In almost every country in the world, there are standardization bodies, metrological institutes, certification bodies, inspection bodies and accredited laboratories. These pillars are one of the links that build confidence in trade.
The adoption of technologies and digitalization of conformity assessment continues to evolve rapidly. To understand the latest trends, a team of researchers from BAM, TU Berlin and Fraunhofer Institute in Germany and from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand conducted surveys in fourteen countries and collected data from over 1,300 conformity assessment bodies.
In April 2021, ISO 37301:2021, ‘Compliance management systems — Requirements with guidance for use’ was published. A compliance management system comprises all the measures, structures and processes that a company or organization establishes to ensure compliance with the norms, standards and the law.
Each year on 09 June, IAF and ILAC celebrate World Accreditation Day. We’re excited to announce the theme for WAD 2023 as Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade.
Cofrac has opened a new accreditation scheme according to ISO/IEC 17065 for the certification of natural and organic cosmetics according to the COSMOS scheme.
The Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) measures QI’s development status and dynamics worldwide. In close coordination with representatives and experts from QI bodies worldwide, key indicators were identified, the data collected, and a composite index was created.
The Arab Accreditation Cooperation held its 10th Annual Meetings in Cairo, Egypt, from 04 to 08 December 2022.
Preparation, planning and coordination were vital for O’ZAKK as a developing accreditation body to experience a fully remote peer evaluation procedure in line with the policies stipulated in the IAF/ILAC A-Series and relevant APAC documents.
The infrastructure sector is a key driver for economic growth. It is pivotal that quality and conformity are ensured in this critical sector.
The latest news from EA includes updates on the EA MLA and EA MLA signatories, EA documents, and a European Commission decision on a certification framework for carbon removals.
The concept of remote audits has been around for many years and has for a long time been possible within stated controls. The IAF TC has been looking closely at the current situation with regard to remote and blended audits, including reviewing coverage in standards and in existing IAF documents.
UNI, the Italian standardization body, has published the publicly available specification PdR 125, entitled “Guidelines on the management system for gender equality which provides the adoption of specific KPIs (Key Performance Indicator) relating to gender equality policies in organizations “. This certifiable standard, developed together with Accredia and the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and other interested parties, aims to initiate a systemic process of cultural change in organizations in order to increase gender equality.
In the pursuit of the goal to digitalize APAC activities, APAC and PTB are collaborating on a new project.
The IIOC ‘Certification for Business Improvement’ paper highlights the business improvement from certification.
The TIC sector can play a pivotal role in supporting market surveillance authorities in fighting counterfeit goods and products.
IAF and ILAC are excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, Accreditation Matters. This podcast series will feature discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports regulators, global trade and consumers.
Harmonisation is a key word in Europe and in EA. At the EU level, it is related to ensuring the free movement of goods within the European market while at the same time ensuring consumer safety and protection of the environment.
IAAC held its XXX General Assembly annual meetings in Antigua, Guatemala, from 12-19 August 2022.
India, as part of its ‘panchamrit’ (5-point) plan at the COP26 global summit in October 2021, announced that it will reduce emissions by 50% by 2030 and will reach carbon neutrality by 2070.
As part of its ongoing efforts regarding upgrading and harmonizing food safety and quality infrastructure in the Arab region, the ARAC Chair and accreditation body member representatives participated in the Arab Regional Forum on voluntary third-party assurance (vTPA).
APAC conducted a three-day webinar for its members from 17-19 August 2022 to inform the participants about different methodologies to be adapted for effective networking communication skills.
IAF Outlook 