Meaning and Differences of CMA, CNAS and Other Marks in the Test Report

Usually, a test report will carry three marks: CMA, CNAS, and CAL. What do these three marks represent, and what are the differences? Let's take a look.

The meanings of the three marks on the test report are as follows:

1. Metrology Certification Mark

Indicates that the institution has passed the metrology certification by the National Certification and Accreditation Administration or the quality and technical supervision departments of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the central government.

CMA stands for "China Metrology Accreditation"; in Chinese, it means "中国计量认证". It is a comprehensive certification and evaluation conducted by the metrology administrative departments of people's governments at or above the provincial level, based on the Metrology Law of the People's Republic of China, to assess the testing capability and reliability of testing institutions.

This certification applies to all product quality supervision and inspection institutions and other types of laboratories that provide impartial data to society; such as various product quality supervision and inspection stations, environmental testing stations, disease prevention and control centers, etc. Testing institutions that obtain the metrology certification certificate are allowed to use the CMA mark on their inspection reports; inspection reports with the CMA mark can be used for product quality evaluation, results and judicial appraisal, trade transactions, etc., and have legal effect. They are accepted by arbitration and judicial institutions.

CMA generally applies only to third-party laboratories, including a small number of specific second-party laboratories. The scope is relatively small and usually combined with review and accreditation. Only those authorized by the government are qualified.

Product quality inspection institutions that have obtained the metrology certification certificate may use the metrology certification mark on their product inspection reports according to the inspection items specified on the certificate. The mark consists of a graphic formed by the three English letters CMA and the metrology certification number of the inspection institution.

2. Product Quality Inspection Institution Assessment Qualification Symbol

Indicates that the institution has obtained the authorization certificate of review and acceptance from the National Certification and Accreditation Administration or the quality and technical supervision departments of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities directly under the central government.

CAL is the certification symbol for quality supervision and inspection institutions. It is an authoritative authorization mark granted by the national quality supervision department to quality supervision and inspection institutions. These institutions can undertake statutory quality supervision and inspection tasks assigned by national administrative agencies and can issue inspection reports bearing the CAL and CMA marks. Before granting, the institution must have passed the CMA metrology certification; otherwise, it cannot be granted.

The assessment qualification symbol consists of a graphic formed by the three English letters CAL and the assessment qualification certificate number of the inspection institution. CAL stands for "China Accredited Laboratory," corresponding to the English words China Accredited Laboratory.

Special reminder: According to the State Council's comprehensive implementation of the "separation of permits and licenses" reform requirements, approval matters are classified and managed according to risk levels by adopting methods such as cancellation of approval, notification commitment, self-declaration, and optimized access services. The authorization of product quality inspection institutions (CAL) has been canceled.

3. Laboratory Accreditation Mark

Indicates that the institution has been accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment. CNAS: China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment. The "CNAS" mark indicates that the testing capability and equipment capability of the quality inspection center have been recognized by CNAS.

Any laboratory can apply for CNAS accreditation as long as it has the corresponding testing capabilities. Accreditation can be granted to first-party, second-party, third-party laboratories, enterprises, and even personal laboratories, covering a wide range.

Accredited laboratories are granted qualification certificates by CNAS and are allowed to use the "China National Accreditation Mark" on their issued inspection reports or calibration certificates.

Similarities and Differences Among the Three Marks

Different nature: CNAS is laboratory accreditation and is voluntary. Of course, if it is a national-level laboratory, it must also pass CNAS accreditation; CMA is metrology certification and is mandatory.

Different roles: CNAS can achieve international mutual recognition; CMA has Chinese characteristics. CNAS laboratory accreditation is an international standard, and the issued test reports are recognized internationally; metrology certification is a domestic standard, and the issued test reports have legal effect domestically. Units required to obtain metrology certification must have independent legal person status.