Conformity Assessment
Demonstrating that a product, service, process, system or person meets specified requirements.
What is conformity assessment?
Conformity assessment is the process of demonstrating that the essential features of a product or service meet the requirements of standards, regulations and other specifications. It covers a range of activities, including testing, inspection, auditing, certification and registration, against voluntary or mandatory requirements.
Objectives
- Ensure products and services conform to relevant standards
- Facilitate international trade and discourage trade malpractice
- Prevent the sale and import of substandard or unsafe products
- Protect lives and property
- Protect the environment, including air and water quality
Who performs conformity assessment?
ISO itself does not control conformity assessment activities. Private-sector organisations may provide conformity assessment services commercially, and regulatory bodies may perform them under a mandate where standards have been incorporated into legislation. In both cases, the aim is to create confidence between suppliers and their clients.
Accreditation provides independent confirmation that the bodies performing conformity assessment are competent and impartial.
Apply for accreditation
Contact IACAB to discuss the scheme, scope and timeline for your organisation.