The "BL" stands for "BETTER LIVING". The BL label (on the below) is to be displayed on all housing components that have been recognized as superior in quality and performance, certified through CBL. The BL label is a symbol of safety and quality, and provides consumers with additional peace of mind.BL components with additional features that are designed in particular to meet societal demands regarding energy conservation, assistance for the elderly etc., are certified as "BL-bs components."
All BL components displaying the BL label are covered by a repair warranty which is free of charge from two to ten year period depending on the component. In the event of an accident, BL insurance will be provided, covering the products' warranty and indemnity.
An application design framework called uID architecture, devised by YRP Ubiquitous Networking Laboratory and promoted by uID center, has been adopted, and numeric ID,called 'ucode' has been put into the tag.
Currently, 187 million of these tags are in use. (March, 2012).
CBL provides standards that BL components should conform to. The standards are issued for 63 items (as of April 2020)of housing components. Moreover we are ready to accept an application for an item not included in the 63 items. In this case, we request applicants to submit a draft of the standard which is to be authorized by CBL.
Doors | Water heaters |
Door locks | Ventilation units |
Windows | Bathroom units |
Ceiling units | Water supply pump systems |
Systematized kitchens | Elevators |
An applicant for housing components certification is required to submit specified information to CBL. The information includes together with the application form, drawings and specifications, and an evaluation result which confirms that the component meets the BL standards. The evaluation is to be performed by CBL or other evaluation organizations designated by CBL.
The application will be accepted at any time.
The BL label also indicates that the marked product is insured in two ways.
One is products warranty insurance, which covers expenses incurred by the manufacturer in providing free of charge repair on flaws and defects, in the case of discovery of flaws or defects related to design, manufacture and installation within two to ten years (depending on the components) after the BL components are installed in a house and handed over to the user.
The other is products liability insurance, which covers compensation expenses arising from accidents attributable to flaws or defects related to design, manufacture and installation of BL components causing bodily injury, death or property damage to the user after the BL components are installed in a house and handed over to the user.
CBL has a customer service division to hold consultations with customers and hear complaints related to BL components and the BL labeling system. The telephone number of the customer service division is printed on the BL label.
CBL utilizes information from customers for the review of the BL standards and the planning of new certifiable components so that we can further improve the certification system.