Chapter 1
What is JCSS calibration?
JCSS is an abbreviation for "Japan Calibration Service System," a traceability system based on the Measurement Law. NITE (National Institute of Technology and Evaluation) operates the calibration service provider registration system.
registration and accredited calibration service providers can perform JCSS calibration for registration calibration subjects and scopes, and issue calibration certificates bearing the JCSS mark and accreditation symbol.
Traceability to national metrology standards
Calibration certificates bearing the JCSS mark or accreditation symbol demonstrate that the calibration results are traceable to national metrology standards.
Technical capabilities of calibration service providers
registration and accredited calibration service providers perform calibrations based on established requirements and registration scope.
Responding to International MRAs
Calibration laboratories accredited to comply with the International MRA (Mutual Recognition Agreement) can issue calibration certificates that conform to the international framework of mutual recognition.
Just because it's JCSS doesn't mean it can handle all measuring instruments and calibration conditions. You need to check the calibration targets, scope, and conditions registration and certified by each calibration service provider.
Chapter 2
What is general calibration?
The term "general calibration" is used to refer to calibration performed based on standards, methods, and procedure established by the calibration service provider, rather than being subject to the JCSS registration and accreditation framework.
Because there is no unified system called "general calibration," the content of the calibration and the information included in the certificate vary depending on the calibration service provider and service.
Traceability can sometimes be confirmed even with general calibration.
Just because something isn't JCSS doesn't necessarily mean traceability isn't ensured. It's important to check which standards the calibration standards used are linked to and what kind of calibration system is in place.
When requesting a general calibration, do not assume that "it's a general calibration, so it's sufficient." Instead, be sure to check the required calibration scope, certificates, traceability, uncertainty levels, and other requirements.
Chapter 3
What is Chino calibration?
At Chino, in addition to JCSS calibration tests, we also offer "Chino Calibration," which is conducted according to our own standards.
In JCSS calibration testing, the calibration target, test items, and calibration conditions are defined by the registration and accredited scope. However, for calibration targets and test items outside of these scopes, Chino calibration may be available.
Temperature Sensors (Japan Only)
We perform comparative calibration and fixed-point calibration for platinum resistance thermometer and thermocouples.
Combination with indicator
We also offer calibration services combining resistance thermometer /thermocouples with indicators.
IR Thermometers
We also perform Chino calibration on radiation thermometer, tailored to the specific target and calibration conditions.
Hygrometer/dew point meter
We also offer calibration tests for electronic hygrometers and dew point meters, tailored to the specific application.
Check the scope of Chino calibration.
Details regarding Chino calibration services, including calibration targets, calibration points, comparative calibration, and fixed-point calibration, can be found on the service page.
Chapter 4
Relationship between JCSS calibration, general calibration, and Chino calibration
It's important to note here that JCSS calibration, general calibration, and Chino calibration are not three completely equivalent levels within the same system.
JCSS is a system based on the Measurement Law. General calibration is a general term for calibration that does not follow the framework of JCSS, while Chino calibration is a specific calibration service that Chino provides based on its own standards.
| Item | JCSS Calibration | General Calibration | CHINO standard calibration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positioning | Calibration under the JCSS system based on the Measurement Law | Common terminology for calibration that does not adhere to the JCSS standard. | Calibration performed by Chino according to our standards |
| Scope of Implementation | registration and accredited calibration subjects, scope, and conditions | It varies depending on the calibration service provider. | Calibration targets and test items as defined by Chino |
| How to demonstrate traceability to national metrological standards | As shown by the JCSS mark and accreditation symbol on the calibration certificate. | Check the calibration service provider's standards and calibration system. | Based on Chino's calibration system and certification details. |
| Main criteria for decision | Is proof of JCSS required? | Can it meet the required calibration and certification requirements? | Can the requirements be met under the scope and conditions of Chino calibration? |
When requesting calibration from Chino, it will be easier to choose if you clarify whether "JCSS calibration testing is required" and "whether you can meet the management requirements necessary for Chino calibration."
Chapter 5
Don't choose based solely on cost and delivery time.
Because JCSS calibration tests and Chino calibrations differ in terms of the items to be calibrated, calibration points, calibration methods, and certificates, the costs and delivery times may not be the same.
If you choose a calibration method based solely on price without first confirming "what kind of certification is needed," you may later be asked for a different certification by the customer or during an audit, potentially requiring recalibration.
Please check the required proof first.
First, we'll clarify whether or not it's JCSS designate, the necessary traceability, and the requirements for calibration certificates.
Check the scope and items to be corrected.
Verify that the required measurement range and calibration points are included in the scope of the calibration service you select.
Consider the suspension period as well.
We consider not only calibration costs, but also the period during which the measuring instrument is unavailable and the need for a replacement.
