VCCI

VCCI or the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Information Technology Equipment is the Japanese body governing RF emissions (i.e. electromagnetic interference) standards. The radiated and conducted emissions limits established by the VCCI are identical to those of CISPR 22 (1993), so that

VCCI Class A = CISPR 22 Class A, and

VCCI Class B = CISPR 22 Class B.

Emissions control in Japan is performed on a voluntary basis, under the supervision of the Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI). The VCCI was formed in December 1985 by four Japanese industry associations in response to a government request that electronics manufacturers participate in the control of electromagnetic interference. The Japanese Telecommunications Technology Council presented the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications with standards based on he internationally recognized CISPR 22 recommendations, and industry responded by organizing the VCCI.

The VCCI compliance program is voluntary in the sense that participation is not legally mandatory. It is widely supported by major Japanese companies, and the meeting of its criteria is evidenced by the application of the VCCI compliance label. The VCCI label is increasingly perceived as an indication of product quality. Though compliance is in theory voluntary, marketing pressures encourage it in practice.

Equipment must meet the VCCI technical requirements, with testing being performed at laboratories registered with the VCCI. After being informed of the equipment’s compliance via a technical report, the VCCI will issue a certificate of compliance. Compliant equipment then is marked with the VCCI label. Information is also needed to be in the user manual.

Only members of the VCCI can perform the testing and only members can label equipment as VCCI compliance. Membership is open to all interested parties. Members pay an initiation fee and an annual membership fee.

The VCCI does conduct a sampling program of VCCI listed equipment. The manufacturer covers the expense of the sampling-testing program. The equipment is tested at any of the VCCI listed laboratories. The equipment is considered compliant if the conducted emissions are 2 dB or more below the applicable limits and radiated measurements are 3 dB or more below the limits. Samples that fall into the higher than these levels but are still compliant the VCCI will request for improved quality assurance documentation. In the event that the equipment tested does not comply, an appeal and evaluation policy is applied to determine what further action might be taken. Action may include mandatory equipment modifications or revocation of the conformity certificate. The manufacturer must follow the final VCCI decision. The VCCI mark of conformance also appears on some electrical equipment sold outside Japan.