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1. Laws of Metrology
A modern legal metrology system was established with the enactment of the Law of Weights and Measures in 1891. The legal units for measurement were unified into the metric system based on SI in 1921. In 1951, the law was revised and was published as Measurement Act. In order to correspond to new social needs such as internationalization, technological innovation and deregulation, the act and related regulations were significantly revised in 1992. The Measurement Act stipulates basic policy for scientific metrology, measurement units based on SI, a domestic traceability system (JCSS) and legal metrological control system including the definition of the specified measuring instruments (see 4.1). The act is supplemented with cabinet orders, ministerial orders and technical standards (JIS) to be applied to the national framework in metrology.
1.1 Legal Requirements for Traceability
Standards for legal metrological purposes is permitted to verify, inspect and test the specified measuring instruments (see 4.1). Where, Verification Standard represents a special category of measurement standard used for legal metrological purposes provided by the authorized public organizations.
1.1 Legal Requirements for Traceability
Standards for legal metrological purposes is permitted to verify, inspect and test the specified measuring instruments (see 4.1). Where, Verification Standard represents a special category of measurement standard used for legal metrological purposes provided by the authorized public organizations.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
In the Measurement Act (1992), the use of SI units was enforced. Some non-SI units listed below are, however, still permitted to use as exceptions:
(1) Carat (limited to the measurement of the mass of gem stones), (2) Are, hectare (limited to the measurement of the area of land), (3) Calorie (limited to the measurement of heat/energy intake for humans and animals), (4) mmHg, mmH2O (limited to the measurement of internal pressure of humans and animals) and (5) Knot (limited to the measurement of velocities in marine or aeronautical navigation).
(1) Carat (limited to the measurement of the mass of gem stones), (2) Are, hectare (limited to the measurement of the area of land), (3) Calorie (limited to the measurement of heat/energy intake for humans and animals), (4) mmHg, mmH2O (limited to the measurement of internal pressure of humans and animals) and (5) Knot (limited to the measurement of velocities in marine or aeronautical navigation).
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
3.1 National Organization for Legal (and Scientific) Metrology
Metrology Policy Office in Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is responsible for both scientific and legal aspects of implementation of the Measurement Act. METI is also responsible for basic policies and strategies on the metrology system in the future. The ministry provides public relations activities to raise awareness of the public in metrology. METI used to be called MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) until 2001.
Contact: Metrology Policy Office, Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, METI
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-8931, Japan
URL: http://www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
3.2.1 National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), AIST
National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) is part of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), which is an Independent Administrative Institution under the supervision of METI. Until 2001, the role of NMIJ was maintained by several national laboratories including NRLM (National Research Laboratory of Metrology) and ETL (Electrotechnical Laboratory). NMIJ is responsible for maintenance of the national primary standards, provision of calibration services for JCSS (see 3.5.1), provision of certified reference materials (CRMs), type approval in legal metrology, provision of Verification Standards for legal metrology, trainings at the Metrology Training Center, and cooperation with the international organizations.
Contact:
International Metrology Cooperation Office
AIST Tsukuba Central 3, 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8563 Japan
URL: https://www.nmij.jp/~imco/en/
3.2.2 Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation (JEMIC)
JEMIC is a specified civil corporation under the supervision of METI. Within the scope of legal metrology, JEMIC is responsible for type approval and verification services for the electricity meters. In the scope of metrology, JEMIC is responsible for the national primary standard of electric power for low frequency. In addition, JEMIC provides standards for physical quantities including temperature and photometry through calibration services.
Contact:
4-15-7, Shibaura, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan
URL: http://www.jemic.go.jp/e/
3.2.3 Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan (CERI)
CERI is an incorporated foundation that provides services for testing and evaluating chemical materials. In the traceability system (JCSS), CERI is responsible for certifying the concentration of chemical substances in the reference materials for gas and liquid in cooperation with NMIJ.
Contact:
CERI Tokyo
1600 Shimotakano, Sugito-machi, Kitakatsushika-gun, Saitama 345-0043, Japan
http://www.cerij.or.jp/ceri_en/index.html
3.2.4 National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)
NICT is a National Research and Development Agency which promotes research and development in the information and communication technologies under the supervision of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). In metrology, NICT is responsible for the primary standards of frequency. NICT also broadcasts radio wave for informing the Japan Standard Time (JST).
