Legal Metrology System
in JapanJapan Measuring Instruments Federation 2021/3/25
Measurement Act（English version）
http://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/law/detail/?vm=04&re=01&id=82＊translation is not authentic

Chapter 2. Regulations regarding measurement units

Legal units of measurement
Legal units of measurement are provided based on the SI unit
system and the use of non-statutory measurement units is prohibited.
Examples of SI unit system
Units are provided for 65 physical quantities such as length (meter),mass (kg), time (second)
The definition of the four base units namely, kilogram, ampere,
Kelvin and mole and has been changed from being linked toartefacts to being based on the fundamental constants on naturefrom 20th May, 2019.

Chapter 3.

Obligation to supply accurate measurement

・Commodity quantification system
In making transactions or certifications with legal units of measurement, one is obliged to makeeffort to measure accurately.

Measurement regulations regarding sales of commodities
Article 11 Obligation to make effort to indicate length, etc. clearly
When one sells commodities whose length, mass, or volume is to be measured by sales, one is obliged to makeeffort to indicate such quantities in legal units of measurement.

Article 12 Paragraph 1 Obligation of accurate measurement of specified commodities
When one measures and sells specified commodities, theyshall be measured without causing a measurement error to
exceed the quantity tolerance

Article 13 Paragraph 1 Commodities withobligation of indication of quantities
When certain specified commodities designated by
the cabinet orders are sealed and sold, they are
required to be measured without causing
measurement errors to exceed the quantity tolerance,
and their content quantities as well as the addresses
and the names of their manufacturers are required to
be indicated

Article 12 Paragraph 2
When designated commodities out of specified
commodities are sold in containers, their content
quantities are required to be indicated

Article 13 Paragraph 2
When specific commodities excluding specificcommodities specified in Article 13, Paragraph 1 aresealed and their content quantities are indicated, they
are required to be measured without causing
measurement errors to exceed the quantity tolerance.

Chapter 3.

Obligation to supply accurate measurement

・Periodic inspection
Measurement regulations regarding Periodic inspection
Article 19 Periodic inspection of specified measuring instruments
When using a specified measuring instruments for trade or certification which are deemed to beappropriate to be inspected on a regular basis pertaining to its performance and instrumental error inconsideration of its structure, conditions for use, actual use status, etc, it must undergo periodic inspection.

Article 21 Interval of inspection
Article 20 Periodic inspection bodies
A designated periodic inspection bodies designated by theprefectural governor can carry out periodic inspections.

Article 23

Performed in the Interval of inspection specified by
the Cabinet Order for each specified measuring
instruments

Passing conditions

Article 25 Inspection by certified measurers

・A periodic inspection mark is attached・Meeting technical standards
・Instrumental error is within the operating tolerances

Periodic inspections are exempted when a certified
measurer conducts an inspection and reports it within thespecified period and by the specified method.

Chapter 4. Providing accurate specified measuring instruments
Notification System
The system aims to provide accurate specified measuring instruments by having business
operators, who intend to manufacture, or repair specified measuring instruments or to sell specified
measuring instruments specified by cabinet orders, make notification in advance.
Sales business operator selling
specified measuring
manufacturing business
Repair business operator
instruments specified byoperatorcabinet orders
Notification
Those who wish to conduct manufacturingbusiness shall notify the Minister of Economy,
Trade and Industry (in case of electric meters,
the Director of Regional Bureau of Economy,
Trade and Industry)
Except electric meters, notifications shall bemade through the governors of the prefectures inwhich their main offices are located.

Those who wish to conduct repair business shallnotify the prefectural governors who are in
charge of the places where their main offices arelocated (in case of electric meters, the Director of
Regional Bureau of Economy, Trade andIndustry）

Manufacture and repair of specified
measuring instruments

Those who wish to sell specified measuring
instruments specified by cabinet orders (nonautomatic scales, weights) shall notify theprefectural governors who are in charge of theplaces where their offices are locatedRepair of specified
measuring instruments

Duty to inspect
Specified measuring instruments have to be manufactured or repaired with one
hundred percent inspections following the standards specified by ministerial
ordinances

Sales of specified
measuring instruments

Compliance rules
The following compliance rules are provided byministerial ordinances➢ To make efforts to obtain knowledge
necessary for conducting appropriate
measuring regarding performance, usage,
laws and regulations, etc.
➢ To explain to purchasers what is necessary
to conduct appropriate measuringChapter 4.

