Japan
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
A modern legal metrology system was initially established in Japan with the enactment of the Law of Weights and Measures in 1891. The legal units for measurement were unified into the metric system in 1921. The 1951 Measurement Law again revised this. In 1992, the law and related regulations were significantly revised once more, and became effective in 1993 in order to correspond to new social needs such as internationalization, technological innovation, and deregulation. The Measurement Law is supplemented by cabinet orders and ministerial orders.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
Coinciding with an amendment of its Measurement Law, Japan moved to totally embrace the SI units in 1992, imposing in principle a ban on the use of non-SI units in transaction and certification activities, for example, outlawing the use of measuring instruments calibrated to "yards," "pounds," "shaku," or "kan."
The conversion was introduced in phases by granting three grace periods according to individual units in view of the fact that were areas where non-SI units were widely used. Except for some medical applications, these grace periods expired on September 30, 1999.
Main examples of change:
- Sound pressure level: phon – decibel
- Force: kilogram-force(kgf) – Newton
- Heat: calorie – joule
- Magnetic flux density: gauss – tesla
Non-SI units still permitted as exceptions:
- Carat (limited to the measurement of the mass of gem stones)
- Are, hectare (limited to the measurement of the area of land)
- Calorie (limited mainly to the measurement of heat/energy intake for people and animals)
- Knot (limited to the measurement of velocities in marine or aeronautical navigation)
The conversion was introduced in phases by granting three grace periods according to individual units in view of the fact that were areas where non-SI units were widely used. Except for some medical applications, these grace periods expired on September 30, 1999.
Main examples of change:
- Sound pressure level: phon – decibel
- Force: kilogram-force(kgf) – Newton
- Heat: calorie – joule
- Magnetic flux density: gauss – tesla
Non-SI units still permitted as exceptions:
- Carat (limited to the measurement of the mass of gem stones)
- Are, hectare (limited to the measurement of the area of land)
- Calorie (limited mainly to the measurement of heat/energy intake for people and animals)
- Knot (limited to the measurement of velocities in marine or aeronautical navigation)
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
3.1 Metrology Policy Office, METI
The Metrology Policy Office is part of the Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau in the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI). It is in charge of the legal aspects of implementation of the Measurement Law and of basic planning for metrology regulation in Japan.
Metrology Policy Office
Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, METI
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-8931, Japan
Telephone: +81-3-3501-1688
Fax: +81-3-3501-7851
3.2 National Metrology Institute of Japan/National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST)
The NMIJ/AIST has the following function from the metrological point of view.
- Overall technical control over weights and measures, reference instrument inspection (mass, length, volume, etc.), type approval, instrument certification, and establishment/calibration of national measurement standards
- Reference instrument inspection (noise meters), type approval of illuminometers, noise meters, etc. instrument certification, and establishment of national measurement standards
- Reference instrument inspection for calorimeters, instrument certification, and establishment/calibration of national measurement standards
- Overall control over standard gases and solutions, establishment and calibration of national measurement standards, and adoption of specified reference materials
- Selection and training of measurement-related officials or certified measurers
- R&D, maintenance and dissemination of national metrology standards and reference materials
- Technical support of a national traceability system under the JCSS (see 7.1)
- Delegation of contact persons for international metrology organizations, BIPM, BIML, APMP and APLMF
AIST Tsukuba C-3, 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8563 Japan
Telephone: +81-298-61-4149
Fax: +81-298-61-4202
3.3 National Institute of Technology and Evaluation
The National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) has the following functions from the metrological point of view.
Acceptance of applications concerning accredited calibration for business and related documentscreening and onsite inspections; document screenings and on-site inspections for designated manufacturers; on-site inspections for measurement certification for business (concentration); and confirmation of maintenance of reference materials, etc.
2-49-10 Nishihara, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan
Telephone: +81-3-3481-1921
Fax: +81-3-3481-1920
3.4 Local verification organizations
To carry out the objectives of the Measurement Law uniformly throughout Japan, there are 47 prefectural verification institutes of weights and measures and 103 municipal inspection institutes of weights and measures.
The main functions of prefectural institutes are to verify legally specified measuring instruments used for trade; to register manufacturers, retailers and repairers of measuring instruments; and to inspect weighing instruments periodically. The main functions of municipal institutes are to inspect weighing instruments periodically and to inspect packaging commodities.