Contact:
4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan
https://www.nict.go.jp/en/index.html
3.3 National Organization Responsible for Maintaining Primary Standards
The primary standards of Japan are jointly maintained by NMIJ, JEMIC, CERI and NICT. In CIPM MRA and APMP (Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme), they are registered as the designated institutes of Japan.
3.4 Regional and Local Verification Organizations
There is a local verification institute in legal metrology in each of the 47 prefectures, and some specified cities have their own metrology offices. The main roles of the local verification institutes are: (1) verification of the specified measuring instruments; (2) registration of the manufacturers, retailers and repairers of the specified measuring instruments; (3) periodical inspection of weighing instruments; and (4) inspection of prepackaged products. The metrology offices of the specified cities support part of the activities of the local verification institute in the prefecture.
In addition, Measurement Act allows METI to authorize Designated Verification Institutes, which are mostly non-profit private organizations and manufacturers of measuring instruments, to conduct verifications for some categories of measuring instrument. Among the institutes, the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) is responsible for the verification of noise-level meters, vibration-level meters, pH meters and instruments for measuring concentration of pollutants in the air/water.
Besides Designated Verification Institutes, Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation (JEMIC), established by a special law, is responsible for the verification of all electricity meters in Japan.
3.5 Instrument Calibration and Evaluation Systems
3.5.1 Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS)
Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS), which consisted of a national traceability system to the national measurement standards and a registration/accreditation system for calibration laboratories, was introduced with the Measurement Act revised in 1992. NMIJ, JEMIC and other laboratories, which are designated by METI, develop and maintain the national measurement standards. They also calibrate secondary standards of the registered/accredited calibration laboratories. In the registration/accreditation system under JCSS, potential calibration laboratories are assessed based on the requirements of the Measurement Act and ISO/IEC 17025. International Accreditation Japan (IA Japan) of NITE (see 7.1) is responsible for registration/accreditation for JCSS.
Measuring instruments can be calibrated by the registered/accredited calibration laboratories in JCSS. Calibration certificates with the JCSS logo issued by registered/accredited calibration laboratories assure the traceability to the national measurement standards as well as technical and operational competence of the laboratory. There are about 260 JCSS registered/accredited calibration laboratories in Japan.
Apart from the Measurement Act, the calibration laboratories, which are seeking an accreditation based on another international standard, may use other accreditation services. IAJapan and JAB (Japan Accreditation Board) provide accreditation services including ASNITE (Accreditation System of National Institute of Technology and Evaluation) for such laboratories.
3.5.2 Measurement Standards used for Legal Metrology
Verification Standards used for legal metrological purposes are provided through another scheme maintained by the public authorities. These standards are provided by NMIJ, JEMIC and local verification institutes with a traceability to the national standards. On the other hand, JCSS provides voluntary calibration services outside the legal metrology.
Metrology Policy Office in Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is responsible for both scientific and legal aspects of implementation of the Measurement Act. METI is also responsible for basic policies and strategies on the metrology system in the future. The ministry provides public relations activities to raise awareness of the public in metrology. METI used to be called MITI (Ministry of International Trade and Industry) until 2001.
Contact: Metrology Policy Office, Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, METI
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-8931, Japan
URL: http://www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
3.2.1 National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ), AIST
National Metrology Institute of Japan (NMIJ) is part of National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), which is an Independent Administrative Institution under the supervision of METI. Until 2001, the role of NMIJ was maintained by several national laboratories including NRLM (National Research Laboratory of Metrology) and ETL (Electrotechnical Laboratory). NMIJ is responsible for maintenance of the national primary standards, provision of calibration services for JCSS (see 3.5.1), provision of certified reference materials (CRMs), type approval in legal metrology, provision of Verification Standards for legal metrology, trainings at the Metrology Training Center, and cooperation with the international organizations.
Contact:
International Metrology Cooperation Office
AIST Tsukuba Central 3, 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8563 Japan
URL: https://www.nmij.jp/~imco/en/
3.2.2 Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation (JEMIC)
JEMIC is a specified civil corporation under the supervision of METI. Within the scope of legal metrology, JEMIC is responsible for type approval and verification services for the electricity meters. In the scope of metrology, JEMIC is responsible for the national primary standard of electric power for low frequency. In addition, JEMIC provides standards for physical quantities including temperature and photometry through calibration services.
