Submit a case study
We are always seeking the best examples to post on this website of conformity assessment helping the public sector. If you have a great example, please send it to us using this form, or email us at secretariat@ilac.org.
Slideshow Items
-
Recent Case Study
Accredited certification on cybersecurity, a must to provide services to Spanish Public Administration
Summary
The Spanish Public Administration and any private operator aiming to provide services to a Spanish public body must hold a National Security Framework (Esquema Nacional de Seguridad, ENS) certificate, which must be issued by an accredited certifier according to ISO/IEC 17065 for the ENS scope, as established by the Spanish Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations.
Background
The Spanish Ministry of Presidency, through Royal Decree 3/2010, developed the National Security Framework (Esquema Nacional de Seguridad, ENS) in the eGovernment field, a regulation establishing the basic principles, minimum requirements and protection measures to be implemented in Public Administration systems. This framework is applicable to any Spanish public body and any private entity providing services to public bodies. It aims to deliver confidence in the adequate protection of information, as well as the ability of systems to work without interruptions or out of control changes, and the robustness of measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Strategy
The Spanish Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations established that any Spanish public body or any company aiming to provide services to a public body must hold an ENS certificate issued by a certification body accredited by ENAC, the Spanish accreditation body, or any other national accreditation body appointed pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 according to ISO/IEC 17065 within the ENS scope. In order to meet these demands, ENAC, in collaboration with the Spanish Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations and the National Cryptologic Centre (CCN), developed an accreditation scheme applicable to bodies interested in certifying compliance with ENS.
Results and impact
Along with the whole public sector, some of the private companies that have certified their compliance with ENS to be able to work with Spanish public bodies include Microsoft, Google, Telefónica, Cisco Systems, Vodafone, Orange, KPMG, Deloitte, Salesforce, Ernst & Young, Zoom, Hispasat and Canon.
-
Recent Case Study
IAF MLA contributes to the reliability of media content
Summary
Certification of press media content according to the JOURNALISM TRUST INITIATIVE (JTI) standard is granted by certification bodies accredited by accreditation bodies. JTI’s preference is to rely on accreditation body signatories to the International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (IAF MLA) for the main scope of ISO/IEC 17065 Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services.
Ultimately, the goal of JTI is to ensure that media content is reliable, particularly social media content.
This objective can be achieved by mobilizing a series of stakeholders sharing the same values in terms of quality management: a certified press organization, an accredited certifier, and an accreditation body signatory to the IAF MLA for the main scope of ISO/IEC 17065.
In Africa, the JTI has therefore prioritized the list of accreditation body signatories to the IAF MLA, including the Systéme Ouest Africain D’Accréditation / West African Accreditation System (SOAC WAAS) in West Africa. Indeed, SOAC WAAS, a multi-economy AB, is so far the only signatory body to the IAF MLA in the region.
Background
The JTI / ISO/IEC 17065 program became effective at SOAC in 2023, with a first file registered for an accreditation pre-assessment finalized in June 2023. Ultimately, for the JTI it is a question of certifying the greatest number of media outlets to increase the availability of reliable information around the world, including in West Africa.
“The question [of trustable information] is relevant to UN action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Even though there is no specific SDG related to information, opinion, and the internet, the questions raised by online freedom of expression are relevant for many of the SDGs, such as good health and well-being, gender equality, reduced inequality, climate action, peace, justice, and strong institutions. In fact, it has been widely recognized both by academics and policymakers that without a healthy public sphere it is impossible to foster dialogue and nurture the political resolve that is necessary to address these issues.” – Paolo Gerbaudo (Marie Skłodowska–Curie Researcher, Scuola Normale Superiore; Reader in Digital Politics, King’s College London)[1]
Strategy
With a view to better popularizing its certification program among press organizations in the region, JTI requested SOAC WAAS to organize an information workshop for the structures in charge of accreditation in West Africa. It should be noted that, since November 2022, SOAC WAAS has been chairing the West African Accreditation Cooperation (ECORAS). It was thus possible to have the three accreditation bodies in the region participating, namely the Ghana National Accreditation Service (GhaNAS), the Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) and SOAC WAAS. In addition, out of five accreditation focal points from Member States without an accreditation body in the region, four responded and participated in the work. This workshop was held at SOAC headquarters on September 14 and 15, 2023.