Providing accurate specified measuring instruments

Special container
manufacturing businessWeighing can be omitted byusing a special container witha constant relationshipbetween the internal volume
and height.

Verification markRestrictions on transfer, etc.
Obligation to undergocertification for specified
measuring instruments

Obligation to comply withstandards for household
specified measuring
instruments

Manufacturers, repairers, andimporters of thermometers andsphygmomanometers must nottransfer unless they have acertification markManufacturers and importersof scales, scales for infants,
and cooking scales mustcomply with technicalstandards and have a following
markings on their scales.
(Declaration of self-conformity)
The seller must not sell
anything without a following
markings.

Standard conformity markHome measuring instrument sealChapter5．Process of verification and inspection
Fitting
inspection
mark

Selfdeclaration”Verification mark”: Items which passed verification tests“Standard conformity mark”: Items manufactured by designated manufacturing business operators and passed in-house verification tests“Fitting inspection mark”: In case of taximeters, instruments need to not only verification tests but also instrument inspections.
(inspections conducted while instruments are actually installed in taxis).

Pressure gauge, thermometer, etc（当道府県・指定製造事業者）検定証印等の表示

Instruments
Inspection

Instruments
Inspection
Inspection

Periodic
inspection

Inspection

Instruments
Inspection

With verification expiration date

Verification

Without verification expiration dateInspection

Standard
conformity markDisplay of verification marks, etc.*
Verifications, etc. (prefectures, etc., designatedmanufacturing business operators)

Notifying manufacturing business operators, etc.

Verification
mark

Verification, etc. at the time of transfer only

Gas meteGas meter, water meter,
fuel meter for motor vehicles, etc.
r, water meter, fuel meter for motor
vehicles, etc.
府県・指定製造事業者）検定証印等の表示
Taxi meter証印等の表示

Non-automatic scale, weight, hide andleather planimeter当道府県・指定製造事業者）検定証印等の表示
Clinical thermometer, blood pressure
monitor府県・指定製造事業者）検定証印等の表示
Specified measuring instrument forhousehold use (weight scale, baby
scale, cooking scale)Chapter5．Process of verification and inspection• Type approval system
In this system, structural inspection is considered to be carried out by testing and evaluating structure of an identical
type instead of carrying out one hundred percent verification of structure and instrumental errors (→ One hundred
percent verification of instrumental errors is necessary)①Application②Test➢ Business operators (domestic or foreign manufacturing business operators or import business
operators) shall apply to the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (in caseof electric meters, the Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation) with samples of measuring
instruments to be manufactured, designs, etc.
➢ Samples shall be tested and assessed by compatibility tests forstructural technical standards (structure, material, performance,etc.) specified by ministerial ordinances.
➢ Tests can be contracted out to designated verification bodies

Example of test items of a type test
[Material test][Durability test]• Shock resistance test
• Test of influence by aging[Confirmation test for descriptions, etc.][Test against electrical disturbance]• Confirmation of used units, names of manufacturing business • Test of influence of external radio waves on
operators, etc., confirmation of visibility of descriptions
measured values[Instrumental error performance test][Basic performance test]• Test of measured values within the measurement range• Influence and operation test assuming theoperating environment③Approval➢ If it is confirmed that the measuring instrument is compatible to structural technical standards, thetype shall be approved.
➢ The approval is valid for 10 years.
。

Chapter 5．Process of verification and inspection• Designated manufacturing business operator system
This system designates domestic and foreign manufacturing business operators with superior
quality control ability (by each factory or place of business) and approves in-house inspection
instead of verification

Procedure of designating a designated manufacturing business operator①Application

The manufacturing business operator (by each factory or place of business) shall apply to
the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
The manufacturing business operator shall undergo inspection of the prefecture (in caseof electric meters, the Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation) concerning thetechnical standards [quality control system (equivalent to ISO9000), manufacture resultof the past three months, etc.] specified by ministerial ordinances. It is possible toundergo inspection by a designated verification body.

②Test③Designation

If the result of the inspection shows that the operator meets the technical standards ofministerial ordinances, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry shall designate theoperator as a designated manufacturing business operator.