Contact:
4-15-7, Shibaura, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 108-0023, Japan
URL: http://www.jemic.go.jp/e/
3.2.3 Chemicals Evaluation and Research Institute, Japan (CERI)
CERI is an incorporated foundation that provides services for testing and evaluating chemical materials. In the traceability system (JCSS), CERI is responsible for certifying the concentration of chemical substances in the reference materials for gas and liquid in cooperation with NMIJ.
Contact:
CERI Tokyo
1600 Shimotakano, Sugito-machi, Kitakatsushika-gun, Saitama 345-0043, Japan
http://www.cerij.or.jp/ceri_en/index.html
3.2.4 National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)
NICT is a National Research and Development Agency which promotes research and development in the information and communication technologies under the supervision of Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC). In metrology, NICT is responsible for the primary standards of frequency. NICT also broadcasts radio wave for informing the Japan Standard Time (JST).
Contact:
4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi, Koganei, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan
https://www.nict.go.jp/en/index.html
3.3 National Organization Responsible for Maintaining Primary Standards
The primary standards of Japan are jointly maintained by NMIJ, JEMIC, CERI and NICT. In CIPM MRA and APMP (Asia-Pacific Metrology Programme), they are registered as the designated institutes of Japan.
3.4 Regional and Local Verification Organizations
There is a local verification institute in legal metrology in each of the 47 prefectures, and some specified cities have their own metrology offices. The main roles of the local verification institutes are: (1) verification of the specified measuring instruments; (2) registration of the manufacturers, retailers and repairers of the specified measuring instruments; (3) periodical inspection of weighing instruments; and (4) inspection of prepackaged products. The metrology offices of the specified cities support part of the activities of the local verification institute in the prefecture.
In addition, Measurement Act allows METI to authorize Designated Verification Institutes, which are mostly non-profit private organizations and manufacturers of measuring instruments, to conduct verifications for some categories of measuring instrument. Among the institutes, the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) is responsible for the verification of noise-level meters, vibration-level meters, pH meters and instruments for measuring concentration of pollutants in the air/water.
Besides Designated Verification Institutes, Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation (JEMIC), established by a special law, is responsible for the verification of all electricity meters in Japan.
3.5 Instrument Calibration and Evaluation Systems
3.5.1 Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS)
Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS), which consisted of a national traceability system to the national measurement standards and a registration/accreditation system for calibration laboratories, was introduced with the Measurement Act revised in 1992. NMIJ, JEMIC and other laboratories, which are designated by METI, develop and maintain the national measurement standards. They also calibrate secondary standards of the registered/accredited calibration laboratories. In the registration/accreditation system under JCSS, potential calibration laboratories are assessed based on the requirements of the Measurement Act and ISO/IEC 17025. International Accreditation Japan (IA Japan) of NITE (see 7.1) is responsible for registration/accreditation for JCSS.
Measuring instruments can be calibrated by the registered/accredited calibration laboratories in JCSS. Calibration certificates with the JCSS logo issued by registered/accredited calibration laboratories assure the traceability to the national measurement standards as well as technical and operational competence of the laboratory. There are about 260 JCSS registered/accredited calibration laboratories in Japan.
Apart from the Measurement Act, the calibration laboratories, which are seeking an accreditation based on another international standard, may use other accreditation services. IAJapan and JAB (Japan Accreditation Board) provide accreditation services including ASNITE (Accreditation System of National Institute of Technology and Evaluation) for such laboratories.
3.5.2 Measurement Standards used for Legal Metrology
Verification Standards used for legal metrological purposes are provided through another scheme maintained by the public authorities. These standards are provided by NMIJ, JEMIC and local verification institutes with a traceability to the national standards. On the other hand, JCSS provides voluntary calibration services outside the legal metrology.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
The Measurement Act stipulates that the following three categories of measuring instrument should be controlled for ensuring reliability; (1) instruments for transactions and certifications, (2) instruments for household use and (3) special containers. Production, supply and use of these instruments are controlled under the act. The first category is called "specified measuring instruments".