The meeting made it possible to adopt an action plan which aims, in the long term, to open this accreditation program to GhaNAS and NiNAS. Above all, it includes a series of actions for capacity building on the ISO/IEC 17065 standard and the JTI standard.
At the same time, the JTI has set up a scholarship system for the benefit of press organizations. These scholarships allow them, in a pilot phase, to cover their certification costs with certification bodies authorized by SOAC.
The JTI also carries out actions with governments so that the repository could serve as a basis for allocating national aid to the press.
Results and impact
In 2023, the actions carried out to popularize the JTI standard made it possible to achieve certain results, including:
· Capacity strengthened for four national accreditation focal points (Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone) and two Directors General (GhaNAS, Ghana and NiNAS, Nigeria);
· Two preliminary visits finalized for two product certification bodies;
· A new accreditation application registered in Senegal;
· More than a hundred press organizations ready to receive a certification audit on the JTI; and
· Around 10 candidate evaluators trained in the ISO/IEC 17065 standard and the requirements of the JTI repository.
[1] (Gerbaudo, P. (2022, June 6). Information Wars. Retrieved April 3, 2024, from https://sdg-action.org/information-wars%EF%BF%BC/)
-
Recent Case Study
New Era of Smart Testing in Construction Industry
SummaryDigitalisation and automated construction materials testing have brought many benefits to construction projects, especially when a large number of samples need to be tested manually. Automated systems have higher reliability, repeatability and precision, and can reduce the chance of human error, as well as make more efficient use of manpower resources. Implementing electronic test reports is an important step for the testing and certification industry to achieve a ‘paperless’ culture, and also addresses the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s 2050 goal to achieve carbon neutrality. Digital and automated testing systems promote the development of smart testing, lead the transformation of the testing and certification industry into digitalisation and automation, and also welcome the new era of smart testing.
Background
In line with the direction under ‘Construction 2.0’ in the Policy Address, the Government of the HKSAR has been actively promoting wider adoption of digitalisation and advanced technologies in the construction industry.
Strategy
Going digital is an important initiative to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of administration of public works contracts, including construction site management. To facilitate digitalisation of site records, including construction materials compliance test results, as well as to promote a paperless culture, Public Works Laboratories (PWL) under the Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of HKSAR, together with their contract laboratories, have switched to issuing test certificates/reports in electronic format starting from 1 August 2023. PWL typically processes more than 600,000 test items each year. By going paperless, up to 2 million sheets of paper can be saved every year.
In addition to electronic reporting, PWL has developed new automated systems for testing concrete cubes, steel reinforcing bars and soil. By adopting a number of advanced technologies, including high-precision robotic arms, computer vision analysis and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the testing processes can now be fully automated, significantly enhancing the efficiency of testing services.
To ensure that the quality and integrity of test data are maintained with the launch of these paperless and automated systems, the assessment team of the Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) assessed PWL on site to confirm that the issuing of electronic test reports, as well as the newly developed automated systems, comply with relevant accreditation requirements. Special attention was paid to data protection, supervision, traceability and authorisation of test results.
Results and impact
The automated testing systems operate in conjunction with the laboratory’s information management system (LIMS). Data is automatically collected and integrated directly from the testing instruments, and immediately transferred to the computer for calculation and analysis. This reduces the chance of manual recording errors and improves accuracy. After a test is completed, the test report can be exported directly. With a legally binding digital signature, the test report can be quickly and securely transmitted to the engineering team on site, thereby highly improving the efficiency of work processes. Furthermore, the digital data collected help to build a powerful database that allows more in-depth analysis of materials’ characteristics, further enhancing technological development in the field. Digital data systems reduce unnecessary paper waste, protect forests and reduce carbon emissions, which directly contribute to the realisation of zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Contact
Hong Kong Accreditation Service (www.hkas.gov.hk)
Civil Engineering and Development Department of the Government of HKSAR (www.cedd.gov.hk)
-
Recent Case Study
Accreditation supporting the provision of solar energy in Jordan
Summary
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is mostly dependent on oil, but this source of energy is non-renewable and also comes from the outer boundary of the kingdom. To protect the environment for future generations, the Kingdom’s goal is to use clean sources with less cost, but with the same efficiency. The use of solar cells as an alternative to oil is an optimal choice, and to ensure the efficiency of these cells, they are tested by accredited bodies.
