that are in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and specific VCCI requirements.

The FCC will accept test results for IT equipment from accredited Japanese laboratories that are in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and specific FCC requirements. For this arrangement, U.S. test labs are not required to be designated by NIST. Instead, the laboratories must be registered to VCCI. This registration process is offered by several U.S. laboratory accreditation bodies. Refer to the U.S.-Japan EMC Arrangement Fact Sheet for further information.