4.1 Specified Measuring Instruments for Trade and Certification
The Measurement Act requires that any specified measuring instrument shall not be used unless it passes a type approval and a verification. The act also requires that manufacturers, repairers and retailers of the specified measuring instruments be notified to the local government before providing services. The following are 18 categories of the specified measuring instrument stipulated in a cabinet order supporting the Measurement Act.
4.2 Specified Measuring Instruments for Household Use
There is another control system for those instruments used mainly for general household purposes called “Specified Measuring Instruments for Household Use.” Kitchen scales, bathroom scales and baby scales are subject to this control. Type approval and verification are not required to these instruments and the manufacturers are obliged to produce them in compliance with certain technical requirements in JIS (Japan Industrial Standard). These instruments are not allowed to be used for trade or certification.
4.3 Special Containers
Special containers (bottles) for some liquid foods/commodities are allowed for use in transactions. For these containers, the inside volume is specified from the liquid level measured from the top of the horizontal table where the container is placed. The standard types of such containers are stipulated by a ministerial order. The manufacturers of the containers must be designated by METI.
4.1 Specified Measuring Instruments for Trade and Certification
The Measurement Act requires that any specified measuring instrument shall not be used unless it passes a type approval and a verification. The act also requires that manufacturers, repairers and retailers of the specified measuring instruments be notified to the local government before providing services. The following are 18 categories of the specified measuring instrument stipulated in a cabinet order supporting the Measurement Act.
- Taximeters
- Weighing instruments: non-automatic weighing instruments (NAWI), automatic weighing instruments (AWI) and weights used for trade
- Glass thermometers including those for clinical use
- Leather-area meters
- Volume meters: cold water meters, hot water meters, fuel oil meters, liquefied gas meters, gas meters, and road tankers with a level gauge
- Flow speed meters for exhaust gas and drain water
- Hydrometers for density measurement
- Aneroid-type pressure gauges including sphygmomanometers
- Flow rate meters for exhaust gas and drain water
- Integrated heat meters
- Maximum-demand power meters
- Watt-hour (electricity) meters
- Reactive watt-hour (electricity) meters
- Illuminometers
- Sound level meters
- Vibration level meters
- Concentration meters for the environment
4.2 Specified Measuring Instruments for Household Use
There is another control system for those instruments used mainly for general household purposes called “Specified Measuring Instruments for Household Use.” Kitchen scales, bathroom scales and baby scales are subject to this control. Type approval and verification are not required to these instruments and the manufacturers are obliged to produce them in compliance with certain technical requirements in JIS (Japan Industrial Standard). These instruments are not allowed to be used for trade or certification.
4.3 Special Containers
Special containers (bottles) for some liquid foods/commodities are allowed for use in transactions. For these containers, the inside volume is specified from the liquid level measured from the top of the horizontal table where the container is placed. The standard types of such containers are stipulated by a ministerial order. The manufacturers of the containers must be designated by METI.
5. Type Approval
5.1 Legal and Technical Requirements for Pattern Approval
Type approval is required for the specified measuring instruments (see 4.1) produced under a mass production with a uniform type. If a type is approved, a national certificate with a type-approval number is issued, and the number is printed on each instrument. The technical requirements and test methods for type approval are specified in the ministerial orders and JIS. Importers and foreign manufacturers of the specified measuring instruments must also obtain a national certificate so that their products can be used in Japan. See 5.4 for the utilization of certificates issued in other countries.
5.2 Authority Responsible for Issuing Type Approval
NMIJ in AIST issues national type-approval certificates for most of the specified measuring instruments and load cells. JEMIC also issues national certificates for electricity meters. These certificates are valid for ten years. After the expiration, these certificates may be renewed with a certain fee without testing. NMIJ also issues OIML-CS certificates for the instrument categories on R 60 and R 76 (as of 2019).
5.3 Authority Responsible for Testing for Type Approval
NMIJ carries out type-approval tests on the instrument categories for which the institute issues national and OIML-CS certificates (see 5.2). JEMIC carries out type-approval tests on the electric measuring instruments for which the corporation issues national certificates.
5.4 Recognition/Acceptance of OIML Certificates (and other certificates)
OIML certificates issued in other countries may be accepted based on the mutual recognition arrangements under the OIML Certificate System (OIML-CS) as far as Japan participate in the corresponding instrument category as an Issuing Authority or a Utilizer. The METI encourages the national technical requirements in JIS to comply with those of OIML Recommendations. However, the compliance has not been fully achieved yet for all categories of the specified measuring instruments.