3.5 JEMIC and designated verification institutes
The Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation (JEMIC), a non-profit institution established by special law, is responsible for the verification of electricity meters.
In addition, the Measurement Law allows METI the authority to designate non-profit testing laboratories as designated verification institutes that are obliged to conduct verifications. The Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) and Japan Gas Appliances Inspection Association have been so designated. The former institute is responsible for the verification of thermometers, calorimeters, aneroid blood-pressure gauges, noise-level meters, vibration-level meters, and instruments for measuring concentration, while the latter institute is responsible only for calorimeters.
3.6 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
Verification standards used for verification and inspection must periodically check the traceability to the national measurement standards. Instrument calibration services for such verification standards are provided to those institutes or businesses related to regulation, according to the type of standard, by the NMIJ/AIST, JEMIC, and prefectural verification institutes.
Calibration services for the private sector, which are not necessarily related to regulation, are provided by the calibration laboratory accreditation system stipulated in the Measurement Law. This accreditation system is referred to as the Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS). (Refer to clause 7.1.)
The Metrology Policy Office is part of the Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau in the Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI). It is in charge of the legal aspects of implementation of the Measurement Law and of basic planning for metrology regulation in Japan.
Metrology Policy Office
Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, METI
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo 100-8931, Japan
Telephone: +81-3-3501-1688
Fax: +81-3-3501-7851
3.2 National Metrology Institute of Japan/National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (NMIJ/AIST)
The NMIJ/AIST has the following function from the metrological point of view.
- Overall technical control over weights and measures, reference instrument inspection (mass, length, volume, etc.), type approval, instrument certification, and establishment/calibration of national measurement standards
- Reference instrument inspection (noise meters), type approval of illuminometers, noise meters, etc. instrument certification, and establishment of national measurement standards
- Reference instrument inspection for calorimeters, instrument certification, and establishment/calibration of national measurement standards
- Overall control over standard gases and solutions, establishment and calibration of national measurement standards, and adoption of specified reference materials
- Selection and training of measurement-related officials or certified measurers
- R&D, maintenance and dissemination of national metrology standards and reference materials
- Technical support of a national traceability system under the JCSS (see 7.1)
- Delegation of contact persons for international metrology organizations, BIPM, BIML, APMP and APLMF
AIST Tsukuba C-3, 1-1-1, Umezono, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8563 Japan
Telephone: +81-298-61-4149
Fax: +81-298-61-4202
3.3 National Institute of Technology and Evaluation
The National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) has the following functions from the metrological point of view.
Acceptance of applications concerning accredited calibration for business and related documentscreening and onsite inspections; document screenings and on-site inspections for designated manufacturers; on-site inspections for measurement certification for business (concentration); and confirmation of maintenance of reference materials, etc.
2-49-10 Nishihara, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo 151-0066, Japan
Telephone: +81-3-3481-1921
Fax: +81-3-3481-1920
3.4 Local verification organizations
To carry out the objectives of the Measurement Law uniformly throughout Japan, there are 47 prefectural verification institutes of weights and measures and 103 municipal inspection institutes of weights and measures.
The main functions of prefectural institutes are to verify legally specified measuring instruments used for trade; to register manufacturers, retailers and repairers of measuring instruments; and to inspect weighing instruments periodically. The main functions of municipal institutes are to inspect weighing instruments periodically and to inspect packaging commodities.
3.5 JEMIC and designated verification institutes
The Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation (JEMIC), a non-profit institution established by special law, is responsible for the verification of electricity meters.
In addition, the Measurement Law allows METI the authority to designate non-profit testing laboratories as designated verification institutes that are obliged to conduct verifications. The Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA) and Japan Gas Appliances Inspection Association have been so designated. The former institute is responsible for the verification of thermometers, calorimeters, aneroid blood-pressure gauges, noise-level meters, vibration-level meters, and instruments for measuring concentration, while the latter institute is responsible only for calorimeters.
3.6 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
Verification standards used for verification and inspection must periodically check the traceability to the national measurement standards. Instrument calibration services for such verification standards are provided to those institutes or businesses related to regulation, according to the type of standard, by the NMIJ/AIST, JEMIC, and prefectural verification institutes.
