Fruitful IEC, ILAC and IAF cooperation

Canada’s SCC recognizes IECEE CB Scheme qualified laboratories

When it was signed in October 2010, the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between IEC, ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and IAF (International Accreditation Forum) was seen as a cornerstone of enhanced collaboration for the three organizations involved. Now this agreement, which generated much interest in the CA (conformity assessment) community, is bearing more fruits.

 

One of the most important outcomes of the tripartite MoU is that a single reassessment – instead of three – is accepted by all three bodies. The pooling of resources helps introduce significant reductions in cost, time and complexity for the reassessment of CBs (Certification Bodies) and TLs (Testing Laboratories) that are accredited by IAF and ILAC Member ABs (Accreditation Bodies).

Joining efforts

Recognizing the importance and reach of this agreement, SCC (Standards Council of Canada) announced in February 2012 that, following discussions with the IEC and other ABs, it would accept, under its Product Certification Body Accreditation programme, the use of IECEE – the IEC System for Conformity testing and Certification of Electrotechnical Equipment and Components – CBTLs (CB Scheme Testing Laboratories) for product testing, in compliance with CAN-P-1500M clause 4.3.2. The document, entitled Additional requirements for accreditation of certification bodies, outlines unique Canadian requirements for third-party product CBs accredited by the SCC.

 

As national economies become global, it is essential that countries work together to facilitate international trade. The IECEE CB Scheme provides a conduit for the mutual acceptance of test reports, among participating CBs and TLs, for a wide range of electrotechnical products.

 

And while SCC is a signatory to several agreements in the field of accreditation and certification, the recognition of CBTLs introduces a truly international dimension, a significant factor for an organization that deals not only with standardization and conformity assessment but is also responsible for intergovernmental affairs and trade.

 

The SCC decision brings further proof, if need be, of the historic value of this cooperation agreement.

Global value of IECEE

It also highlights the ever growing importance and recognition of IECEE in the conformity assessment community worldwide. As national economies become global, it is essential that countries work together to facilitate international trade.