Apart from OIML-CS, type-approval certificates issued in Netherlands and Germany may be also accepted based on the bilateral MoUs.
5.5 List of Major Test Facilities Available
Major testing facilities of NMIJ used for type approval are listed as follows.
The cost of type approval, which is paid by the manufacturer (applicant), varies depending on the type of instrument and the extent of required testing. A typical fee for an electrical NAWI (less than 2 t) is about USD 6,000. A detailed fee table of NMIJ is given in the link below (only in Japanese).
https://www.nmij.jp/service/P/legal/katashiki/katashiki.pdf
Type approval is required for the specified measuring instruments (see 4.1) produced under a mass production with a uniform type. If a type is approved, a national certificate with a type-approval number is issued, and the number is printed on each instrument. The technical requirements and test methods for type approval are specified in the ministerial orders and JIS. Importers and foreign manufacturers of the specified measuring instruments must also obtain a national certificate so that their products can be used in Japan. See 5.4 for the utilization of certificates issued in other countries.
5.2 Authority Responsible for Issuing Type Approval
NMIJ in AIST issues national type-approval certificates for most of the specified measuring instruments and load cells. JEMIC also issues national certificates for electricity meters. These certificates are valid for ten years. After the expiration, these certificates may be renewed with a certain fee without testing. NMIJ also issues OIML-CS certificates for the instrument categories on R 60 and R 76 (as of 2019).
5.3 Authority Responsible for Testing for Type Approval
NMIJ carries out type-approval tests on the instrument categories for which the institute issues national and OIML-CS certificates (see 5.2). JEMIC carries out type-approval tests on the electric measuring instruments for which the corporation issues national certificates.
5.4 Recognition/Acceptance of OIML Certificates (and other certificates)
OIML certificates issued in other countries may be accepted based on the mutual recognition arrangements under the OIML Certificate System (OIML-CS) as far as Japan participate in the corresponding instrument category as an Issuing Authority or a Utilizer. The METI encourages the national technical requirements in JIS to comply with those of OIML Recommendations. However, the compliance has not been fully achieved yet for all categories of the specified measuring instruments.
Apart from OIML-CS, type-approval certificates issued in Netherlands and Germany may be also accepted based on the bilateral MoUs.
5.5 List of Major Test Facilities Available
Major testing facilities of NMIJ used for type approval are listed as follows.
- Dead-weight machines for load cell up to 20 t
- Anechoic chamber for testing electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS)
- Temperature-controlled chamber for environmental tests
- Test facility for non-automatic weighing instrument
- Test facility for thermometer
- Test facility for aneroid pressure-gauge
- Test facility for water meter (less than 350 mm in diameter)
- Test facility for fuel dispensers
The cost of type approval, which is paid by the manufacturer (applicant), varies depending on the type of instrument and the extent of required testing. A typical fee for an electrical NAWI (less than 2 t) is about USD 6,000. A detailed fee table of NMIJ is given in the link below (only in Japanese).
https://www.nmij.jp/service/P/legal/katashiki/katashiki.pdf
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
6.1 Legal and Technical Requirements for Verification and Reverification
Measurement Act prohibits the use of the specified measuring instruments without a valid verification mark for trade or certification. The verification mark is affixed to each instrument if it conforms the approved type and passes the verification. Initial verification is required to the specified measuring instruments. When an instrument is repaired or modified, it shall be reverified under the same condition with that of the initial verification.
For some categories of measuring instruments, periodical and subsequent verification is also required. The cabinet order specifies the duration of the validity of a verification for certain measuring instruments. Some examples of verification periods are indicated below.
6.2 Range of Equipment Verified and any Statistical Information Available
The specified measuring instruments (see 4.1) should basically undergo initial verifications and subsequent verifications for some categories. For example, the number of initial verifications of NAWIs conducted by the local governments in 2015 were 78,500.
6.3 Fee Structure
The verification/inspection fee, which is paid by the user/owner of the instrument, is specified by each institute/body conducting verification depending on the instrument category. A typical fee for verifying an electrical NAWI (less than 30 kg) is about USD 10.
