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Slideshow Items

  • Recent Case Study

    Accreditation: Building confidence in building inspection

     

    Summary

    United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) accreditation of a new building inspector competency scheme has helped building inspectors, many of whom are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), meet updated legal requirements and forms an important part of continuous professional development. In addition to raising standards of technical competence throughout the industry, the accredited scheme aims to play an important role in increasing confidence in the industry’s potential to deliver safer buildings.

    Background

    Part of the UK government’s ongoing building safety reforms include a requirement for building control professionals to register with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) under a newly created Building Inspector Competency Framework (BICoF).

    The Building Safety Act 2022 makes BICoF registration mandatory for all classes of building inspector, working in both the public and private sectors, in all types of buildings across England. Successfully completing the Building Safety Competency Foundation’s (BSCF’s) Building Control Inspector (BCI) competence certification scheme is one of the three prescribed BICoF registration routes.

    BSCF’s BCI is the first and, to date, the only building inspector competency scheme that is UKAS accredited, having been assessed against the internationally recognised ISO/IEC 17024 standard (Conformity assessment: General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons).

     

    Strategy

    Building control professionals need to be able to demonstrate that they are continuously developing their skills in line with the needs of clients, and that any learning is being applied to projects. The BCI certification scheme rigorously evaluates the competence of building control professionals across all inspecting roles and specialisms. In addition to helping building inspectors meet mandatory BSR registration requirements, the BCI certification scheme aims to raise standards of technical competence throughout the industry.

    Whilst the BICoF does not provide an exhaustive list of competency criteria, assessments under the BCI certification scheme include a review of the relevant qualifications, knowledge and experience academic/technical qualifications, as appropriate to each inspector’s role. Continuous professional development is another important aspect, as building inspectors must be reassessed every four years in order to maintain their BICoF registration.

     

    Results and impact

    Within the first six weeks of being granted UKAS accreditation, BSCF confirmed the competency validation of the 1,000th candidate.

    UKAS accreditation provides a valuable additional layer of independent scrutiny to the process, further enhancing the BCI competency certification scheme’s reputation and its potential to restore faith in the industry’s ability to deliver safer buildings.

    UKAS accreditation has long been recognised as demonstrable proof of competence across a wide variety of industry sectors. UKAS was able to utilise this extensive experience to respond at pace and develop accreditation of the BIC competency certification scheme, reflecting the important role accreditation continues to play in underpinning confidence throughout the built environment.

    Contact

    communications@ukas.com


    Read more...

  • Recent Case Study

    Accreditation: Assuring security, ethics and human rights

    Summary

    MSS Global, a UK small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) established in 2011, is a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)-accredited certification body that specialises in providing assurance that private security companies (PSCs) and their supply chains have responsible and ethical management systems and apply those systems in practice.

    In a world where societal expectations around ethical practices and human rights are ever-increasing, the role of accredited certification bodies cannot be understated in helping companies manage their own reputational risk. Through UKAS accreditation, MSS Global ensures that companies adhere to internationally recognised standards, providing assurance of ethical governance and operational confidence. In turn, this promotes ethical practices and protects human rights, including in complex, fragile and challenging environments.

    Background

    In an ever-changing and complex world, the need for impartial assurance that companies are acting ethically has become paramount. MSS Global, an internationally recognised certification body, provides rigorous impartial assurance to the clients of their clients and broader stakeholders that PSCs and supply chains have ethical governance arrangements in place that are followed on the ground. This includes those operating in some of the most challenging environments around the world. With a focus on human rights due diligence and responsible provision of services, and certification to standards such as ISO 18788, ANSI/ASIS PSC-1, and ICoCA certified membership, MSS Global has positioned itself as an international leader in the ethical assurance industry.

    Operating in high-risk environments, especially countries with instability due to conflict or humanitarian disasters, PSCs are often the ‘enablers’ to post-conflict recovery and humanitarian relief. Commercial organisations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governments alike need the security provided by PSCs to be able to operate safely in such challenging environments. The PSC also often presents the public face of the organisation it is working for as it is the PSC that routinely interacts with – and often employs – the local community.

    The need for security in high-risk environments came to the fore after the 2003 Iraq war, and has increased significantly since then due to the number of countries where the regional and international communities seek to encourage stability and effective governance. The rapid growth in the PSC industry in response to commercial need was not, however, initially matched by regulatory oversight. This resulted in tragic incidents, negatively impacting the reputation of both the PSCs and their clients (governments and commercial). Recognising the need to address these issues, multi-stakeholder initiatives have been established to develop responsible business, human rights-based standards and support voluntary regulation of the private security sector and its supply chain.

