Standardisation infrastructure
The standardisation infrastructure comprises a number of interactive elements
Conformity assessment & accreditation
Conformity assessment helps companies demonstrate that they have met customers' requirements and includes activities such as testing, inspection and certification. The organisations that test, inspect, etc, are known as Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). BIS works to ensure that conformity assessment in the UK is well managed, competent and market driven, thereby contributing to the productivity and competitiveness of UK businesses.
CABs notified to the Commission under the European New Approach legislation are known as Notified Bodies (NBs). Where there is European Community legislation, the requirements for NBs ensures that products and services assessed in one Member State can be accepted in another. However, where there are national regulatory requirements, conformity assessment requirements can differ from country to country and can create barriers to trade. Our work on the quality and conformity assessment infrastructure helps to reduce these barriers by providing mechanisms which allow for mutual recognition of conformity assessment.
BIS has produced a guidance document for regulators, on the conformity assessment aspects of European Decision 768/2008/EC on a common framework for the marketing of products. It deals with the requirements for notification of CABs and conformity assessment procedures.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the recognition by an authoritative body that a conformity assessment body is competent to carry out specific tasks. It is generally accepted that for an accreditation body to be authoritative it must have the support of government.
A statement of the key principles relating to conformity assessment policy in the UK, including accreditation, has been developed and was first published in May 2005.
Standards
Standards are the lynch pin of the infrastructure, providing the matrix in which the other elements operate with BSI playing a key role in developing standards domestically and internationally.
The infrastructure is depicted graphically here.
The following example shows how this infrastructure interacts.
If you are a toy maker the chances are you will wish to manufacture your toy so that it meets the relevant international and national standards as to do so will help you sell your product in the UK as well as overseas. To demonstrate to buyers that your product really does meet the standard you will need to employ an independent and impartial third party to assess your product against the standard. These third parties are known as conformity assessment bodies (CABs).
You would not wish however to use any old organisation but a CAB who you know to be competent and whose assessment will be universally accepted. National Accreditation Bodies (NABS) - UKAS is the UK's NAB - assess the CABs against international standards to ensure that they are competent to assess against specific standards.
NABs are reviewed to ensure that they too are competent by undergoing evaluation by their peers and by being subject to government audit and appointment.
Thus this infrastructure provides confidence, trust and assurance to consumers and purchasers that the toy meets the standard that the manufacturer claims it does.