6.4 Designated Manufacturer (additional information)
METI may designate a manufacturer of specified measuring instrument with an excellent quality control system for conducting initial verification, and it is called Designated Manufacturer. This manufacturer must undergo an initial assessment by METI before it is designated. After the designation, the manufacturer is allowed to deliver its products after a self-inspection at the factory, which replaces an initial verification by a local government. Even after the initial assessment, this manufacturer must undergo a periodical assessment by the local government. The requirement for the Designated Manufacturer is stipulated in a ministerial order, which is close to those of the ISO 9000 series. Instruments manufactured by the Designated Manufacturers are, however, still subject to a periodical verification (or a periodical inspection for some categories of instrument) and a reverification after repairment or modification.
Measurement Act prohibits the use of the specified measuring instruments without a valid verification mark for trade or certification. The verification mark is affixed to each instrument if it conforms the approved type and passes the verification. Initial verification is required to the specified measuring instruments. When an instrument is repaired or modified, it shall be reverified under the same condition with that of the initial verification.
For some categories of measuring instruments, periodical and subsequent verification is also required. The cabinet order specifies the duration of the validity of a verification for certain measuring instruments. Some examples of verification periods are indicated below.
- Water meters: 8 years
- Gas meters: 10 years
- Watt-hour (electricity) meters: 5/7/10 years depending on the type
- Non-automatic weighing instruments (NAWIs), balance weights and counterweights: 2 years
- Taximeters: 1 year
- Leather-area measuring machines: 1 year
6.2 Range of Equipment Verified and any Statistical Information Available
The specified measuring instruments (see 4.1) should basically undergo initial verifications and subsequent verifications for some categories. For example, the number of initial verifications of NAWIs conducted by the local governments in 2015 were 78,500.
6.3 Fee Structure
The verification/inspection fee, which is paid by the user/owner of the instrument, is specified by each institute/body conducting verification depending on the instrument category. A typical fee for verifying an electrical NAWI (less than 30 kg) is about USD 10.
6.4 Designated Manufacturer (additional information)
METI may designate a manufacturer of specified measuring instrument with an excellent quality control system for conducting initial verification, and it is called Designated Manufacturer. This manufacturer must undergo an initial assessment by METI before it is designated. After the designation, the manufacturer is allowed to deliver its products after a self-inspection at the factory, which replaces an initial verification by a local government. Even after the initial assessment, this manufacturer must undergo a periodical assessment by the local government. The requirement for the Designated Manufacturer is stipulated in a ministerial order, which is close to those of the ISO 9000 series. Instruments manufactured by the Designated Manufacturers are, however, still subject to a periodical verification (or a periodical inspection for some categories of instrument) and a reverification after repairment or modification.
7. Accreditation and Certification Systems
7.1 Accreditation Systems for Legal Metrology, Calibration and Testing Laboratories
OIML-CS requires an accreditation of the issuing authority (NMIJ) based on ISO/IEC 17065 and an accreditation of a testing laboratory (NMIJ) based on ISO/IEC 17025. In the domestic type-approval system under Measurement Act, accreditations of the issuing authorities and testing laboratories are not required, however.
Besides legal metrology, accreditation based on ISO/IEC 17025 is also required to the designated calibration laboratories in the domestic traceability system (JCSS). An accreditation is also required to some laboratories for Measurement Certification Business (see 7.5).
IAJapan of National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) is responsible for the national accreditation body. IAJapan conducts assessments of issuing authorities and testing laboratories for OIML-CS using the ASNITE scheme. IAJapan also supports the registration/accreditation of calibration laboratories for JCSS. NMIJ supports these accreditation systems as a group of technical experts.
For the participation in OIML-CS, NMIJ is assessed by IAJapan periodically based on ISO/IEC17025. NMIJ is preparing for the accreditation as an issuing authority based on ISO/IEC 17065 (as of 2019).
Contact:
National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE)
2-49-10 Nishihara, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan
http://www.nite.go.jp/en/index.html
7.2 Traceability to National, Regional, International or Foreign Measurement Standards
In JCSS, measurement standards are traceable to the national measurement standards of NMIJ, JEMIC, CERI or NICT (see 3.2).