Calibration services for the private sector, which are not necessarily related to regulation, are provided by the calibration laboratory accreditation system stipulated in the Measurement Law. This accreditation system is referred to as the Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS). (Refer to clause 7.1.)
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
The Measurement Law stipulates the following two restraints concerning the use and supply of certain measuring instruments (referred to as "specified measuring instruments") in order to ensure accurate metrology. Containers for specified commodities are also subject to control.
4.1 Specified measuring instruments for trade
Measuring instruments for trade purposes shall not be used unless their design and structure satisfy the pattern requirements, and each individual instrument must meet the accuracy requirement.
The Cabinet Order identifies the following 18 types of instruments as "specified measuring instruments:"
- Taximeter*
- Weighing instrument*
- Thermometer*
- Hide planimeter*
- Volume meter*
- Current meter*
- Density hydrometer*
- Pressure gauge*
- Flow meter*
- Calorimeter*
- Maximum-demand power meter#
- Watt-hour meter#
- Reactive watt-hour meter#
- Illuminometer#
- Noise level meter*
- Vibration level meter*
- Instrument for measuring concentration*
- Relative density hydrometer*
Note: Pattern approvals for the instruments marked with * are granted by NMIJ/AIST and with # by JEMIC.
The Measurement Law also requires the manufacturers, repairers and retailers of specified measuring instruments to notify the local weights and measures institutes.
4.2 Specified measuring instrument for household use
There is another control for those specified measuring instruments used mainly for general household purposes (even though not used for trade or certification). Manufacturers of such instruments are obliged to make their products in compliance with certain technical requirements. Kitchen scales, bathroom scales, and baby scales are subject to this control.
4.3 Special containers
Special containers for the following commodities are allowed for use in trade by filling the commodities up to a certain height level. The manufacturers of the containers must be designated by METI as technically proficient, and the types of containers must be stipulated by Ministerial Order. Foreign test data issued by METI approved laboratories are acceptable.
- Milk (except skim milk), processed milk and milk drinks
- Lactic acid drinks
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Drinking water
- Sparkling soft drinks
- Fruit drinks
- Acidic drinks made of milk or dairy products
- Beer
- Refined sake
- Shochu
- Whisky
- Brandy
- Fruit liquor
- Mirin
- Synthetic sake
- Agricultural chemical solutions
4.1 Specified measuring instruments for trade
Measuring instruments for trade purposes shall not be used unless their design and structure satisfy the pattern requirements, and each individual instrument must meet the accuracy requirement.
The Cabinet Order identifies the following 18 types of instruments as "specified measuring instruments:"
- Taximeter*
- Weighing instrument*
- Thermometer*
- Hide planimeter*
- Volume meter*
- Current meter*
- Density hydrometer*
- Pressure gauge*
- Flow meter*
- Calorimeter*
- Maximum-demand power meter#
- Watt-hour meter#
- Reactive watt-hour meter#
- Illuminometer#
- Noise level meter*
- Vibration level meter*
- Instrument for measuring concentration*
- Relative density hydrometer*
Note: Pattern approvals for the instruments marked with * are granted by NMIJ/AIST and with # by JEMIC.
The Measurement Law also requires the manufacturers, repairers and retailers of specified measuring instruments to notify the local weights and measures institutes.
4.2 Specified measuring instrument for household use
There is another control for those specified measuring instruments used mainly for general household purposes (even though not used for trade or certification). Manufacturers of such instruments are obliged to make their products in compliance with certain technical requirements. Kitchen scales, bathroom scales, and baby scales are subject to this control.
4.3 Special containers
Special containers for the following commodities are allowed for use in trade by filling the commodities up to a certain height level. The manufacturers of the containers must be designated by METI as technically proficient, and the types of containers must be stipulated by Ministerial Order. Foreign test data issued by METI approved laboratories are acceptable.
- Milk (except skim milk), processed milk and milk drinks
- Lactic acid drinks
- Worcestershire sauce
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Drinking water
- Sparkling soft drinks
- Fruit drinks
- Acidic drinks made of milk or dairy products
- Beer
- Refined sake
- Shochu
- Whisky
- Brandy
- Fruit liquor
- Mirin
- Synthetic sake
- Agricultural chemical solutions
5. Type Approval
5.1 Legal and technical requirements for pattern approval
METI is responsible for ensuring that the design of the specified measuring instruments meets certain criteria for accurate measurements. The Minister carries out this responsibility by examining the design of measuring instruments and by testing sample instruments.
