6th Report of Market Access Ombudsman Council (March 16, 2000)

5-(5) Early introduction of mutual certification in the construction field, and promotion of international harmonization of performance standards and performance testing methods for construction materials

1. Complainant: Japan-America Cooperative Conference

2. Ministry concerned: Ministry of Construction

3. Complaint:

In response to requests from both Japan and abroad for active acceptance of certification by foreign testing organizations and evaluation bodies concerning building materials and building methods, meetings have been held between the Ministry of Construction and the foreign organizations concerned with a view to introducing a mutual certification system, but very little progress has been made. The system should be introduced at an early date.
Harmonization with performance standards and performance testing methods for building materials is needed, and action toward achieving international harmonization should be taken at an early date, based on the work being done at the ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

4. Corresponding Policy of the Ministries concerned:

In accordance with revisions of the Building Standards Law made in 1998, foreign testing bodies can be designated to carry out certification of foreign manufacturers making parts certified by the minister of construction after meeting certain requirements, and certification of foreign manufacturers. In addition, foreign evaluation bodies recognized by the minister of construction can evaluate technical evaluation as conforming to specified standards, where performance set out in ordinances of the Building Standards Law is concerned.
International harmonization of performance testing methods for building materials, is now under study, in preparation for implementation in June next year of the cabinet ordinance on the Building Standards Law.

5. Remarks
The complainant accepted this policy.