Japan EPD Program by SuMPO

Registered Reviewer/Internal Verifier
Registration and Evaluation Rules(General Rules, Requirements, and Procedures)

Document ID: JR-11-04
Sustainable Management Promotion Organization
Revision history
Version

Date

Page

Details

04

April 1, 2022-

03

January 21, 2022

302

October 1, 2019-

Addition of system auditors as subjects in 2.2 Qualification
Criteria
Modifications due to changes in the program operator.

01

April 28, 2017-

Document created. Newly published following integration of
EcoLeaf Program and CFP Program.

Modifications due to changes in program name.

JR-11-04
These rules specify details regarding the registration and evaluation of registered reviewers andinternal verifiers of the Japan EPD Program by SuMPO (the “Program”), operated and administeredby the Sustainable Management Promotion Organization (“SuMPO”).
Section 1 General Rules
1.1 Roles
Registered reviewer is a general term referring to any person registered through the procedure
specified by the program operator to perform preliminary PCR reviews or product-to-productverification tasks. Internal verifier refers to a person who performs internal system verification tasks.
1.2 Auditing for the Purpose of Registration
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers shall register with SuMPO in order to perform theirwork. When registering, they shall undergo an audit to confirm fulfillment of requirements forregistration.
1.3 Requirements for Registration of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers
Requirements for registration are specified in Section 2 of these rules, “Requirements for Competence ofRegistered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers”.
1.4 Criteria for Registration of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers
Criteria for registration of registered reviewers and internal verifiers are specified in “JR-11S
Judgement criteria for registration of registered reviewers and internal verifiers” (private).
1.5 Procedures for Registration and Evaluation of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers
Procedures for registration are specified in Section 3 of these rules, “Procedures for Registration and
Evaluation of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers”.
1.6 Period of Validity of Registration of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers
The period of validity of registration shall be one year. Registered reviewers and internal verifiers
who wish to maintain their registration shall complete procedures to extend registration according to
the term set by SuMPO, which is one year as a rule, and shall complete procedures to renew
qualification every three years.
1.7 Confidentiality Obligations of Registered Reviewers
Registered reviewers shall use the confidential information provided by businesses and SuMPO
to perform their work, only for the purpose of performing their work, and shall never use it for any
other purpose.
After their work is complete, registered reviewers shall securely dispose of all disclosed media
containing confidential information provided by businesses and SuMPO.
1.8 Surveillance
SuMPO may perform confirmation of the results of work performed by registered reviewers andinternal verifiers, if SuMPO judges it to be necessary.
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During surveillance, internal verifiers are required to respond to SuMPO’s demands, including thesubmission of necessary documents regarding verification results.
1.9 Suspension and Revocation of Qualifications
SuMPO may suspend or revoke the registration of any registered reviewer or internal verifier who
fails to perform preliminary PCR reviews or verification work properly, or who violates the Program’s
Ethics and Confidentiality Rules. In addition, SuMPO may suspend or revoke registration if it findsthat a registered reviewer or internal verifier obtained their qualifications through dishonest means.

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Section 2 Requirements for Competence of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers
2.1 Subjects
The two following registration categories are subject to these rules:(a) Registered reviewer(b) Internal verifier
In addition, (a) has the following sub-categories:
Registered

Verifier

Lead verifier

reviewer
Assistant verifier

PCR
reviewer

Lead PCR
reviewer
Assistant PCR
reviewer

Lead verifiers are recognized by SuMPO as
having competence to perform verification.
Assistant verifiers may perform verification under
the direction and guidance of a SuMPO-approved
lead verifier.
Lead PCR reviewers are recognized by SuMPO
as having competence to perform PCR reviews.
Assistant PCR reviewers may perform
preliminary PCR reviews under the direction andguidance of a SuMPO-approved lead PCR
reviewer.

2.2 Qualification Criteria
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers are required to have the competence and qualifications
listed in Appendix A.
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers must fulfill all of the conditions listed in a) to f) as
qualification criteria: Note that b) is only a recommendation for internal verifiers and system auditors.
Qualification Criteria for Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers
Details

RegisteredreviewerInternal
verifier

Has a high school diploma or higher under the School Education
Act, and has an education equivalent to those listed below orhigher:(1) Has graduated technical college, completed an upper secondary
school designated by MEXT at least three years in length, haspassed the high school equivalency examination based on MEXT
ordinances, or has completed secondary education or higher
overseas.
(2) Has completed a course of an educational institution within an
organization that is equivalent to a high school or higher.
At least five years of work experience.