Chapter 6
Which calibration method should you choose? Consider your intended use.
| situation | First things to consider |
|---|---|
| The customer has designate JCSS calibration. | Check if it falls within the scope of the JCSS calibration test. |
| A calibration certificate bearing the JCSS mark is required. | JCSS Calibration Test Consideration |
| I want to periodically check the accuracy of the Chino temperature sensor. | Review the required certifications and consider Chino calibration or JCSS calibration testing. |
| I would like to inquire about calibration points and subjects that are not covered by JCSS. | Check if Chino calibration can handle this. |
| I would like to perform calibration for internal management purposes. | Check internal regulations and required traceability, and select the appropriate calibration method. |
| I don't know which one I need. | Please organize the intended use, the object to be calibrated, the required certificates, and customer requirements before consulting. |
Instead of assuming "JCSS is always required" based solely on standard names such as ISO or IATF, please check what is actually required by customer requirements, audit requirements, and internal company regulations.
Chapter 7
Common misconceptions when choosing a calibration method
JCSS is always more accurate.
A key feature of JCSS is that it provides a system for demonstrating registration and accredited calibration capabilities and traceability to national metrology standards. This does not mean that "the accuracy of the measuring instrument itself is higher simply because it is JCSS."
General calibration lacks traceability.
Even with general calibration, traceability may be ensured depending on the standards and calibration system used. Please check the required certification details.
Chino calibration and JCSS calibration are the same.
They are not the same. Chino calibration is performed according to our company's standards, while JCSS calibration testing is performed within the scope of JCSS registration and accreditation.
You should just use JCSS for everything.
Applying JCSS certification to all measuring instruments, even those that don't require it, can increase operational burden. It's important to determine the required certification level for each individual measuring instrument.
Chapter 8
Things to consider before requesting calibration
If you're unsure whether to choose JCSS calibration or Chino calibration, the following information will help us guide your consultation.
| Check items | Things to organize |
|---|---|
| Calibration target | resistance thermometer, thermocouples, radiation thermometer, hygrometers, etc. |
| Model/ specifications | Model, measurement range, sensor type, and combination with indicator. |
| Calibration range and calibration points | Actual operating temperature range and required calibration points |
| Required proof | JCSS designate, calibration certificate, traceability, etc. |
| Customer and audit requirements | Customer specifications, internal regulations, and quality control requirements |
| Calibration cycle | Current cycle, last calibration date, past calibration results |
Please feel free to contact us if you are unsure which calibration service to choose.
Based on the equipment to be calibrated, the required temperature range, calibration points, and customer/audit requirements, you can determine whether JCSS calibration or Chino calibration is more suitable.
Consult about calibrationSummary
JCSS or Chino calibration? Choose based on "what you need."
JCSS calibration is a calibration method that operates under a system based on the Measurement Law, and allows for traceability to national metrological standards through calibration certificates bearing the JCSS mark or accreditation symbol.
"General calibration" is a common term for calibration that does not follow the JCSS system. Chino offers calibration according to its own standards as "Chino Calibration."
When requesting calibration from Chino, it's important not to simply consider a choice between "JCSS or general calibration," but rather to consider which is more appropriate based on the required certifications, the equipment to be calibrated, the scope of calibration, and customer/audit requirements.
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between JCSS calibration and general calibration?
JCSS calibration is a calibration performed under the JCSS system based on the Measurement Law. General calibration is a general term referring to calibration that does not follow the JCSS registration and accreditation framework.
What is Chino calibration?
This calibration service is performed by Chino according to our company standards. We offer calibration tests tailored to the specific application, including temperature sensors, indicators, radiation thermometer, hygrometers, dew point meters, and more.
What is the difference between Chino calibration and JCSS calibration testing?
Chino calibration is performed according to our company standards. JCSS calibration testing is performed under the calibration targets, scope, and conditions registration and accredited by JCSS. The choice depends on the required certification and the calibration target.
Can traceability be ensured even with general calibration?
Depending on the standards and calibration system used for calibration, this may be possible. If necessary, please check with the calibration service provider to see which standards their calibration system is linked to.
Is JCSS proofreading always more accurate?
The fact that it's JCSS doesn't mean the measuring instrument itself is more accurate. The characteristic of JCSS is that it allows for the demonstration of registration and accredited calibration capabilities and traceability to national metrology standards as a system.
Is JCSS essential for compliance with ISO and IATF standards?
You cannot assume that JCSS is mandatory based solely on the standard name. Please check what kind of calibration and certification is actually required in customer requirements, audit requirements, and internal regulations.
Does a JCSS calibration certificate have an expiration date?
There is no expiration date for the JCSS calibration certificate. The timing of recalibration should be considered by the user, taking into account factors such as the frequency and environment in which the measuring instrument is used.