Background
Jordan has an effective solar distribution system to generate electricity. Solar energy is widely used for water heating, especially in the domestic sector. To ensure the efficiency of these solar cells, they are tested in an accredited lab according to ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and the scope of accreditation includes the international test methods issued by international standardization organizations.This choice of clean energy delivers cost-saving energy efficiency solutions, and facilitates universal access to energy services, increasing the proportion of the population with access to clean electricity.
Strategy
Solar energy, like other alternative energies, remains underutilized in Jordan.
The government authority in Jordan conducted awareness sessions and supported citizens to use solar cells in the domestic sector to equip households with solar water heating systems. The solar energy potential in Jordan is enormous, as it lies within the solar belt of the world with average solar radiation ranging between 5 and 7 KWh/m2, which implies a potential of at least 1000GWh per year.
Results and Impact
By law, the system of exemptions from tax and customs duties was issued by the Jordanian Government – Financial Ministry / Income and Sales Tax Department for manufacturers, importers, and companies and institutions implementing renewable energy systems and rationalizing consumption and inputs to their production of goods, Regulation No. (13) of 2015 & system No. (50) of 2018.
– Laboratory Tests – Energy Efficiency (jordan.gov.jo)
Contact
Jordanian Accreditation and Standardization System-Accreditation Unit (JAS-AU)
-
Recent Case Study
Building National Trust by Ensuring Food Safety and Quality through Accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies
Summary
In pursuit of its vision to transform India into a trans fat free nation, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the regulatory body overseeing food safety & standards in the country, conducted a comprehensive nationwide survey to assess the prevalence of trans fat in different categories of food products. The FSSAI partnered with the Quality Council of India (QCI), an apex body for accreditation and quality promotion in India, on this initiative to conduct an impartial and thorough market survey on trans fats and acrylamide content in various food samples.
The survey covered 419 cities/districts across India, and samples were systematically collected from pre-defined food categories.
More than 6,000 samples of packaged food products were gathered from a diverse range of sources, including stores, hypermarkets, and grocery shops. The selection process ensured a random and representative sampling from different strata of the food market.
All samples underwent analysis for trans fat content, while around half of the samples were also specifically analysed for total acrylamide content. To maintain the integrity of the survey, samples were collected and analysed by the accredited conformity assessment bodies of the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), and National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)-accredited laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the survey results.
The case study highlights the importance that government and regulators place on accredited conformity assessment bodies in such national surveys, to build trust in the results and ensure the quality of products, processes and services for the health and safety of common citizens.
The detailed case study can be accessed from the following link:
Background
Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours and diverse range of dishes, many of which involve extensive use of oils in fried preparations. Popular items like pakoda, samosa, puri, and sweets such as gulab jamun and jalebi are commonly crafted in restaurants and food outlets using Vanaspati (PHVO) and various oils as the primary sources of fat.
However, the widespread adoption of ready-to-eat food products has raised concerns about potential health risks for consumers. These products may contain harmful substances like trans fat or acrylamide, both of which can have adverse effects on human health. Trans fat has been linked to elevated levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduced levels of good cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Similarly, acrylamide, a chemical naturally formed during high-temperature cooking methods such as frying, baking, roasting, and industrial processing, poses health concerns.
In response to these challenges, the FSSAI took a proactive approach, by initiating a comprehensive baseline survey of trans fat and acrylamide in food throughout the country. This initiative was carried out in collaboration with the QCI, aiming to assess and address potential health risks associated with these substances in the Indian food landscape.