Once the pattern of an instrument has been approved, METI issues a certificate of approval. Subsequent production instruments made to the pattern must be marked with an assigned type number. The marking and numbering on a production instrument is the primary indication to the prefectural and other verification institutes that the measuring instrument is of an approved pattern.
Pattern approval is required for all specified measuring instruments, regardless of type, as listed in clause 4.1. Manufacturers, importers, and foreign manufacturers can apply for pattern approval testing of these instruments.
5.2 Execution of pattern approval tests
The authority for pattern approval is delegated to NMIJ/AIST and JEMIC. These two institutes carry out the pattern examination according to the type of instrument. (See 4.1.) Pattern approvals for the instruments marked with * are granted by NMIJ/AIST and with # by JEMIC.
NMIJ/AIST and JEMIC usually examine all the test items specified in the Ministerial Order. Test data issued by the designated verification institutes (refer to clause 3.5) or by foreign laboratories approved by METI, however, are acceptable.
5.3 Recognition/Acceptance of OIML certificates
Although the revision of the Ministerial Order was made to agree to the greatest possible extent with the OIML recommendations, the technical specifications in Japan are not identical to them. Therefore, the OIML certificates issued in foreign countries are not accepted unconditionally, however, the data for the common test items is highly respected. No OIML certificates have been submitted to the pattern approval authorities in Japan as of August 2002.
5.4 List of major testing facilities for pattern approval
- Electromagnetic Susceptibility (EMS) testing facility
- Temperature-controlled chamber for environmental tests
- Non-automatic weighing instrument testing facility
- Thermometer testing facility
- Aneroid pressure-gauge testing facility
- Water meter (smaller than 350 mm in diameter) testing facility
METI is responsible for ensuring that the design of the specified measuring instruments meets certain criteria for accurate measurements. The Minister carries out this responsibility by examining the design of measuring instruments and by testing sample instruments.
Once the pattern of an instrument has been approved, METI issues a certificate of approval. Subsequent production instruments made to the pattern must be marked with an assigned type number. The marking and numbering on a production instrument is the primary indication to the prefectural and other verification institutes that the measuring instrument is of an approved pattern.
Pattern approval is required for all specified measuring instruments, regardless of type, as listed in clause 4.1. Manufacturers, importers, and foreign manufacturers can apply for pattern approval testing of these instruments.
5.2 Execution of pattern approval tests
The authority for pattern approval is delegated to NMIJ/AIST and JEMIC. These two institutes carry out the pattern examination according to the type of instrument. (See 4.1.) Pattern approvals for the instruments marked with * are granted by NMIJ/AIST and with # by JEMIC.
NMIJ/AIST and JEMIC usually examine all the test items specified in the Ministerial Order. Test data issued by the designated verification institutes (refer to clause 3.5) or by foreign laboratories approved by METI, however, are acceptable.
5.3 Recognition/Acceptance of OIML certificates
Although the revision of the Ministerial Order was made to agree to the greatest possible extent with the OIML recommendations, the technical specifications in Japan are not identical to them. Therefore, the OIML certificates issued in foreign countries are not accepted unconditionally, however, the data for the common test items is highly respected. No OIML certificates have been submitted to the pattern approval authorities in Japan as of August 2002.
5.4 List of major testing facilities for pattern approval
- Electromagnetic Susceptibility (EMS) testing facility
- Temperature-controlled chamber for environmental tests
- Non-automatic weighing instrument testing facility
- Thermometer testing facility
- Aneroid pressure-gauge testing facility
- Water meter (smaller than 350 mm in diameter) testing facility
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
6.1 Verification
Article 16 of the Measurement Law states that no specified measuring instrument for trade or certification shall be used or owned without a valid verification mark. A valid verification mark is affixed when an instrument satisfies the type requirements (usually checked by type approval marking) and the accuracy requirements stipulated in the Ministerial Order. Verifications are carried out by local institutes, JEMIC, and by other designated verification institutes according to type (refer to clauses 3.4 and 3.5).
