Conformity Assessment

Historic agreement between IEC, ILAC and IAF

A historic agreement between IEC, ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and IAF (International Accreditation Forum, Inc.) in October 2010 will help significantly reduce cost, time and complexity for the reassessment of certification bodies and testing laboratories that are accredited by IAF and ILAC Member ABs (Accreditation Bodies).

 

One of the most important outcomes of the tripartite Memorandum of Understanding is that henceforth a single reassessment – instead of three – will suffice and be accepted by all three bodies.

 

This type of cooperation agreement is unprecedented in the conformity assessment world and builds on years of collaboration between the IEC CA (Conformity Assessment) Systems, ILAC and IAF.

 

A common Steering Committee was created and will be responsible for developing cooperation strategies, providing support and dealing with project issues and deliverables.

 

Talking the same language

Another objective set out by the MoU is to facilitate a coordinated application of ISO/IEC Standards and guidance documents for the purpose of assessment of certification bodies and testing laboratories operating in the IEC CA Systems. This includes a common understanding of the technical issues and the harmonization of the respective assessment procedures.

 

Provisions are also made for joint training and workshops for lead assessors, and when possible, joint work on the development of harmonized procedures and policies.

 

Protecting the IEC brand and reputation

 

At its meeting in June, CAB endorsed the mechanism for continuous monitoring of the reported misuse of certificates authorized by the IEC and issued within the IEC CA systems. All IEC CA systems have now implemented this reporting mechanism that aims to identify any inappropriate activity that could tarnish the reputation of the systems and the IEC itself. The IEC CA systems regularly report to CAB on all known incidents of misuse of marks owned by the IEC and certificates within the systems to ensure a reduction of the IEC’s insurance exposure. Within this context, CAB approved the latest version of the Risk Management Grid.

 

New energy in conformity assessment

 

CAB is exploring how to best satisfy the CA needs of the wind turbine, ocean energy and other burgeoning renewable energy sectors. To do so it works closely with different industry players to understand market needs in order to recommend solutions.

 

Based on the recommendations of the CAB working group on EEE (electrical energy efficiency), CAB is working closely with the SMB (Standardization Management Board) and MSB (Market Strategy Board) to provide timely input to ensure that CA needs in this area are fully understood and met. Within this context, CAB will help identify perceived gaps with regard to EEE in the existing IEC Standards library.