    Strategy

    ISO 18788 is a Security Operations Management System standard that provides an internationally established framework for the responsible management of security operations within a context that respects human rights, including in complex and high-risk environments. It ‘internationalises’ many of the requirements first laid out in the ANSI/ASIS PSC-1 (a US government sponsored standard).

    MSS Global, as an accredited certification body, certifies PSCs and their clients to ISO 18788 and PSC-1, ensuring that respect for human rights is enshrined within their business practices. The certification draws from international guidelines, such as the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Sustainable Development Goals, the Montreux Document on Private Military and Security Companies, and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers. The standard requires that the PSC also apply many of the requirements to its own supply chain – they cannot abdicate responsibility by ‘out-sourcing’.

    In addition to ISO 18788, MSS Global also certifies logistics and manufacturing companies to ISO 28000 for supply chain security management. This can be supplemented with the guidance standard, ISO 28007-1, for companies providing armed security personnel on board commercial shipping (Private Maritime Security Companies). ISO 28007-1, like ISO 18788, encapsulates human rights risk management expectations.

    UKAS ran two pilots in 2011-2013, one maritime and one land-based, to develop and refine the accreditation process for ISO 18788/PSC-1, and ISO 28000/28007-1. MSS Global is the only certification body accredited to support both of these diverse and challenging sectors.

    Results and impact

    The accreditation and certification process involves rigorous audits conducted by security and human rights technical experts or auditors with specific competence in human rights. It requires auditors with intellectual agility and an understanding of the challenging situations and dilemmas that PSCs and their clients can face – be that in high threat countries, emerging economies, or more benign environments. This comprehensive approach ensures that those certified comply with internationally recognised best practices and uphold human rights standards.

    Despite its flexibility of application, demonstrating conformance to ISO 18788 provides significant challenges, not least that of developing and embedding the systems, processes and cultural norms on the ground. Policies must be demonstrably implemented to manage the risks of working in complex environments, understanding the potential human rights impacts of PSC activities, and dealing quickly with the problems that arise when things fall outside of this system, in spite of its robustness.

    Demonstrable implementation means that the ongoing external audits against the requirement of the ISO standard take place not just at the company’s head office, but also across the project locations where services are physically provided to PSC clients. The rigour of audit verifies the degree of embedded behavioural norms right out to the locations where potentially impacted communities, and those providing the guarding services (normally low paid local workers), are at a greater risk of human rights abuse.

    Accredited certification to ISO 18788 and PSC-1 provides numerous benefits for both PSCs and their clients. For PSCs, accredited certification demonstrates their commitment to ethical governance practices, security risk management, and the respect for human rights. It enhances their reputation and credibility, allowing them to stand out in a competitive market. Clients of certified PSCs gain confidence in the operational practices and reputational assurance of the security services they receive.

    UKAS accreditation further validates MSS Global’s competence and impartiality as a certification body. UKAS accreditation includes assessors accompanying the CB into some of these most demanding environments to conduct witnessed assessments. This commitment to assurance helps ensure that MSS Global continues to exemplify the highest standards of assessment and certification, providing confidence to PSCs and their clients.

    To support its customers in understanding and implementing internationally recognised best practices, MSS Global has developed a range of tools and resources. These include human rights due diligence and anti-bribery toolkits that help ensure the management of security services adds value and addresses potential risks for both the PSCs and their clients.

    Contact

    communications@ukas.com


    Read more...

  • Recent Case Study

    Effects of Product Certification on Importer Trade across Borders: The Case Study of the Philippines

     

    Summary

    Product certification has been important, especially in developing countries to protect their consumers by providing quality and safe products and to protect the country from an import surge of products that may cause serious injury to local producers (Esteban, 2020).
    The study showed that time and cost during importation of electrical and electronics products have an effect on importations and number of firms or importers. However, the number of documents for import compliance does not show a significant correlation to the importations nor firms.
    The study also showed that a flexible technical regulation for importers could be beneficial because of the varied effects on imported electrical products and their importers, due to the dynamic characteristics of different industries, and complexity of the certification system.
    This study is limited to the effects of certification on importers by analysing around 44,081 data entries of the import commodity clearance (ICC) applications in the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), which are then reduced to 3,598 data entries of firms (one data entry is one firm per year) over a period of almost ten years (2009 to 2018). An estimated 497 individual firms importing within the period were analysed, and the results of this study on the correlation of number of firms per year and selected trade across borders (TAB) factors will add to the pool of studies.