6.2 Reverification
The Cabinet Order specifies the duration of the validity of a verification mark for certain measuring instruments. Reverifications will be made after required repairs. The following main examples for such instruments are indicated with their duration periods:
- Water meter 8 years
- Gas meter 10 years
- Watt-hour meter 7 years
In addition, the taximeter is subject to reverification after a one-year interval. Test items for reverification are identical to the initial verification.
6.3 Periodic inspection
Prefectural governments, specified municipal governments, and designated periodic inspection bodies conduct periodic inspections every other year for non-automatic scales, balance weights and counterweights, and once a year for leather-area measuring machines. These periodic inspections are carried out in an area-to-area rotation, for example, in town A in the first week of month X, in town B in the second week of the same month, and so on.
A periodic inspection may be replaced by a commissioned inspection, conducted by a certified measurer, or by a self-inspection in the case of a proper measurement-control or measurement-certification business.
6.4 Designated manufacturer
When a manufacturer of specified measuring instruments is designated by METI as having an excellent quality system and inspection facility, it may deliver its products after conducting its own self-inspection, which replaces official initial verification. This designated manufacturer must also keep inspection records for three years for consequent audit by the local verification institute. The requirement for this designation is stipulated in the Ministerial Order, which is basically identical to ISO 9002. Instruments manufactured by such designated manufacturers are still subject to the control of periodic inspection or reverification.
Foreign test data issued by MITI-approved institutes are acceptable.
Article 16 of the Measurement Law states that no specified measuring instrument for trade or certification shall be used or owned without a valid verification mark. A valid verification mark is affixed when an instrument satisfies the type requirements (usually checked by type approval marking) and the accuracy requirements stipulated in the Ministerial Order. Verifications are carried out by local institutes, JEMIC, and by other designated verification institutes according to type (refer to clauses 3.4 and 3.5).
6.2 Reverification
The Cabinet Order specifies the duration of the validity of a verification mark for certain measuring instruments. Reverifications will be made after required repairs. The following main examples for such instruments are indicated with their duration periods:
- Water meter 8 years
- Gas meter 10 years
- Watt-hour meter 7 years
In addition, the taximeter is subject to reverification after a one-year interval. Test items for reverification are identical to the initial verification.
6.3 Periodic inspection
Prefectural governments, specified municipal governments, and designated periodic inspection bodies conduct periodic inspections every other year for non-automatic scales, balance weights and counterweights, and once a year for leather-area measuring machines. These periodic inspections are carried out in an area-to-area rotation, for example, in town A in the first week of month X, in town B in the second week of the same month, and so on.
A periodic inspection may be replaced by a commissioned inspection, conducted by a certified measurer, or by a self-inspection in the case of a proper measurement-control or measurement-certification business.
6.4 Designated manufacturer
When a manufacturer of specified measuring instruments is designated by METI as having an excellent quality system and inspection facility, it may deliver its products after conducting its own self-inspection, which replaces official initial verification. This designated manufacturer must also keep inspection records for three years for consequent audit by the local verification institute. The requirement for this designation is stipulated in the Ministerial Order, which is basically identical to ISO 9002. Instruments manufactured by such designated manufacturers are still subject to the control of periodic inspection or reverification.
Foreign test data issued by MITI-approved institutes are acceptable.
7. Accreditation and Certification Systems
7.1 Japan Calibration Service System (JCSS)
The globalization of economic activities and the rapid advancement of technology and other ongoing trends have given rise to an urgent need for proper support of high-precision measurement. This precision is conducive to more streamlined business transactions and greater product quality and reliability in terms of enhanced measurement reliability in such areas as conformity assessment and effective production management in cutting-edge technology.
Through a major amendment of the Measurement Law in 1993, Japan has introduced a “traceability" system. This is a means of officially verifying the accuracy of measuring instruments by designating measuring instruments and reference materials that act as standards (national measurement standards) to establish an "unbroken chain of comparisons to stated references" through calibrations based on them.
The importance of the traceability of measuring instruments owned by Japanese companies has been steadily increasing, particularly when engaging in business transactions with overseas companies or when acquiring ISO 9000 certification. It is thus an urgent task for the National Government to acquire and maintain standard instruments and reference materials.