Strategy
The comprehensive survey unfolded in four distinct stages, each meticulously designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and efficiency.
Stage 1: Planning and Development
The initial phase involved meticulous planning and development. This encompassed the creation of a robust questionnaire, the careful selection of accredited laboratories, training of proficient samplers, raising awareness among Food Safety Officers (FSOs) regarding the survey, and the establishment of a technology platform based on the questionnaire. A detailed survey schedule, incorporating dates and locations, was developed to streamline the process.
Stage 2: Sample Collection
The second stage focused on the actual collection of samples. Trained samplers were strategically deployed nationwide, adhering to the survey schedule. Leveraging a mobile application, samplers gathered information, capturing time-stamped and geo-tagged photographic evidence. The integration of technology not only facilitated a seamless process, but also ensured transparency, with Quality Check (QC) coordinators from the QCI team concurrently reviewing the details of collected samples.
Stage 3: Sample Testing
Once collected, samples moved to the testing phase. Laboratories received the samples following established protocols. To maintain integrity, each sample was meticulously labelled with a unique code and appropriately packaged. The cold chain samples adhered to required storage temperature conditions during transportation, minimizing delays. Accredited labs then conducted tests using prescribed methods.
Stage 4: Analysis and Report Preparation
The final stage involved the analysis of test results and the preparation of the conclusive report. Upon receiving the results, a thorough scrutiny and collation process ensued for comprehensive data analysis. The final report presented critical survey findings along with detailed test results, providing the necessary insights for potential actions moving forward. This structured approach ensures the survey’s reliability and the foundation for informed decision-making based on the collected data.
Results and impact
1. Out of the total samples analysed for total trans fat content across all the 6 categories, about 3.14% of samples contained trans fat exceeding 2%. About 90% of the 196 samples that exceeded 2% trans fat belonged to category 6.
2. In categories 1-5 of food products analysed in this study, nearly 0.4% samples contained more than 2% trans fat. In category 6, comprising of Oils, Vanaspati, shortenings and Margarines, 100 samples out of 1,069 food products analysed had trans fat more than 2% and less than 3%, while 76 samples contained more than 3% trans fat.
3. Out of the total number of samples tested for acrylamide, only 0.32% of the samples had more than 2 ppm acrylamide content. However, about 22% of the total samples spanning the three product categories had more than 0.1 ppm of total acrylamide content.
4. The survey helped in targeting the specific food group or state in order to achieve the target of eliminating industrially produced trans fat in Indian foods in a phased manner.This targeted approach enhances the effectiveness of interventions aimed at achieving the overarching goal of trans fat reduction.
Contact
Varsha Misra
Deputy Director
National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB)
varsha.nabcb@qcin.org -
Recent Case Study
Accreditation: Supporting the Provision of Clean Water in Jordan
Summary
Access to safe drinking water in Jordan is increasing over time, as the country works towards providing clean water to all Jordanian citizens. Jordan Accreditation System – Accreditation Unit (JAS-AU) accredits regulatory water and wastewater authorities testing labs in Jordan to support the provision of clean water by confirming that information used in decision-making is trustworthy and reliable.
Water demand is growing rapidly and the Jordanian government, in cooperation with JAS-AU, has been seeking ways to reduce the loss of water. Improving the qualifications of the water meter labs regarding the requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, and building confidence in the reports issued by accredited testing labs, will minimize unnecessary re-testing and will consequently result in saving money and time, and producing high-quality services.
Background
Due to the unstable conditions in the region surrounding Jordan, the increase in population, and the number of refugees, one of the most important services is the provision of safe drinking water. To fulfil this objective, the laboratories of the water authorities and of the company responsible for the provision of water and sanitation services to the Capital Governorate, and a significant number of water testing labs, have been accredited by JAS-AU in the field of water and wastewater testing. Test results issued by an accredited laboratory provide confidence in decision-making and support the provision of safe water resources to cover the needs of the population.