     

    Background

    In this research (Esteban, 2020), product certification is vital in ensuring the quality and safety of a product, which is recognised by most countries during trade (Fentisov 2007). Researchers have identified a wide range of benefits of certification such as enhanced production efficiency, product quality and reliability, minimised wastage, innovative efficiency, innovation diffusion, reduction of imperfect information, enhanced safety and health, increased market share, increased export, and enhanced global competitiveness of a country and decreased environmental impact (Blind et al. 2015; Guasch et al. 2007; Jang et al. 2014; Latouche and Chevassus-Lozza 2015; McLaughlin 1993; Stevens et. al. 1998; Sun and Ouyang 2014; and Ding 2019). The effects of certification have varying degrees of complexity.

    Regardless of the benefits of certification, some studies have shown the constraints brought about by certification affecting innovation, competition and slowing down of creating standards due to the rapid development of technology (Guasch et al. 2007; Loll 1994; and McLaughlin 1993). It can be concurred that sometimes the variations in technical regulations and standards among countries may create technical barriers to trade. There are about 130 countries preparing different national standards which have spawned challenges in international trade (UNIDO n.d.). The varied and complex regulations causing technical trade barriers might lead to market failure or trade disputes among nations (World Trade Organization [WTO] 2019a).

    In the past few decades, the manufacturers’ share in the global market has been increasing along with the growth of global trade (Guasch et al. 2007) which makes product quality and safety a critical determinant of success in the import or export of products in other countries. The competitiveness of a product entering a new country can be enhanced through certification. However, in some markets, below quality products are competing at a lower price where consumer safety is being compromised. In a developing country, which is vulnerable to entry of goods below quality standards, regular enforcement activity is very important. In the Philippines, for example, a volume of uncertified products has been confiscated in the market.

    The deliberate presence of the uncertified products in the market may indicate weak regulatory practices in the trade borders of the country wherein many factors have to be taken into consideration. In most cases, it is necessary that the quality of the product is evaluated to avoid intrusion of substandard products in the market, which could pose risks to health and safety. Aside from trade and consumer protection, technical regulations safeguard the domestic industry from import surges in developing countries, where competitors may take advantage of less aware consumers and cause serious injury to the domestic industry.

    The free trade of quality goods can be assured through the standardisation system and harmonisation of trade laws and technical regulations. The importance of harmonisation of regulations among countries has been evident in some studies (Christen 1991). In the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), harmonisation of technical regulations is one of the many contributors to the economic integration of ASEAN.

    The study focuses on the importation of electrical and electronics products, under HS code 84 and 85, requiring product certification, relative to the growing imports of this commodity in ASEAN. Its contribution to the limited literature is linked to product certification, ASEAN, and the electrical and electronic products manufacturing industry.

    The Philippines campaign against uncertified products. “DTI Cracks Down 3M Worth of Uncertified Products in CAR” and “DTI Cracks Down 17M Worth of Uncertified Products in NCR and Luzon.” DTI published reports on online media (www.bps.dti.gov.ph) on May 8, 2019 and Oct 1, 2019 respectively (DTI 2019) regarding the intensive efforts to eradicate the presence of uncertified products in the market.

    The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was established in 2015 and considered as one of the milestones of ASEAN in the regional economic integration agenda. The AEC Blueprint 2025 aims to achieve its ASEAN Community Vision 2025 through strategic measures which can be referred to on www.asean.org (ASEAN 2019).

    Previous studies support that for developing countries, where there are protectionist regulations involving product certification, it is not easy to do business with an easy application system in terms of time, cost and number of document requirements (Berliner and Prakash 2014; Rodriguez-Arnaldo and Martinez-Lorente 2014; World Bank 2019).

     

    Strategy

    The research analysed the effects of product certification on the performance of importers of electrical and electronics products of group E (HS codes 84 and 85) in the Philippines, and related it to trade across borders, using the Ease of Doing Business Index (EODB) of the World Bank (Esteban, 2020).

    The primary and secondary data of importations sourced from the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Statistics Authority, World Bank, and ASEAN are analysed. Using time series, correlation and regression analyses, the significance and relationship of importing firms who went through product certification have been examined. The relationship of related factors of the trading across borders of EODB to the percentage share of the import commodity clearance (ICC), and the percentage share of importers (with the ICC) are the focus of the study.