④Implementation

Designated manufacturing business operators are able to attach standard conformity
marks (with the same legal consequences as verification marks) if voluntary inspections
show that the products meet the technical standards within the scope of the type approval
they have received

List of Designated manufacturing business operator.
https://www.meti.go.jp/policy/economy/hyojun/techno_infra/33_files/20170818Shiteiseizou.pdf

Chapter5．Process of verification and inspection• Verification standard system
The system aims for supply of accurate specified measuring instruments by allowing only the measurement standards(verification standards) which meet the technical standards to be used for verification, inspection, etc. of instrumental errors
such as verification and inspection of specified measuring instruments.

ApplicantInspection body

PassedUsed for inspection,verification, e.t.c.

Notifying manufacturing business
operator, designated manufacturingbusiness operator, prefecture,designated verification body, certified
measurer, proper measurement control
business place, etc.
National Institute of Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology, prefecture,
Japan Electric Meters Inspection
Corporation
Inspection based on the technicalstandards of structure and instrumental
errors specified by ministerial
ordinances• Verification standard inspection
marks shall be attached toverification standards• Certificate of inspection ofverification standards shall be issued
with the period of validity.

The period of validity of verification
standards (example)
Type of verification standards

Period ofvalidity

Verification standard for inspection of taximeter
instrument
Mass verification standard(a) Standard test weight made of cast ironor mild steel(b) Standard test weight except (a)(excluding special class standard test
weights)(c) All except (a) and (b)4 years

Temperature verification standard

5 years

Electricity verification standard(a) Reference current meter, reference
voltage meter, and 3rd class referenceelectric power meter(b) Reference voltage generator, reference
resistor, 1st class reference electric
power meter, and 2nd class referenceelectric power meter
Illuminance verification standard

1 year

5 years

3 years

6 months

1 year

5 years

Noise verification standard

2 years

Vibration verification standard

4 years

Chapter6.

Measurement certification business• Measurement certification business system
This system requires business operators, who wish to carry out
measurement certification business, to register with the governor of
the prefecture in which each business place is located.

General measurement certification business・Length, mass, area, volume or heat value

Environment measurement certificate business・Concentration, sound pressure level, vibration acceleration
level
This mark can be attached to measurement certificatesChapter6.

Measurement certification business• Outline of measurement certification business system
Prefectural governor
Registration

Designation

Designated measurement
Certification inspection organization

Measurement certification
Business operator
Request formeasurement

Inspection of measuring
Instrument used for
Measurement certification

Issue of measurement
certificate

Users who make request
For measurement
Usage (example)

Public offices, government andmunicipal offices, customers, etc

Chapter 6.

Measurement certification business• Measurement certification inspection
Measurement certification inspection is a system in which specified
measuring instruments, which measurement certification business
operators use, shall be inspected at regular interval concerning their
quality and instrumental errors in order to guarantee appropriate
measurement certification businessSpecified measuring instrument

Period in whichmeasurement certification
inspection should be madePeriod in whichmeasurement certification
inspection does not need tobe madeNon-automatic scale, weight

2 years

1 year

Hide and leather planimeter1 year6 months

Noise meter3 years

6 months

Vibration level meter3 years

6 months

Concentration meter*

3 years

6 months*Excluding glass electrode hydrogen ion concentration detector and alcohol meterChapter6.

Measurement certification businessSpecified measurement certification business
Operators which carry out measurement certification involving
measurement of extremely small amount which requires hightechnique such as dioxins are required to register with the
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry as specified
measurement certification business operators.

The mark can be attached tomeasurement certificates.

Chapter 7.

Proper weighing management

・Certified measurer system
The certified measurer system gives a certain qualification to a person who has
specialized knowledge and skills related to measurement and makes the person takecharge of duties in a certain field. It aims to promote self-management of measuring
instruments and ensure proper weighing.

・Main duties of a certified measurer
Qualification

Example of certified measurers’ duites

Certified generalmeasurer

Measurement management such as quality control and measurement
plan formulation / implementation of measuring instruments such aslength meters, mass meters, volume meters, and thermometers usedin production factories, department stores, and supermarkets.

Certified environmental
measurer（Concentration）

Measurement and measurement management of harmful substances,malodorous substances, etc. contained in soot and wastewater
discharged from factories, environment (air / water area), and soil
such as factory sites.

Certified environmental
measurer（Noise, vibration）

Noise measurement and measurement management of factories withnoise sources such as presses and blowers, construction work, roads(automobiles), railways, and aircraftChapter 7.