Further information is available at the following link:
Laboratory and Quality Affairs – Ministry of Water and Irrigation (mwi.gov.jo)
www.miyahuna.com.jo/En/List/Accreditation
JAS-AU also cooperates with supporting companies to help reduce water loss, by providing training and awareness sessions regarding the importance of accreditation for selecting the water flow meter used in the field.
Strategy
JAS-AU accredits testing labs undertaking activities within the water and wastewater sectors according to ISO/IEC 17025.
Results and impact
Accreditation provides water authorities and regulators with confidence in the quality and competence of testing labs, which aids the authority body in making decisions.
Contact
Jordanian Accreditation and standardization system-Accreditation Unit JAS-AU
-
Recent Case Study
Accreditation for the Efficient use of Water
Background
At present, the extraction of national waters in the country faces a principal-agent problem caused by information asymmetries relating to the actual amount of water extracted by users. This situation leads to inefficiency in the use of water and, at times, to the under-declaration of volumes to the Mexican authorities.
The national water program in Mexico, since its publication in 2019, has designated the NMX-AA-179 standard as mandatory. In this regulation, it is established that both the ISPs and the Inspection Units are responsible for the selection, installation and operation of the meters or measurement systems, as well as the remote transmission of the measurement information to the authority. In addition, they play a crucial role in ensuring the correct measurement of national waters through the conformity assessment procedure.
Due to these circumstances, it is imperative to make an accurate measurement of the volumes of national waters extracted. This action contributes significantly to counteracting existing information asymmetries, thus strengthening transparency and efficiency in the management of this vital resource.
Strategy
According to the recent regulations issued in Mexico as of 2019, it was imperative to have the necessary agencies in place to ensure compliance with these regulations. In collaboration with the Mexican Government, specific documents and criteria were developed applicable to two key entities: the Inspection Bodies and the ISPs.
In an effective synergy with the Mexican Government, it was possible to address the relevant technical and regulatory requirements for both entities. Essential documents developed include:
- Application of the criteria to the scheme; Technical evaluation criteria
- Criteria of technical competence of the staff in charge of carrying out the services.
The main objective of the above is to ensure compliance by all users of national waters, either effectively or under a concession or assignment title granted by the Mexican Government. These applicable regulations are evaluated by the duly accredited ISPs and Inspection Bodies, to ensure compliance with the established regulations.
Results and impact
In Mexico, the absence of prior regulations to determine the proper use of water has been countered by the current accreditations granted. The following benefits can be noted:
- COUNTERACTS information asymmetries.
- PROVIDES CERTAINTY in the volumes extracted.
- PROVIDES truthful information for both the user and the authority.
- PREVENTS under-reporting and grabbing of national waters.
- ELIMINATES measurement costs by the user.
This positive impact contributes directly to Mexico’s Sustainable Development Goals, which seek, by 2030, to significantly increase the efficient use of water resources in all sectors and ensure the sustainability of freshwater extraction and supply to meet current challenges. They aim to reduce water scarcity and significantly reduce the number of people suffering from water deprivation.
Contact
Name: Alan Avila Zúñiga
Organisation: EMA – Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación
-
Recent Case Study
Accredited certification in Italy promoting accessibility in tourism and sports
Summary
Ensuring that all users have access to tourist services, establishments, and sports facilities while preserving their autonomy and safety is an objective of sustainable social development. Accreditation can help achieve this goal.
Background
Promoting and facilitating accessibility for disabled people, who currently exceed 5% of the Italian population, is of fundamental importance for the social growth of a country.
To achieve this objective, accredited certification – issued by bodies verified by Accredia, the Italian accreditation body, for competence and independence – can serve as a strategic tool, working in synergy with technical standardization.
Conformity assessment in compliance with technical standards can confirm that hotel, tourist and sports facilities comply with accessibility requirements. It provides an opportunity for companies to benefit from tax incentives offered by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, and a concrete step towards a society that prioritizes the most vulnerable and their right to self-sufficiency.
Businesses that decide to invest in the adaptation of their structures through accredited certification can access the fund allocated by Budget Law 234/2021, intended for implementing measures for improving tourist accessibility.
