JAPAN: AMENDMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL STANDARDIZATION LAW The following notification is being circulated in accordance with Article 10.6. G/TBT/Notif.97.83 dated 10 March 1997. 1. Member to Agreement notifying: JAPAN. If applicable, name of local government involved (Articles 3.2 and 7.2). 2. Agency responsible: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry Agency or Authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification can be indicated if different from above. 3. Notified under Article 5.6.2. 4. Products covered (HS or CCCN where applicable, otherwise national tariff heading. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Industrial or mineral products (excepting drugs, agricultural chemicals, chemical fertilizers, silky yarn and agricultural products). 5. Title, number of pages and language(s) of the notified document: Amendment of the Industrial Standardization Law (2 Pages, English). 6. Description of content: (1) Revision of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) mark system hitherto, concerning JIS mark system. It has been the certification system conducted only by competent ministers. However, according to this amendment, third party certification bodies in the private sector will be able to certify the JIS mark by their own responsibility. (2) Laboratory accreditation program. Suppliers who manufacture non-designated JIS products have made self declaration for conformity. In order to facilitate the suppliers' self declaration, laboratory accreditation program will be introduced. With the program, competent ministers accredit suitable laboratories which test the non-designated JIS products. 7. Objective and rationale: To facilitate international free trade and develop international harmonized conformity assessment system that is based on international standards. 8. Relevant documents: These amendments will appear in "KAMPO" (Official Government Gazette) when adopted. 9. Proposed date of adoption: Not yet determined; Proposed date of entry into force: October 1997. 10. Final date for comments: 25 April 1997. 11. Text available from: National enquiry point. (0098)

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