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The Meanings and Differences Among the CMA, CNAS, and CAL Marks on Test Reports
Release Date:
2022/03/17
Typically, a test report will bear three marks: CMA, CNAS, and CAL. What do these three marks signify, and how do they differ from one another? Let’s take a look.
The three symbols shown on the test report signify the following:
I. Metrological Accreditation Mark.
This indicates that the organization has obtained metrological accreditation from the State Administration for Market Regulation or the quality and technical supervision authorities of the people’s governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government.
CMA is the abbreviation for “China Metrology Accreditation,” which in Chinese means “China Metrology Certification.” It is a comprehensive certification and evaluation conducted by metrological administrative departments of people’s governments at or above the provincial level, in accordance with the Measurement Law of the People’s Republic of China, to assess the testing capabilities and reliability of testing institutions. This certification applies to all product quality supervision and inspection agencies and other types of laboratories that provide impartial data to the public, such as various product quality supervision and inspection stations, environmental monitoring stations, disease prevention and control centers, and the like. Testing institutions that obtain a Certificate of Metrological Accreditation are authorized to affix the CMA mark on their test reports; test reports bearing the CMA mark may be used for product quality assessment, scientific and technological achievement appraisal, forensic examination, trade transactions, and other purposes, and carry legal validity, serving as the basis for acceptance by arbitration and judicial authorities. The CMA system generally applies only to third-party laboratories, with a limited scope that also includes a small number of designated second-party laboratories; it is typically carried out in conjunction with accreditation reviews, and only entities authorized by the government are eligible to obtain it.
Product quality inspection agencies that have obtained a Certificate of Metrological Accreditation may, in accordance with the scope of testing activities specified on the certificate, affix the metrological accreditation mark to their product inspection reports. The mark consists of a graphic formed by the three English letters “CMA” and the accreditation certificate number of the inspection agency.
II. Accreditation Mark for Product Quality Inspection Agencies.
This indicates that the institution has been authorized by the State Administration for Market Regulation’s Certification and Accreditation Administration or by the quality and technical supervision authorities of the people’s governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government to conduct review and approval (acceptance). CAL is the certification mark for quality supervision and inspection institutions—a prestigious authorization symbol issued by the national quality supervision authority—enabling such institutions to undertake statutory quality supervision and inspection tasks assigned by state administrative bodies and to issue inspection reports bearing the CAL and CMA marks. Prior to being granted this authorization, the institution must first obtain CMA metrological accreditation; otherwise, the authorization cannot be conferred.
The accreditation mark consists of two parts: a graphic formed by the three English letters “CAL,” and the accreditation certificate number issued by the inspection body. The acronym “CAL” stands for “China Accredited Laboratory.”
3. Laboratory Accreditation Mark.
This indicates that the organization has been accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS). CNAS stands for the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment. The CNAS accreditation mark signifies that the quality inspection center’s testing capabilities and equipment qualifications have been recognized by CNAS. Any laboratory can apply for CNAS accreditation—as long as it possesses the requisite testing competence, accreditation will be granted upon successful assessment. This includes first-party, second-party, and third-party laboratories, as well as corporate and even individual laboratories, covering a very broad scope.
Accredited laboratories are granted accreditation certificates by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment and are authorized to use the “China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment” mark on their inspection reports or calibration certificates.
IV. Similarities and Differences Among the Three Logos
1. Different natures: CNAS is laboratory accreditation, which is voluntary; however, national-level laboratories are required to obtain CNAS accreditation. CAM, on the other hand, is metrological certification and is mandatory.
2. Different functions: CNAS enables international mutual recognition, whereas CMA is uniquely Chinese in nature. Obtaining CNAS laboratory accreditation signifies compliance with international standards, and the resulting test reports are recognized internationally; in contrast, metrological certification is a domestic standard, and the test reports issued upon completion carry legal validity within China. Entities required to obtain metrological certification must possess independent legal person status.
(Source: online; exclusively compiled and edited by Quality & Certification WeChat; please cite the source when reprinting.)
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