Strategy
To encourage the adoption of accredited certification, the Ministry of Tourism has published a public notice for the establishment of a list of accredited bodies that perform certification according to the UNI ISO 21902:2022 (accessible tourism for all), UNI CEI EN 17210:2021 (accessibility and usability of the built environment) and UNI/PdR 92:2020 (accessibility of bathing establishments) standards.
Hotels, non-hotel establishments, spas, bathing establishments and sports facilities can therefore turn to the accredited bodies to verify the requirements necessary to obtain certification, the maintenance of the requirements possessed, for corrective actions, or the renewal of certifications.
The latest regulatory innovation, to certify the accessibility of the services of accommodation facilities and sports facilities, is the Reference Practice UNI/PdR 131:2023. With a highly practical approach, this Practice focuses on accredited certification as a tool for differentiation and competitiveness. The Practice was developed by UNI, the Italian standardization body, with the collaboration of Accredia, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Disabilities. It provides operators in the tourist sectors with the minimum requirements to demonstrate the accessibility of services offered in relation to the built environment, internal transport, urban and rural spaces, and recreational activities; as well as food & beverage, accommodation facilities and the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) sector, sports facilities, and beach establishments.
Results and impact
The main objectives are:
- To guarantee that people with reduced or impaired motor or sensory abilities can move freely, safely and independently.
- To provide a highly practical approach, oriented towards accredited certification, which can be a powerful tool for differentiation and therefore competitiveness for public and private organizations operating in the tourism and sports sector.
Tourism can be a powerful tool for reducing inequalities if it involves local populations and all key actors in its development. Tourism contributes to urban regeneration and rural development, allows people the opportunity to thrive in their place of origin, and reduces depopulation. Tourism is an effective means for economic integration and diversification.
Contact
Accredia – The Italian Accreditation Body
External Relations
comunicazione@accredia.it
-
Recent Case Study
Swedish Regulator rewards sites with BRCGS Certification
The Swedish Food Agency, Livsmedelsverket, is the competent authority responsible for the supervision and enforcement of food safety regulations. It works to ensure that food produced, sold and served in Sweden is safe and authentic.
The Agency has introduced a new risk classification model for assessing how much public control a company in the food sector should receive. They do this by identifying and assessing the greatest risks and adapting the level of control based on their risk profile. The new model recognises that independent third-party certification can result in improved compliance, and therefore a means to ensure that food manufactured into the market in Sweden is safe for consumers.
The new model recognises the BRCGS Food Safety, Agents and Brokers, and Storage and Distribution Standards. They meet the agency requirements to qualify for reduction of official control as they have a focus on food safety and hygiene, and that they are covered by accreditation. The benefit for food operators certified to one of these standards is that they will qualify as a reduced risk and be subject to a lower level of control during the five-year inspection cycle. This will save time in terms of freeing up resource for the inspection, as well as cost reduction in the form of paying for fewer inspections.
Further information is available from Swedish Regulator rewards sites with BRCGS Certification | BRCGS and Livsmedelsverket’s website.
-
Recent Case Study
Digital accredited certification verification service builds confidence in global trade
Summary
UKAS CertCheck digitally verifies the authenticity of United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accredited management systems certification. This free to use service enhances the supply chain management process and helps lower technical barriers to trade, both nationally and internationally.
CertCheck offers those holding accredited certification a more convenient way to prove their credentials to a potentially wider marketplace, whilst simultaneously providing third-party assurance to those specifying accredited certification from their suppliers. In addition to speeding up the tendering process, this reduces the opportunity for fraud, helping businesses work together with greater confidence.
Background
It’s perhaps easy to think of each conformity assessment as being carried out for a singular purpose and for an individual client. However, accredited conformity assessment is part of a much wider eco-system, one that supports frictionless trade across international borders and is concerned with health, safety, fitness for purpose and quality regardless of industry or country.
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is well underway and the conformity assessment sector is already behind other industries on the digital adoption curve. Collating and digitising conformity assessment information in a secure, recognised source allows the relevant parties to check credentials anywhere and at any time. It speeds up the verification process, creates a chain of traceability and helps identify potential areas for concern. In addition to allowing information and status to be easily updated, digitisation also puts control over certificates back in the hands of issuing bodies, helping to prevent fraud and allowing status and information to be easily updated.