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Recommendedc)

At least 1 prior experience with performing quantification related to
LCA, or verification experience related to LCA.

Mandatory

Mandatoryd)Has been recommended for the personal qualities listed in Section
4 of the appendix A by a manager of the organization in which theapplicant has been working for over a year.
Successful completion of a training session for verifiers hosted
by SuMPO.

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

a)

b)

e)

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JR-11-04f)g)

Has passed the staff examination conducted by SuMPO. (Passing
an LCA Expert Certificate Examination co-hosted by the Institute ofLife Cycle Assessment, Japan and SuMPO is also acceptable.)
Qualification must be completed within a year of fulfillment of e)
and f).

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

2.2.1 Examination
The purpose of the test is to confirm whether the examinee has the ability to implement the LCA
method, and tests not only foundational knowledge on basic concepts, method frameworks, basic
rules, and procedures for LCA, but also measures practical calculation skills that can be applied toactual work, such as creating, correcting, and calculating LCI data. (See Appendix B for details)
2.2.2 Training
The purpose of training shall be to provide guidance and instruction to prospective verifiers,
including details of the Program’s organization, details about requirements for quantification anddeclarations, verification methods and procedures, and knowledge and practical skills related topoints that verifiers must observe. (See Appendix C for details)
2.3 Registration
2.3.1 Qualifications
A person who fulfills the conditions in Section 2.2 can be registered as a registered reviewer orinternal verifier. Registered reviewers and internal verifiers shall complete procedures to extend
registration every year, and shall complete procedures to renew qualification every three years.
2.3.2 Renewal of qualifications
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers shall report records of the following information when
performing renewal procedures every three years. At least one item from b) to d) must be completed.
a) Details of any appeals or complaints received from businesses, if applicable (registeredreviewers only)b) At least 3 cases of completed verificationc) Participation in training sessions for registered reviewers and internal verifiers hosted by
SuMPO or an affiliate.
d) Completion of 15 hours of Continuing Professional Development (“CPD”) from the list below:(1) Applicable fields of professional abilities
Fields related to knowledge and skills for LCA/environmental labeling.
(2) Methods for developing applicable professional abilities, how to calculate CPD hours
One hour of actual activity conducted using the methods below, which corresponds to theapplicable fields described above, shall be counted as one CPD hour.

4JR-11-04
Abilitydevelopment
methods

Description and conditions

CPD hours

Reading books and literature, voluntary group study (group
discussion during training sessions falls under (2) Passive
activities).
(1) Individual
study* Searching for information or reading journals online is not
acceptable.

Study time

* Magazine subscriptions are not acceptable. However, study of a
specific article, such as a special feature, is acceptable.
* Work such as preparation of materials, summarization of ideas,
and investigation is not acceptable.

Participation in lectures, internal/external training sessions (includinggroup discussions and presentations during training sessions).
* Visits to environmental expos, participation in eco-tours, and individual(2) Passive
activities

or voluntary inspections are not acceptable. However, company visits
for environmental inspections that are clearly hosted by organizations
are acceptable.

Participation
time (Note:
Excludingbreak time)* Individual study before or after lectures or training sessions can’t
be counted as CPD hours.

(3) Activities
managed by
SuMPOParticipation and discussion in seminars and workshops managed by
SuMPO related to LCA and environmental labeling.

5 CPD hours/
sessionLecturing at internal/external seminars and training sessions (presenting ingroup discussions during training sessions falls under (2) Passive
activities).
(4) Proactive
activities* If the same lecture, etc. is presented multiple times during one
year, only the first lecture is applicable.
* Preparation of presentation materials for lectures and training

Lecture time

sessions can’t be counted as CPD hours.

Writing papers and academic books.
* Excluding proofreading time.

Writing time

Activities such as transient research and development projects,(5) Project
activities

and technical guidance or volunteer work for training programs atuniversities and academic organizations.
* Internal/external activities and technical guidance which are regularduties are not acceptable.

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ParticipationtimeJR-11-04

Section 3 Procedures for Registration and Evaluation of Registered Reviewers and Internal
Verifiers
3.1 Application for Registration as Registered Reviewers and Internal VerifiersApplicants for registration as registered reviewers and internal verifiers (the “applicants”) shallcomplete the application form without omission, and submit it to SuMPO together with attacheddocuments required for evaluation.
Application Details:
1) Registration application form
(1)

Name

(2)

Affiliation(3)

Contact information: address, telephone number, fax number, and email address(4)Address for notifications, etc.

