japprouve

Japprouve is a certification framework designed to assess consumer electronics, software, and related services for safety, privacy, environmental impact, and social responsibility. The name blends the Japanese market connotation with the French term approuver meaning to approve.

The framework originated from a 2018 industry-consumer coalition seeking a portable, recognisable mark across markets; Japprouve Foundation announced the program in 2020. Participation is voluntary for products and services; the mark signals compliance with the program's criteria.

Certification processes involve applicants submitting product information, tests performed by accredited laboratories, and an independent audit evaluating manufacturing supply chain labor practices, component sourcing, and environmental compliance. Privacy impact assessments are reviewed for digital products. The criteria align with international standards such as IEC safety, ISO environmental management, ILO labor standards, and GDPR-like privacy principles. Certification lasts three years with annual surveillance.

Governance is administered by the Japprouve Foundation, a non-profit umbrella. The board includes representatives from consumer groups, manufacturers, certification bodies, and independent auditors. A network of partner laboratories conducts testing, and regional committees oversee market-specific adaptations.

Reception and impact have been mixed. Proponents cite increased consumer trust and market access, while critics note the cost of audits, potential for inconsistent enforcement, and risk of fragmentation across markets. It remains one of several voluntary certification schemes in the sustainability and safety space, competing with other global and regional marks.

See also: product certification, consumer electronics safety standards, environmental certification, privacy by design.