    About 44,081 data entries of the import commodity clearance (ICC) applications of 497 group E firms applying for Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) in the Philippines for the period 2009 to 2018 have been evaluated and analysed using a mixed approach.
    The secondary data was further analysed due to a limited response from the primary data source.

     

    Results and impact

    This paper (Esteban, 2020) has explored the varied effects of product certification on the performance of the electrical and electronics products. Also (group E) importers in the Philippines show varied results with relation to time, cost and number of documents to import in the trade across borders of the Ease of Doing Business Index (EODB) of the World Bank. The primary and secondary data of importations sourced from the Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Statistics Authority, World Bank, and ASEAN were schematically linked to support the aim of this paper.

    This study was able to provide evidence that for group E products applying for import commodity clearance, the cost of importation positively affects the percentage of imported products (Ni ) and the percentage of firms (Nf ) or importers in the short term period (6 years), while insignificant in the longer term. Also affecting the percent Nf is the time to import as can be seen in the 10-year period. However, as the TAB score is reduced, the percent Ni is increased. But the number of documents for compliance to import does not show significance to importers. Other observations were found insignificant.

    Previous studies have shown that for developing countries, where there are protectionist regulations involving product certification, it is not easy to do business with an easy application system in terms of time, cost and number of document requirements (Berliner and Prakash 2014; Rodriguez-Arnaldo and Martinez-Lorente 2014; World Bank 2019). A flexible technical regulation for importers could be beneficial due to varied effects to products and imports.

    This research led to multiple recommendations, consolidated to further conduct or expand studies on the following:

    1. The effects of increases in number of certification bodies versus the import or export performance and compared with other developing countries;
    2. The impact of the promotion of product certification on business performance;
    3. Although automotive and construction products follow some similar trend in imports with ICC, further study is recommended for the effects of certification relative to importers from different
      product groups using EODB variables;
    4. The effects of having a system and product audit (type 5) certification versus batch certification (type 1b) and comparison among developing countries if having other certification system types;
    5. A comparative analysis of the product certification and development of standards in each country, wherein the national quality infrastructure of each country could differ and can affect
      product certification; and
    6. Other underlying factors such as technological advancement in electrical and electronics products and other products requiring product certification in a developing country. It can also be considered that the level of technical training in the system of certification can have an impact on the quality of service the certification bodies provide. These factors can possibly affect certification.

    If such increasing trends in trade are observed, the readiness of the national quality infrastructure in catering the need for certification during import or export is important. As certification is not a vocational course available and known to many, rather it could imply that it is a career promoting voluntary skill which requires more experience than knowledge.

    The human resources required should also be given importance, and these resources could be considered as vulnerable to volatile competition. The technical workforce in the country could be at risk of brain drain of the country in the future. The product certification industry could also promote employment and open business opportunities. The continuous development of the system through the advancement of technology could also take time for importers to absorb the complexity of the certification system.

    However, having a variety of options for importers seeking certification has shown promising observations that certification can promote indirect incentives to importers. For them, it is essential that they are kept updated and well informed of the changes in certification system.

    This study has shown its contribution to literature by analysing the effects of certification to importers performance using some of the trading across borders variables of the Ease of Doing
    Business Index.

     

    Contact

    Michelle P. Esteban
    Philippine Accreditation Bureau
    Department of Trade and Industry
    pab@dti.gov.ph

    Original thesis is published by Kyung Hee University, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Industry and Trade Policy of the author.

    Journal citations also available:
    https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/ci/sereArticleSearch/ciSereArtiView.kci?sereArticleSearchBean.artiId=ART002704183

    http://www.kpa1985.or.kr/html/sub3_01.html?pageNm=article&journal=1&code=392649&issue=29591&Page=1&year=2021&searchType=&searchValue=


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  • Recent Case Study

    Improving the quality of water through accreditation of QC and testing water SWA laboratories

     

    Summary

    Water sustainability is of utmost importance to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) is a Saudi Government Corporation responsible for producing desalinated seawater and supplying various regions in the Kingdom with desalinated water. More than 16 testing and Quality Control (QC) water testing laboratories are accredited by SAAC, providing confidence through accredited testing reports in the quality of water for drinking, day-to-day use and also agriculture irrigation.

