Conformity assessment and certification
What does “conformity assessment” mean?
At its simplest, “conformity assessment” means checking that products, materials, services, systems or people measure up to the specifications of a relevant standard. For example, a customer may want to check that the product he or she ordered from a supplier meets the purpose for which it is required. One of the most efficient ways to do this is when the specifications of the product have been defined in an International Standard. That way, both supplier and customer are on the same wavelength, even if they are based in different countries, because they are both using the same references.
Why is conformity assessment so important?
Today, many products require testing for conformance with specifications or compliance with safety or other regulations before they can be put on many markets. Even simple products may require supporting technical documentation that includes test data. It is not always practical for these activities to be carried out by suppliers and customers, and so often specialized third parties get involved. In addition, national legislation may require such testing to be carried out by independent bodies, particularly when the products concerned have health or environmental implications. In fact, conformity assessment has become an important component of world trade and is most often carried out by specialist organizations, such as inspection and certification bodies and testing laboratories.
Does ISO carry out conformity assessment?
No, ISO itself does not carry out conformity assessment. This is a matter for suppliers and clients in the private sector, regulatory bodies when ISO standards have been incorporated into public legislation, and laboratories and certification bodies offering independent conformity assessment services.
However, over the years, ISO has developed many of the standards (although locally they will probably carry a national designation) against which products are assessed for conformity, as well as the standardized test methods that allow the meaningful comparison of test results so necessary for international trade.
While ISO itself does not carry out conformity assessment, some of our members do, either as a commercial venture, or under mandate to their national government
PRODUCT CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT (PCA)
IQI Product Conformity Assessment (PCA) is a solution designed to ensure that specific products meet the requirements of the technical regulations and standards set by a regulatory authority in the importing country.
Conformity assessment verifies products’ compliance with the requirements of applicable standards and technical regulations. It follows a review by IQI product specialists of reports from verification activities such as laboratory testing, physical inspection and factory audits. Conformity of products is evidenced by the issuance of a Certificate of Conformity (CoC), a document that is mandatory for customs clearance.
We operate PCA services and assist manufacturers and suppliers to achieve compliance of their exports to many countries including Algeria, Iran, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, Russia, Saudi Arabia and others.
An IQI Product Conformity Assessment prevents the importation of unsafe, substandard or counterfeit goods; it supports government authorities to enforce the implementation of obligatory legislations established for the protection of consumers’ health and safety and the environment.
Product Conformity Assessment helps trade facilitation and protects the interests of traders: importers benefit from a faster customs clearance process because verification activities have been completed
prior to shipment, and exporters do not take the risk to have their goods rejected at the country of destination because of noncompliance with the requirements.
Find out more about IQI Product Conformity Assessment.