Schematic Drawing of Traceability System
Calibration: Process of measuring the deviation of the values of a quantity indicated by an instrument from those values indicated by a relevant standard, where a quantity is defined as an "attribute of a phenomenon, body or substance." This process also applies to reference material (valuing).
Implementation of calibration
Under the traceability system, it is important to delegate calibration work as often as possible to capable, accredited, private-sector businesses. This will ensure wide accessibility to measurement standards in light of the fact that it is impossible to carry out all calibration work in the public sector with a limited staff.
Calibration using specified standards (direct calibration through national measurement standards)
Calibration using specified secondary standards (Indirect calibration)
7.2 Quality system accreditation
The Japan Accreditation Board for Quality System (JAB) is the accreditation body for this system in Japan. This is a voluntary scheme and therefore there is no formal link with the legal metrology area.
The globalization of economic activities and the rapid advancement of technology and other ongoing trends have given rise to an urgent need for proper support of high-precision measurement. This precision is conducive to more streamlined business transactions and greater product quality and reliability in terms of enhanced measurement reliability in such areas as conformity assessment and effective production management in cutting-edge technology.
Through a major amendment of the Measurement Law in 1993, Japan has introduced a “traceability" system. This is a means of officially verifying the accuracy of measuring instruments by designating measuring instruments and reference materials that act as standards (national measurement standards) to establish an "unbroken chain of comparisons to stated references" through calibrations based on them.
The importance of the traceability of measuring instruments owned by Japanese companies has been steadily increasing, particularly when engaging in business transactions with overseas companies or when acquiring ISO 9000 certification. It is thus an urgent task for the National Government to acquire and maintain standard instruments and reference materials.
Schematic Drawing of Traceability System
Calibration: Process of measuring the deviation of the values of a quantity indicated by an instrument from those values indicated by a relevant standard, where a quantity is defined as an "attribute of a phenomenon, body or substance." This process also applies to reference material (valuing).
Implementation of calibration
Under the traceability system, it is important to delegate calibration work as often as possible to capable, accredited, private-sector businesses. This will ensure wide accessibility to measurement standards in light of the fact that it is impossible to carry out all calibration work in the public sector with a limited staff.
Calibration using specified standards (direct calibration through national measurement standards)
Calibration using specified secondary standards (Indirect calibration)
7.2 Quality system accreditation
The Japan Accreditation Board for Quality System (JAB) is the accreditation body for this system in Japan. This is a voluntary scheme and therefore there is no formal link with the legal metrology area.
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners
8.1 Training courses for domestic practitioners
The Measurement Law stipulates the provision of training for persons wishing to qualify as certified measurers and for those engaged in measurement-related work. Training courses are held at the Metrology Training Center of NMIJ/AIST.
8.2 Training courses for foreign metrology practitioners
The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) training program has covered the legal metrology area for about twenty years. The training period is about three months and accepts six trainees per year. Trainees will have lectures and technical training on type-approval, verification, and inspection at the NMIJ/AIST, JEMIC and local institutes. Applicants must have English proficiency and experience in legal metrology. More than 312 trainees have completed this course so far, and 165 are from Asian countries.
8.3 Measurement certification business
"Measurement certification" is a "certification" service provided by an independent party at the request of a person who needs such a service for his measurement. A person who provides this service as his main line of business (a measurement certification business) must be registered with the competent prefectural government for each of his business sites.
Measurement certification business includes:
- A business that provides a certification service for the measurement of length, mass, area, volume or heat (general-measurement certification business)
- Measurement certification carried out upon unloading of cargo or moving that cargo in/out of a warehouse for the purpose of transportation, consignment or sale (excluding loading and unloading of cargo onto or off of a marine vessel)
- A business that provides a certification service for the measurement of concentration, sound-pressure level or oscillating acceleration level (environmental-measurement certification business)
- Measurement certification relating to the concentration of a substance in air, water, or soil; frequency-weighted sound-pressure level; or frequency-weighted vibration-acceleration level
8.4 Certified metrologist
To ensure accurate measurement, proper metrological control is as essential in the private sector as verification and inspection by public organizations. For this reason, the voluntary management of measuring instruments is being promoted by granting the qualification of "certified metrologist" to persons who have the knowledge and experience sufficient to properly manage metrology, including the inspection of measuring instruments.