    Background

    Water conservation has captured Saudi Arabia’s interest for decades. The SWA was established as an independent government entity in 1974. The organisation has locations throughout Saudi Arabia. In addition to effectively investing in and motivating human resources, its mission is to develop the desalination industry, meet customer needs for desalinated water more effectively and reliably at the lowest possible cost and the highest economic return, while also adhering to safety and environmental standards and promoting economic and social development.

    Strategy

    16 of the SWA’s water testing laboratories were accredited in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 after the organisation launched a comprehensive program to accredit testing and QC testing laboratories with SAAC’s support. Additionally, SAAC has accredited two of the organisation’s subcontracted water testing laboratories in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025. By obtaining SAAC accreditation, the SWA hopes to instil trust in the dependability and competence of its desalination process for seawater and other salty water sources.

    Results and impact

    SAAC accredited 16 testing water laboratories; personnel from these laboratories are more knowledgeable about good laboratory practices such as participation in proficiency testing/inter-laboratory comparisons (PT/ILC) laboratory programs, sampling methods, traceability of testing equipment to the metrology international chain, and the use of reference materials.

    Contact

    GM of Quality , Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammad Alaskar
    a.askar@saac.gov.sa

     


    Read more...

  • Latest research

    The Effect of Mutual Recognition Arrangements on Agricultural Exports of the Philippines: The Role of Laboratory Accreditation

    Summary
    This study focuses on accrediting agricultural laboratories and examines how mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs) affect trade facilitation in the Philippines. It assesses how accredited laboratory factors affect bilateral trade flows, using a modified gravity model and panel data estimations. The results show that by supporting accredited laboratory services, and highlighting their importance in upholding international standards for product safety and quality, MRA recognition encourages the export of agricultural products. Amid current global agricultural trade policies that prioritize sustainable development, the study emphasizes the importance of understanding provisions to maximize trade agreements. In summary, the study provides significant perspectives on trade behaviour patterns through the examination of significant trade-related obstacles, enhancing our understanding of complex dynamics in international trade.

    Background
    Global trade growth, driven by the World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments, faces challenges from non-tariff measures (NTMs), particularly in the agricultural sector. Developing countries, including the Philippines, struggle with NTMs, hindering exports and market access due to limited accredited testing laboratories.
    Philippine agriculture faces challenges in international markets due to weak infrastructure and protection measures imposed by importing countries. NTMs disproportionately affect Philippine agricultural products, leading to decreased export growth. Accredited laboratories play a crucial role in trade facilitation, by ensuring product quality and meeting standard requirements. The Philippines, with limitations in accredited testing laboratories, experiences obstacles in international trade, impacting the agriculture sector’s contribution to the economy.

    Hence, this study aims to provide empirical evidence on NTMs’ economic effects and contribute to a national framework for enhancing trade facilitation in the Philippine agriculture sector.

    Strategy
    This study employed a modified gravity model to assess the export push-effect of MRAs facilitated by ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation of laboratory quality standards covering agricultural commodities. Different estimation techniques were applied to ensure the overall robustness of the main findings. The study used log-linear and nonlinear models to test the hypothesis. The model was fully estimated with identified specifications, and the sub-models were created, determined by the best-fitting regression model. The data covered the years 2015-2019, focusing on the total agricultural products in the Philippines according to 2-HS Commodity Classifications.

    Results and impact
    Empirical evidence indicates a positive relationship between ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and ILAC-MRA membership, benefiting international trade, with a minimal impact on the agricultural sector. Efforts to maintain accreditation gradually decline as the country’s infrastructure development quality influences perceptions of unrecognized benefits. However, accreditation effectively addresses the technical requirements set by the importing countries, eliminating the need for additional testing of Philippine agricultural products once market players are accredited. This serves as a policy tool to remove technical barriers to trade and facilitates local producers in accessing the global market. The study emphasizes how accreditation helps close technical gaps, establishing a high reputation for Philippine agricultural products and promoting confidence in international trade.

    View the full research study here: PAB Research paper for case study


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  • Recent Case Study

    Establishing the Central Role of Conformity Assessment in Digital Supply Chains

    Summary

    As incentives increase for organisations to demonstrate the validity of claims regarding environmental/social/governance (ESG) attributes for products/services, so too will the incentives increase for falsifying such attributes.

    Based on initial work undertaken during 2021-22 by the Australian accreditation body, NATA, an international work program commenced mid-2022 under the auspices of the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). This UN/CEFACT activity involves development of an electronic protocol – the Digital Product Conformity Certificate Exchange (DPCCE) protocol – which is designed to deliver digitally verifiable assurances over conformity attestations.