(5)Date of birth(6)

Highest education and work history(7)

Experience with performing quantification related to LCA, or verification experience related to
LCA.

(8)

Examination type and date(9)

Training session type and date2) A written pledge
3) Letter of recommendation
4) Attached documents
3.2 Evaluation based on application forms
SuMPO checks the submitted application form and attached documents, and determined
applicant’s compatibility with “Requirements for Competence of Registered Reviewers and Internal
Verifiers” based on the application form and attached documents.
3.3 Registration
SuMPO shall register applicants as registered reviewers or internal verifiers after their registration
has been judged to be appropriate, and shall notify them of their registration number.
After receiving notification of registration, applicants shall pay the registration fee, and registeredreviewers shall sign the contract.

3.4 Maintenance and Renewal of Registration
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers who wish to maintain and renew their registration shallcomplete procedures to extend qualification registration according to the term set by SuMPO, which
is one year as a rule, and shall complete qualification renewal procedures every three years.
SuMPO can require the applicant to participate in training sessions, etc., if necessary.

6JR-11-04
1) MaintenanceRegistered reviewers and internal verifiers who wish to maintain their registration shall pay theregistration fee and extend their registration according to the term set by SuMPO, which is one year
as a rule.
2) Renewal
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers who wish to renew their registration shall submit arenewal request to SuMPO every three years (in the term following completion of two extensions).
Application Details for Renewals:2-1) Renewal application(1) Name(2) Affiliation(3) Contact information: address, telephone number, fax number, and email address(4) Address for notifications, etc.
(5) Previously registered qualifications and number(6) Demonstration of completed PCR planning, EcoLeaf/CFP quantification, PCR review, and/or
verification(7) Training session type and date(8) Demonstration of completed continuing professional development(9) Experience with appeals or complaints (registered reviewers only)2-2) Attached documents7JR-11-04(Section 2 Requirements for Competence of Registered Reviewers and Internal Verifiers)
Appendix A.
1. General Requirements
Trust and confidence in PCR and declarations relies on the competence of registered reviewers
and internal verifiers. Registered reviewers and internal verifiers are expected to fulfill therequirements for competence as specified in Section 2 to 5.
2. Knowledge and Skills
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers shall demonstrate knowledge and skills in the areas
listed below.
a)Knowledge of LCA/environmental labeling and the Program･ Knowledge related to LCA and Program rules- Knowledge of basic documents, PCR, and various regulations･ Expertise in LCA and LCA work procedures (general knowledge on LCA)
- Knowledge related to ISO 14040 and 14044, etc.
- Allocation methods, etc.
･ Knowledge of methods for quantification of environmental impact- Knowledge related to environmental impact- Knowledge of methods for quantification of environmental impact related to sites andtransportation･ Knowledge related to environmental labeling- Knowledge, etc. related to ISO 14025, ISO 14020, and ISO/TS 14067b)

Verification skills･ The ability to perform verifications in accordance with evaluation criteria for procedures･ Communication skills･ Report writing and reporting skills･ The ability to respond appropriately to issues indicated during the review process･ The ability to make an expert judgment

3. Education and work experience
3.1

Registered reviewers and internal verifiers

Registered reviewers and internal verifiers should have the following education and work
experience:d)Completion of adequate education to acquire knowledge and skills described in Section 2.

e)Work experience that contributes to the development of knowledge and skills described in
Section 2. This work experience should be in a technical, managerial, or expert capacity,
including judgment, problem solving, and communicating with other managers, experts,
colleagues, customers, and/or other interested parties.

f)Completion of training exercises which contribute to the development of knowledge andskills described in Section 2.