Proper weighing management

How to become a certified measurer（1）National Certified Measurer Examination course
Qualification

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Certified generalmeasurer

Pass theNational
Certified
Measurer
Examination

1 year or more ofpractical experience

Application

Registration

Certifiedenvironmental
measurer(Concentration)(Noise,vibration)

Pass theNational
Certified
Measurer
Examination

1 year or more ofpractical experienceorMeet otherconditionsprescribed by theordinance of the
Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry

Application

Registration

Chapter 7.

Proper weighing management

How to become a certified measurer （2）Certified measurer qualification course

Qualification

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Certified generalmeasurer

Finish a certain
course by the
National Instituteof Advanced
Science andTechnology

2 years ormore ofpractical
experience

Document
review

Application

Registration

Certifiedenvironment
measurer(Concentration)(Noise,vibration)

Finish a certain
course by the
National Instituteof Advanced
Science andTechnology

2 years ormore ofpractical
experience

Document
reviewandOralexamination

Application

Registration

Chapter 7.

Proper measurement control

・Proper measurement control business places
A business place certified by the national or prefectural
governor as having proper measurement management isdesignated as a proper weighing control business place.
Sign of proper measurement
control business place

Features（1）Specified measuring instruments are exempted from periodic
inspection If voluntary inspection is conducted（2）Repairs within the scope of simple repair of specified measuring
instruments are permitted（3）The sign of proper measurement control business place can bedisplayed
Main conditions for designation（1）Certified measurers conduct inspection periodically（2）Proper measurement management chief or measurer is assigned as
many as necessary（3）Employees, etc. receive guidance about measurement control fromcertified measurers（4）Measurement control rules have been established, etc

Chapter 8. Measurement Standards
・National Measurement Standards Provision System (JCSS)
JCSS: Japan Calibration Service System

This system externally certifies the accuracy of measuring
instruments by calibrating measuring instruments by unbroken
chains of comparison using the highest-grade measurement
standards in Japan (national measurement standards) as abenchmark.

Chapter 8. Measurement Standards
Traceability of Japan Calibration Service System
National Institute of Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology

Comparison

Measurement standard research
institutes all over the world

Japan Electric Meters Inspection Corporation
Provision of measurement standards with uncertainty explicitly indicated (called
specified secondary standard instruments, etc.) (calibration or certification)

Calibration service
providers

Assessment
Registration

Calibration certificates withuncertainty explicitly indicated shallbe issued.

General user

National Institute of Advanced
Industrial Science and Technology

Chapter 8. Measurement Standards
Flow of calibration taking "length" as an example (JCSS of "length")[Subject] National Institute of[Subject]National
Institute of Advanced Industrial Science
Advanced Industrial
ScienceandTechnology
and Technology[Specified standard[Specified
standard instrument]
instrument]
Opticalfrequency
Optical frequency
comp comp apparatus
apparatus↓ Calibration[Subject] Registered calibration【主体】

service provider[Specified secondary standard
instrument]
Laser apparatus for measuring
length【特定二次標準器】
長さ測定用レーザ装置↓ Calibration[Subject] User
[Functional standard instrument]
Example) Gauge block[General measuring instrument]
Vernier caliper, etc.

↓ Calibration

Penalties related to the Measurement Law
The penalties related to the Measurement Law, provided for Articles the 170th to the180th of the Measurement Law, are broadly summarized in the following five items.

Violation of obligation to report business, etc.
•

When business is performed without notification of registration/ renewal /change / cancellation / abolition of the business related to weighing,such as measurement certification business, designated organization,weigher, etc.

Violation of duty to comply with standards•

If the designated manufacturer neglects to perform inspections at a
specified measuring instrument manufactured at a designatedlocation and to create and store inspection records。

Penalties• Depending on the content of thepenalties, a minimum fine of
100,000 yen will be charged from
imprisonment for not more than 1
year or a fine of not more than
1,000,000 yen.

Violations of restrictions on use•

If you do not comply with the restrictions on the transfer of products, such as prohibiting the use of nonstatutory unit of measure, strict adhering to use in places where type approval and use of certified
products are stipulated.

Transaction violations•

A manufacturer, repair, or importer of a specific measuring instrument shall not transfer, rent, or repair the
specific weighing instrument to the entrusted person unless it is marked with a certification certificate, etc.

Violation of improvement and conformity orders•

In the event of a recommendation or request from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to reporton improvement requests, matters pointed out, books, etc., the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
shall respond promptly.
※For more details, please refer to Articles the 170th to the 180th "Penalties" of the Measurement Law.