Registered National Institute of Justice Mark Indicates Compliance with Program Standards

As of October 2016, the NIJ Compliance Testing Program (NIJ CTP) has begun permitting the addition of the NIJ Mark of Compliance to the labels of ballistic-resistant body armor models certified by the NIJ CTP.

Registered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the NIJ Mark indicates that a specific model of ballistic-resistant body armor has been tested by the NIJ CTP and found to comply with the current version of the NIJ ballistic-resistant body armor standard. By placing the NIJ Mark on the label, a manufacturer clearly communicates that the armor is constructed in the same manner as the original test items evaluated as compliant by the NIJ CTP, and that armor was assembled under the NIJ CTP's surveillance program that periodically inspects and tests production samples.

Prior to implementation of the NIJ Mark, manufacturers indicated participation in the NIJ CTP by using the following NIJ CTP statement of compliance on their labels: "This model of armor has been determined to comply with NIJ Standard-0101.xx by the NIJ Compliance Testing Program and is listed on the NIJ Compliant Product List."

Manufacturers must complete legal agreements and have draft labels approved for production before they can begin placing the Mark on production units. It is expected to take several months before all manufacturers complete the necessary processes and paperwork, but it is likely that by early 2017 all newly produced compliant armors will carry the NIJ Mark.

Manufacturers have received specific implementation guidance through a revised Applicant Agreement and NIJ CTP Product Conformity Assessment System documents. CTP staff members are available via telephone and email to provide additional implementation assistance, as needed. Practitioners who have additional questions may call (800) 248-2742 or email bactp@justnet.org