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JR-11-04
3.2

PCR Reviewer

PCR reviewers must have practical experience working as verifiers for the Program. PCR
reviewers are expected to perform at a higher level than verifiers, and must have completed training
related to PCR review.
4. Personal Qualities
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers should have the following qualities:a)

Ethical: They are fair, credible, faithful, honest, and sensible.

b)

Broad-minded: They are willing to take different opinions and views into consideration.

c)

Diplomatic: They communicate tactfully with others to achieve objectives.

d)

Cooperative: They interact effectively with others.

e)Observant: They are actively aware of their physical surroundings and activities happeningaround them.

f)Perceptive: They intuitively recognize and understand the situation.

g)

Responsive: They readily adapt to changing situations.

h)Persistent: They are perseverant and focus on achieving objectives.

i)

Decisive: They reach timely conclusions based on logical reasoning and analysis.

j)Autonomous: They act independently and fulfill their roles.

k)Professional: They are courteous, honest, and can generally adapt to their duties in theworkplace.

l)

Mentally Strong: They are willing to take responsibility and act ethically even if their actions
are sometimes not accepted or lead to disagreement or conflict.

m) Systematic: They demonstrate effective time management, prioritization, planning, andefficiency.
5. Maintaining and Improving Competence
5.1 Maintenance of Abilities
Registered reviewers and internal verifiers should maintain and demonstrate their auditing abilities
through regular participation in PCR review and verification work.
5.2 Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development is connected to the maintenance and improvement ofknowledge, skills, and personal qualities. This can be achieved through a variety of means,including additional work experience, training, self-study, mentoring, participation in meetings,
seminars, conferences, or other related activities. Registered reviewers and internal verifiers should
demonstrate continuing professional development.

9JR-11-04
Appendix B: Examination(LCA Examination Overview)
The purpose of the test is to confirm whether the examinee has the ability to implement the LCA
method, and tests not only foundational knowledge on basic concepts, method frameworks, basic
rules, and procedures for LCA, but also measures practical calculation skills that can be applied toactual work, such as creating, correcting, and calculating LCI data.
The style of examination questions, the number of questions per examination, the structure ofquestions, and examination time shall be as follows:(1) Question format: A written test that includes calculation questions.
(2) Number and structure of questions: 10 descriptive questions and 2 calculationquestions per session for a total of 12 questions; composition of questions isshown in the “Number of Questions” column on the table.
(3) Examination Time: 120 minutes; students who have finished may leave the room 60
minutes after the examination starts.
(4) Scoring criteria:･ Each descriptive question shall be worth 5 points.
･ Each calculation question shall be worth 25 points, and points will be deducted from
responses that show a lack of understanding of the calculation process, even if theanswer is correct.
(5) Passing score: 75 points or higher.
(Examination Day Guidelines)
Guidelines for examination day are as follows:(1) Answers are written on the question sheet, which will be collected from all examinees.
Examinees may not take questions home.
(2) Examinees may bring up to two reference books to the test.
(3) Candidates must bring their own calculators and writing tools.
LCA Examination Question Criteria
No.

Subject

Question Content

1

Overview andsignificance of
LCA (descriptive
questions)

2

LCA Methodology(descriptive
questions)

1) Questions on basic concepts in LCA: concepts,
application/validity, limitations/precautions2) Questions on the ISO 14040 standard series: key terms andstandard structure1) Questions on “The Purpose and Scope of LCA Assessment”
2) Questions on “LCI Analysis”
3) Questions on “LCIA”
4) Questions on “Life Cycle Interpretation”
5) Questions on “Critical Review”

3

Applications of
LCA (descriptive
questions)4

Calculationquestions

Number of
Questions

21) Application of environmental labeling
2
1) LCI calculation: Allocation-focused calculation (weight-based/value-based, etc.) and data processing calculation questions
2) LCIA calculation: characterization factor calculation question

Total

2
12

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JR-11-04
Appendix C: Training(Training Overview)
The purpose of training shall be to provide guidance and instruction to prospective verifiers,
including details of the Program’s organization, details about requirements for quantification anddeclarations, verification methods and procedures, and knowledge and practical skills related topoints that verifiers must observe.
The style of verifier training sessions, the number of participants in each training session, training
session time, training session timetables, and the number of instructors shall be as follows:(1) Training Format: A combination of classroom lectures and exercises.
(2) Number of participants: 3 to 18 participants per training course.
(Evaluation of Training Results)
 Only trainees who have met the following requirements will pass the course.
(1) At least 90% attendance of the total training time.
(2) Performance during exercises will be evaluated as to whether the trainee is competentas an auditor.
 The training instructor will evaluate the performance of each trainee during exercises using theprescribed checklist to determine whether the training will pass.
 The office shall send training session results notifications to inform applicants who qualified asverifiers that their training session was completed, and to inform applicants who didn’t qualify of
the reason for disqualification, with information about the next training session.

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