There are three categories for the registration:
- Environmental certified metrologist for concentration:
Those who deal with measurement of concentration in the air and/or water.
- Environmental certified metrologist for noise and vibration:
Those who deal with measurement of noise and/or vibration levels.
- General certified metrologist:
Those who deal with measurement of quantities other than the above two categories.
The main duties of the certified metrologist are as follows.
- Commissioned Inspection as a substitute for Periodic Inspection (- exemption from Periodic Inspection)
- Commissioned Inspection as a substitute for Measurement Certification Inspection (-exemption from Measurement Certification Inspection)
- Measurement administration at measurement certification business (- measurement certification business required to employ certified measurers)
- Measurement administration at proper measurement-control business places
The requirement for the registration is either of the following:
- Certified Measurer National Examination + Practical experience or
- Training given by National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology + Practical experience + Certification by Measurement Administration Council
The Measurement Law stipulates the provision of training for persons wishing to qualify as certified measurers and for those engaged in measurement-related work. Training courses are held at the Metrology Training Center of NMIJ/AIST.
8.2 Training courses for foreign metrology practitioners
The Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) training program has covered the legal metrology area for about twenty years. The training period is about three months and accepts six trainees per year. Trainees will have lectures and technical training on type-approval, verification, and inspection at the NMIJ/AIST, JEMIC and local institutes. Applicants must have English proficiency and experience in legal metrology. More than 312 trainees have completed this course so far, and 165 are from Asian countries.
8.3 Measurement certification business
"Measurement certification" is a "certification" service provided by an independent party at the request of a person who needs such a service for his measurement. A person who provides this service as his main line of business (a measurement certification business) must be registered with the competent prefectural government for each of his business sites.
Measurement certification business includes:
- A business that provides a certification service for the measurement of length, mass, area, volume or heat (general-measurement certification business)
- Measurement certification carried out upon unloading of cargo or moving that cargo in/out of a warehouse for the purpose of transportation, consignment or sale (excluding loading and unloading of cargo onto or off of a marine vessel)
- A business that provides a certification service for the measurement of concentration, sound-pressure level or oscillating acceleration level (environmental-measurement certification business)
- Measurement certification relating to the concentration of a substance in air, water, or soil; frequency-weighted sound-pressure level; or frequency-weighted vibration-acceleration level
8.4 Certified metrologist
To ensure accurate measurement, proper metrological control is as essential in the private sector as verification and inspection by public organizations. For this reason, the voluntary management of measuring instruments is being promoted by granting the qualification of "certified metrologist" to persons who have the knowledge and experience sufficient to properly manage metrology, including the inspection of measuring instruments.
There are three categories for the registration:
- Environmental certified metrologist for concentration:
Those who deal with measurement of concentration in the air and/or water.
- Environmental certified metrologist for noise and vibration:
Those who deal with measurement of noise and/or vibration levels.
- General certified metrologist:
Those who deal with measurement of quantities other than the above two categories.
The main duties of the certified metrologist are as follows.
- Commissioned Inspection as a substitute for Periodic Inspection (- exemption from Periodic Inspection)
- Commissioned Inspection as a substitute for Measurement Certification Inspection (-exemption from Measurement Certification Inspection)
- Measurement administration at measurement certification business (- measurement certification business required to employ certified measurers)
- Measurement administration at proper measurement-control business places
The requirement for the registration is either of the following:
- Certified Measurer National Examination + Practical experience or
- Training given by National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology + Practical experience + Certification by Measurement Administration Council
9. Packaging
The Measurement Law forces those who sell certain consumer goods, which indicate the net content by weight or volume, to measure the net content accurately so that the indication and the true value are within a certain permissible error. The Cabinet Order specifies 29 types of consumer goods that should be regulated by this control from the viewpoint of protecting consumers' benefits, and therefore such goods are referred to as "specified goods." The specified goods are listed below. Imported specified goods are also under this control.
