Correspondence

UK-Japan exchange of letters on mutual recognition of conformity assessment: guidance for businesses

Updated 20 September 2019

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1. Summary of the exchange of letters

This exchange of letters maintains the effect of the operational aspects of the EU-Japan mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on conformity assessment in a bilateral context.

It contains temporary measures under which each country will continue to accept conformity assessment results from the other.

A conformity assessment is a set of processes that shows if a product meets specified legal requirements. They can include:

  • testing
  • inspection
  • certification

2. What this exchange of letters means

The exchange of letters covers:

  • electrical products
  • good laboratory practice (GLP) for chemicals
  • good manufacturing practice (GMP) for medicinal products
  • telecommunications and radio equipment

These UK goods can be tested in the UK against Japanese regulations. The goods can then be sold in Japan without additional testing in Japan.

These goods from Japan can be tested in the Japan against UK regulations. The goods can then be sold in the UK without additional testing in the UK.

3. When this exchange of letters is active

This agreement can take effect from 1 January 2021, when the EU-Japan agreement no longer applies to the UK. It will cease to apply when a UK-Japan MRA comes into force.

The UK and Japan are at an advanced stage of discussion on an MRA to ensure continuity of the EU-Japan MRA.

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