TOP PAGE Message from The Chairman Outline of JAB Medium Term Strategic Plan Access Organization List of Names Contributor Organizaitons of Endownment		OUTLINE OF THE JAPAN ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT The Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment (JAB) is a private nonprofit foundation and the only organization in Japan responsible for almost all accreditation under the conformity assessment scheme. JAB was established in November 1993 in the name of "The Japan Accreditation Board for Quality System Registration" as the accreditation body under the quality management system registration scheme in accordance with the recommendation presented by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee, supported by 35 industrial organizations under the auspices of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations. Since then, due to the global movement to establish an environmental management system registration scheme and also because of rising needs to establish a laboratory accreditation scheme in Japan, JAB amended its Articles of Association in June 1996 to extend its scope of activities, changing at the same time its name to "The Japan Accreditation Board for Conformity Assessment." By conducting the following activities related to conformity assessment against Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) or international standards, it is the objective of JAB to develop and establish the conformity assessment scheme in Japan and the multilateral recognition scheme with accreditation bodies abroad, through which to promote and contribute to the sound development of Japanese industry and economy. JAB will implement the following activities related to the conformity assessment scheme: accreditation and registration of registration bodies, certification bodies, laboratories, etc.; accreditation and registration of auditor training bodies; accreditation and registration of product certification bodies; evaluation service based on the MRA Law; accreditation of specified measurement laboratories under the Measurement Law; publication of registered organizations (quality management system and environmental management system), etc.; promotion of multilateral recognition with accreditation bodies abroad; surveys and researches; promotion and education activities; exchange of information and cooperation with relevant bodies both in Japan and abroad; and other activities required to achieve JAB's objectives.