7.3 Legal and Applied Metrological Activities in Products Certification
Conformity to ISO/IEC 17065 is required to the issuing authority (NMIJ) under OIML-CS. Requirements equivalent to those of the ISO 9000 series are applied to the quality system of Designated Manufacturers which conduct initial verifications (see 6.4).
7.4 Legal and Applied Metrological Activities in ISO Quality Management System
Conformity to ISO/IEC 17025 is requested to be registered/accredited as a calibration laboratory under JCSS. This standard is also required to the testing laboratory (NMIJ) under OIML-CS.
7.5 Measurement Certification Business
Measurement Certification Business, which is mostly operated by a private sector, is a certifying service in public for providing measurement result(s) on a request from a customer. Measurement Certification Business is divided into the following three categories. A business operator for this service must be registered to the local government and be accredited by NITE for the category (3).
- General: Measurement of length, mass, area, volume, or heat in the process of loading/unloading cargo used for transactions or transportations
- Environmental: Measurement of concentration in the air/water/ground, sound level, or vibration level
- Specific: Measurement of dioxin in the air/water/ground.
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners (officers and inspectors)
8.1 Numbers of domestic practitioners
Officers of the local governments and inspectors of the Designated Verification Institutes are responsible for supervision of the specified measuring instruments including verification and inspection. Approximately, a total of 1,000 staffs are involved in these activities in Japan. In addition, approximately 35,000 Certified Measurers support part of the inspections.
8.2 Qualification/Training (of the practitioner)
Officers and inspectors of the local governments and Designated Verification Institutes take professional training in their organizations. They are also encouraged to participate in the training programs conducted by the Metrology Training Center of NMIJ.
In addition, Certified Measurers, who are competent experts qualified by METI, support the metrological control system. To be a Certified Measurer, a candidate/applicant needs to either pass the national examination or have a training given by the Metrology Training Center of NMIJ. In addition, they need to have sufficient practical experiences. There are three categories of the measurers:
(1) General certified measurer responsible for inspection of NAWIs and administrations in public/private organizations in metrology
(2) Environmental Certified Measurer responsible for concentration in the air/water
(3) Environmental Certified Measurer responsible for noise and vibration levels
8.3 Training Organizations and Courses Organised
The Metrology Training Center of NMIJ provides several domestic training courses in metrology. The purposes of these courses are: (1) to train those who wish to be the Certified Measurers; (2) to educate the officers of the local verification institutes; and (3) to educate the specialists in metrology in private sectors.
Officers of the local governments and inspectors of the Designated Verification Institutes are responsible for supervision of the specified measuring instruments including verification and inspection. Approximately, a total of 1,000 staffs are involved in these activities in Japan. In addition, approximately 35,000 Certified Measurers support part of the inspections.
8.2 Qualification/Training (of the practitioner)
Officers and inspectors of the local governments and Designated Verification Institutes take professional training in their organizations. They are also encouraged to participate in the training programs conducted by the Metrology Training Center of NMIJ.
In addition, Certified Measurers, who are competent experts qualified by METI, support the metrological control system. To be a Certified Measurer, a candidate/applicant needs to either pass the national examination or have a training given by the Metrology Training Center of NMIJ. In addition, they need to have sufficient practical experiences. There are three categories of the measurers:
(1) General certified measurer responsible for inspection of NAWIs and administrations in public/private organizations in metrology
(2) Environmental Certified Measurer responsible for concentration in the air/water
(3) Environmental Certified Measurer responsible for noise and vibration levels
8.3 Training Organizations and Courses Organised
The Metrology Training Center of NMIJ provides several domestic training courses in metrology. The purposes of these courses are: (1) to train those who wish to be the Certified Measurers; (2) to educate the officers of the local verification institutes; and (3) to educate the specialists in metrology in private sectors.