- Rice and wheat
- Beans (processed and unprocessed)
- Rice flour and wheat flour
- Starch
- Vegetables (processed and unprocessed)
- Fruits (processed and unprocessed)
- Sugar
- Tea, coffee, and cocoa
- Seasonings
- Noodles
- Rice cakes, oatmeal and other processed flour
- Snacks and chocolates
- Meat (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
- Honey
- Milk (processed and unprocessed)
- Fish (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
- Sea weed (processed and unprocessed)
- Salt, soybean paste, etc.
- Sauce, broth, etc.
- Soy sauce and vinegar
- Pre-cooked foods
- Powdered juice
- Drinks (non alcoholic and alcoholic, except for medical drinks)
- Liquid petroleum gas
- Kerosene
- Lubricating oil
- Paints, lacquer, and thinner
- Detergent for home use
- Leather
In addition, certain specified goods, including milk, cheese, snacks, meat, alcoholic drinks and retort pouch foods, when sold in a sealed package, must indicate the net content and satisfy the accuracy requirement.
Local governments randomly visit retail shops and check whether or not the indication is within the permissible-error range. If a retailer, manufacturer, or importer of specified goods is regarded as hindering accurate measurement by not abiding by this regulation, local governments have the right to recommend they satisfy the accurate measurement requirement and, if necessary, and to consequently publish the name of the retailer/manufacturer/importer. The permissible error for extra quantity, which used to be set by the old Measurement Law, has been removed in the new Law to harmonize with the OIML recommendation.
- Rice and wheat
- Beans (processed and unprocessed)
- Rice flour and wheat flour
- Starch
- Vegetables (processed and unprocessed)
- Fruits (processed and unprocessed)
- Sugar
- Tea, coffee, and cocoa
- Seasonings
- Noodles
- Rice cakes, oatmeal and other processed flour
- Snacks and chocolates
- Meat (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
- Honey
- Milk (processed and unprocessed)
- Fish (processed, frozen, and unprocessed)
- Sea weed (processed and unprocessed)
- Salt, soybean paste, etc.
- Sauce, broth, etc.
- Soy sauce and vinegar
- Pre-cooked foods
- Powdered juice
- Drinks (non alcoholic and alcoholic, except for medical drinks)
- Liquid petroleum gas
- Kerosene
- Lubricating oil
- Paints, lacquer, and thinner
- Detergent for home use
- Leather
In addition, certain specified goods, including milk, cheese, snacks, meat, alcoholic drinks and retort pouch foods, when sold in a sealed package, must indicate the net content and satisfy the accuracy requirement.
Local governments randomly visit retail shops and check whether or not the indication is within the permissible-error range. If a retailer, manufacturer, or importer of specified goods is regarded as hindering accurate measurement by not abiding by this regulation, local governments have the right to recommend they satisfy the accurate measurement requirement and, if necessary, and to consequently publish the name of the retailer/manufacturer/importer. The permissible error for extra quantity, which used to be set by the old Measurement Law, has been removed in the new Law to harmonize with the OIML recommendation.
10. Sanctions
The main penalties for violating the Measurement Law are as follows:
I. Imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine of up to one million yen for:
- Delivering a clinical thermometer or an aneroid blood pressure gauge without a verification mark.
II. Imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to five hundred thousand yen for:
- Using a specified measuring instrument for trade without valid verification mark.
- Marking of type approval on an unapproved instrument.
III. Fine of up to five hundred thousand yen for:
- Those who trade or certify using illegal units of measurement.
- Those who do not periodically inspect specified measuring instruments.
- Those who do not heed a warning on the violation of packaging control.
IV. Fine of up to three hundred thousand yen for:
- Manufacturers, retailers and repairers who are required to notify (notify whom?) but do not comply.
I. Imprisonment for up to one year, or a fine of up to one million yen for:
- Delivering a clinical thermometer or an aneroid blood pressure gauge without a verification mark.
II. Imprisonment for up to six months, or a fine of up to five hundred thousand yen for:
- Using a specified measuring instrument for trade without valid verification mark.
- Marking of type approval on an unapproved instrument.
III. Fine of up to five hundred thousand yen for:
- Those who trade or certify using illegal units of measurement.
- Those who do not periodically inspect specified measuring instruments.
- Those who do not heed a warning on the violation of packaging control.
IV. Fine of up to three hundred thousand yen for:
- Manufacturers, retailers and repairers who are required to notify (notify whom?) but do not comply.