Appendix B Legislative Request for the Study: Public Law 102-245
Public Law 102-245, February 14, 1992
''American Technology Preeminence Act of 1991"
Title V—Studies and Reports
Sec. 508. Study of Testing and Certification
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(a)
Contract with National Research Council.—Within 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act and within available appropriations, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with the National Research Council for a thorough review of international product testing and certification issues. The National Research Council will be asked to address the following issues and make recommendations as appropriate:
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(1)
The impact on United States manufacturers, testing and certification laboratories, certification organizations, and other affected bodies of the European Community's plans for testing and certification of regulated and nonregulated products of non-European origin.
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(2)
Ways for United States manufacturers to gain acceptance of their products in the European Community and in other foreign countries and regions.
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(3)
The feasibility and consequences of having mutual recognition agreements between testing and certification organizations in the United States
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- and those of major trading partners on the accreditation of testing and certification laboratories and on quality control requirements.
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(4)
Information coordination regarding product acceptance and conformity assessment mechanisms between the United States and foreign governments.
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(5)
The appropriate Federal, State, and private roles in coordination and oversight of testing, certification, accreditation, and quality control to support national and international trade.
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(b)
Membership.—In selecting the members of the review panel, the National Research Council shall consult with and draw from, among others, laboratory accreditation organizations, Federal and State government agencies involved in testing and certification, professional societies, trade associations, small business, and labor organizations.
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(c)
Report.—A report based on the findings and recommendations of the review panel shall be submitted to the Secretary, the President, and Congress within 18 months after the Secretary signs the contract with the National Research Council.
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