9. Packaging (prepackaged products)
9.1 Legislative Control for Packaging
To assure the indicated net quantity, the Measurement Act requires to measure the net quantities of certain prepackaged products accurately. Among the products for daily use, 29 Specified Commodities are regulated from the viewpoint of consumer protection. The following list shows the Specified Commodities defined in a cabinet order supporting the Measurement Act:
(1) Rice and wheat
(2) Beans (processed and unprocessed)
(3) Rice flour and wheat flour
(4) Starch
(5) Vegetables (processed and unprocessed)
(6) Fruits (processed and unprocessed)
(7) Sugar
(8) Tea, coffee, and cocoa
(9) Seasonings
(10) Noodles
(11) Rice cakes, oatmeal and other processed flour
(12) Snacks, biscuits, candy and chocolates
(13) Meat (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
(14) Honey
(15) Milk (processed and unprocessed)
(16) Fish (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
(17) Seaweed (processed and unprocessed)
(18) Salt, soybean paste, etc.
(19) Sauce, broth, etc.
(20) Soy sauce and vinegar
(21) Pre-cooked foods
(22) Powdered juice
(23) Drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic, except for medical drinks)
(24) Liquid petroleum gas
(25) Kerosene
(26) Lubricating oil
(27) Paints, lacquer, and thinner
(28) Detergent for household use
(29) Leather
According to the cabinet order, actual net quantities in the Specified Commodities must be equal or more than [Nominal quantity – Tolerance (positive value)]. The order specifies three original tables of tolerances; (1) smaller tolerances in mass, (2) larger tolerances in mass, and (3) tolerances in volume. One of these three is applied to each of the 29 Specified Commodities. Imported Specified Commodities are also subject to this control.
This control system employs an original minimum quantity system which is different from the averaged quantity system proposed by OIML R 87. The tables of tolerance are also different from those of R 87.
9.2 Organization Responsible
METI is responsible for the legislation system for prepackaged products based on the Measurement Act. Local governments are responsible for inspection of the prepackaged products of Specified Commodities in the market.
To assure the indicated net quantity, the Measurement Act requires to measure the net quantities of certain prepackaged products accurately. Among the products for daily use, 29 Specified Commodities are regulated from the viewpoint of consumer protection. The following list shows the Specified Commodities defined in a cabinet order supporting the Measurement Act:
(1) Rice and wheat
(2) Beans (processed and unprocessed)
(3) Rice flour and wheat flour
(4) Starch
(5) Vegetables (processed and unprocessed)
(6) Fruits (processed and unprocessed)
(7) Sugar
(8) Tea, coffee, and cocoa
(9) Seasonings
(10) Noodles
(11) Rice cakes, oatmeal and other processed flour
(12) Snacks, biscuits, candy and chocolates
(13) Meat (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
(14) Honey
(15) Milk (processed and unprocessed)
(16) Fish (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
(17) Seaweed (processed and unprocessed)
(18) Salt, soybean paste, etc.
(19) Sauce, broth, etc.
(20) Soy sauce and vinegar
(21) Pre-cooked foods
(22) Powdered juice
(23) Drinks (non-alcoholic and alcoholic, except for medical drinks)
(24) Liquid petroleum gas
(25) Kerosene
(26) Lubricating oil
(27) Paints, lacquer, and thinner
(28) Detergent for household use
(29) Leather
According to the cabinet order, actual net quantities in the Specified Commodities must be equal or more than [Nominal quantity – Tolerance (positive value)]. The order specifies three original tables of tolerances; (1) smaller tolerances in mass, (2) larger tolerances in mass, and (3) tolerances in volume. One of these three is applied to each of the 29 Specified Commodities. Imported Specified Commodities are also subject to this control.
This control system employs an original minimum quantity system which is different from the averaged quantity system proposed by OIML R 87. The tables of tolerance are also different from those of R 87.
9.2 Organization Responsible
METI is responsible for the legislation system for prepackaged products based on the Measurement Act. Local governments are responsible for inspection of the prepackaged products of Specified Commodities in the market.
10. Sanctions
The following are the major offences to the Measurement Act and related penalties.
- Imprisonment of up to one year, and/or a fine of up to JPY 1,000,000 (USD 9,000) for delivering a clinical thermometer or an aneroid blood pressure gauge without a verification mark.
- Imprisonment of up to six months, and/or a fine of up to JPY 500,000 (USD 4,500) for (a) misuse of a specified measuring instrument for trade without a valid verification mark and (b) misuse of a type-approval number.
- Liable to a fine of up to JPY 500,000 (USD 4,500) for (a) use of illegal measurement units for trade or certification, (b) failure of periodical inspection of a specified measuring instrument, and (c) violation of packaging requirements.