Message from The Chairman

Let me begin by extending my heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. I sincerely hope for a speedy recovery.

In July 2010, JAB was reborn under the new name of Japan Accreditation Board as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation with the authorization of the Cabinet Office, Government of Japan. Concurrent with this change, I was greatly honored to be appointed President of JAB. At the start of this newly reborn Incorporated Foundation, I sincerely hope that you will continue to afford JAB excellent guidance and encouragement in the future.

Since its establishment in 1993, JAB has steadily promoted the development of conformity assessment schemes in Japan and advanced operations tailored to the ever-changing needs of the industry. Our conversion to a public interest corporation will serve to further intensify our efforts towards both of these goals.

Management systems became widespread well, has slackened off in recent years. As a result, JAB is currently developing and implementing new accreditation programs to respond to the new needs of today�fs market.

In FY 2010, JAB commenced accreditation activities for new schemes for greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies, market research service product certification bodies, and international Energy Star accreditation laboratories. We are also conducting research and development in fields such as FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000), energy management systems, and road-traffic safety management systems, while at the same time implementing initiatives aimed at increasing the use of accreditation laboratories. The radioactive contamination that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake raised a new set of pressing issues such as radiation safety certification for Japanese exports, and reputational damage based on association with the affected regions. As an accreditation body recognized internationally through a system of Mutual Recognition Arrangement, JAB has initiated a program of proposals aimed at promoting the worldwide use of laboratory accreditation for radiation measurement.

Another major element of our policy for promoting the diffusion of conformity assessment programs is enhancement of their credibility. As part of our undertaking to ensure this credibility, we participated in a newly established MS (Management System) Certification Committee. The main role of this committee is to perform studies into policies regarding accreditation and certification assessments, and the disclosure of results thereof, and to publish related findings in Part 2 of its action plan.

In December 2010, APLAC�fs General Assembly convened in Osaka, Japan in cooperation with other accreditation bodies in Japan; there JAB accomplished the role expected of it as the host of the Assembly.

On January 1, 2011, JAB established a Public Relations Committee to solicit concrete suggestions and advice on PR policy measures for JAB, and thus reinforce activities for the effective dissemination and enlightenment of accreditation activities. The main thrust behind this committee is to raise the understanding and awareness of management systems among consumers and society at large.

JAB is keenly aware that the severity of the current operating environment reinforces the need to further improve its operational efficiency.

Through these activities, JAB will execute the important tasks assigned to it concerning the Japanese economy and society, and endeavor to advance further.