Having a robust supply chain is an essential element of modern business, particularly for those trading across international borders. Verifying that potential suppliers hold essential accredited certification is a key part of building a reliable network. Many organisations in both the public and private sectors specify that prospective suppliers must hold accredited certification.
According to the most recent ISO Survey of Management System Standards, there are nearly 2 million valid management systems certificates in use across the world. Over 90% of these certificates are from one of the three most popular management system standards, namely ISO 9001 Quality management systems — Requirements, ISO 14001 Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use and ISO 45001 Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use.
Organisations are responsible for their own due diligence in ensuring the claims made by their suppliers are current and valid. Independently checking the authenticity of each applicant’s certification is an integral part of procurement best practice, but it can be a time-consuming and fragmented activity. Historically this was done through a two-stage process that firstly confirmed that the certificate issued by the certification body was authentic and valid, and secondly checked that the certification body was currently accredited for this particular activity.
Strategy
Digitalisation is very much part of UKAS’s strategic development and both its own eCerts system (for accreditation certificates) and CertCheck (for accredited certification) are a key part of supporting the digitalisation of conformity assessment.
Launched in June 2022, UKAS CertCheck provides a quick, easy and free way to verify the authenticity and validity of accredited certifications. By automating and combining the certification and accreditation verification stages into one comprehensive yet straightforward online service, CertCheck brings speed, clarity and confidence to the accredited certification vetting process.
The accredited certifications within CertCheck cover a vast array of widely recognised and commonly used management systems; ranging from the long-established quality (ISO 9001), environmental (ISO 14001) and occupational health and safety (ISO 45001) standards; to newer information security (ISO 27001), energy management (ISO 50001) and supply chain security (ISO 28000) standards; to more sector-specific standards such as food safety (ISO 22000) and medical devices (ISO 13485).
Entirely self-funded by UKAS, CertCheck is free to use and open to everyone, regardless of industry sector or country. Searching on CertCheck provides a simple confirmation whether a certification is both genuine and current. Users are able to search by either company name or certificate number, with the results showing all the UKAS accredited certifications held by that company. There is also the option of creating a free account, which provides an increased number of daily searches and allows registered users to monitor certifications, set up notifications for changes in certification status and directly message certification bodies with relevant enquiries.
Results and impact
CertCheck is a growing database of over 400,000 management systems certifications issued worldwide by UKAS accredited certification bodies. All of the common management systems certifications are represented; ISO 9001 accounts for over half of the certificates held within CertCheck, with ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001 and ISO 20000 together making up over a third.
In the first six months since its launch in June 2022, the CertCheck website has been viewed tens of thousands of times and several thousand users have opted to register (free of charge) for an enhanced service. Although CertCheck is a United Kingdom-based service only 20% of its users are from the United Kingdom, with China, India, Japan and USA being the next most popular locations. This emphasises CertCheck’s wide global appeal and demonstrates its value in lowering technical barriers to trade, by helping businesses throughout the world work together with greater confidence across international borders.
Despite being a relatively new service, CertCheck has received strong support from UK government, certification bodies and quality professionals. Paul Scully MP, then Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets described CertCheck as a service that “will make it easier for businesses to ensure their suppliers are walking the walk when they talk the talk about holding accredited certification.” Wayne Terry, Chief Executive of the Association of British Certification Bodies said: “Defrauding the procurement process undermines the hard work that many organisations go through to achieve valid accredited certification. UKAS CertCheck will give confidence to organisations that rely upon accredited certification helping them ensue those claims are valid.” Similarly Vince Desmond, CEO of the Chartered Quality Institute views CertCheck as a “game changer”, adding: “Quality professionals and their organisations often have to deal with unaccredited and even counterfeit certification. Making this tool available to relevant people in their businesses will help hugely.”
Contact
Jeff Ruddle, Strategic Development Director. e: jeff.ruddle@ukas.com