    A general data structure has been created for the data elements and linkages that can enhance confidence and utility in the attestations issued by conformity assessment bodies (CABs). Specifically, the presence or absence of data elements exposed during discovery of a conformity attestation provides insights, such as verifiable connection to the physical product of interest as well as revealing the status of an issued attestation and the authority under which it was issued (typically an accreditation authority). The protocol is seen as complementary to numerous other digitalisation initiatives within the conformity and accreditation sectors.

    The concept does not replace any of the existing governance structures within the conformity assessment community but simply proposes a means for adapting these to a digital context. The described approach recognises the role of CABs as the valid custodians of the data they produce and their authority over any revisions to such data. At the same time, the obligation of CABs to respect and implement the confidentiality requirements of their customers remains central to the work.

    The described approach does not preclude other concurrent processes for conformity data exchange, so the adoption of this model by individual parties may occur on any timeframe without disrupting existing trade provisions. Also, since the provision of conformity assessment data is a relatively self-contained aspect of trade, it is intended that the approach could be adopted as a modular component of any comprehensive digital trade process.

    This work is expected to be delivered for Public Review in Q1 2024 and represents an opportunity for the conformity community to consider the merits of a future digital trade environment in which conformity assessment plays a central role.

    Background

    Conformity assessment processes are a key mechanism for providing global product assurance, however, conformity attestations that result from conformity assessment processes are still largely paper-based, or in electronic formats which do not cater for easy data processing due to the lack of agreements on commonly used data elements and definitions. This has implications for both product quality and safety and is a longstanding problem.

    However, the emergence of regulatory drivers in the ESG space brings new urgency to the matter. As incentives increase for organisations to demonstrate the validity of claims regarding ESG attributes for their products and services, so too will incentives increase to falsify such attributes. Addressing this problem is central to many government and private sector initiatives, including those aimed at delivering objectives aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 12 and 13.

    As an important caveat to the DPCCE protocol, in cases where legislative processes exist for establishing product conformity within a jurisdiction (such as CE Marking, to take one example), this work only seeks to describe the exchange of CAB outputs up until the point in the value chain at which a regulator, or other authority, takes control of product conformity. Any further exchange of CAB outputs beyond that point would occur in a manner defined by the legislator. Outside of the defined jurisdiction, the DPCCE protocol may still have relevance for the purpose of export (that is, to address overseas market requirements). Also, even within the jurisdiction, products may still be subject to voluntary conformity assessment processes that relate to product attributes not covered by legislative approvals and so there may remain some relevance for the DPCCE protocol, for example, to ESG-related conformity assessment for products subject to CE Mark approval.

    The ideas being developed by the DPCCE team have found fertile ground in related United Nations initiatives, most notably the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Recommendation #49 – Transparency at Scale1. This initiative is an ambitious project aiming to provide an end-to-end supply chain traceability protocol and it draws heavily on the ideas being developed by the DPCCE project.

    Strategy

    The strategy to date has been to consult as widely as possible and to welcome all relevant expertise. Prior to the establishment of the UN/CEFACT DPCCE project, a global discussion paper was circulated and a public forum hosted to present and explore the key ideas.

    The initial phase of the DPCCE activity, commencing in mid-2022, comprised development of a White Paper2, mapping out a potential pathway for handling trade-related conformity data in a digital setting. Following a Public Review period for this White Paper in Q1 2023, the paper proceeded to publication in August 2023.

    Phase 2 of the project (‘Business Requirements Specification’) launched in October 2023 and the initial results of this work are expected to be presented for Public Review during Q1 2024. It is hoped this will generate constructive international discussion among key quality infrastructure institutions, relevant representative bodies and the wider conformity assessment community regarding the merits of such an approach.

    Such international engagement is important in helping to define and shape the role of conformity assessment in a future digital trading environment.

    Results and impact

    The DPCCE activity is proving valuable in bringing attention to the importance of conformity assessment and accreditation in global trade. It is also making clear the need to properly account for conformity assessment as international organisations set about establishing uniform processes for the digital exchange of trade-related data.

    The UN/CEFACT setting has proven a useful vehicle for exchange and debate regarding the future of trade-related conformity data. Entities such as IAF, ILAC, ISO/CASCO, individual CABs, national accreditation bodies (ABs) and specific digitalisation initiatives such as the global Digital Calibration Certificate collaboration and the Digital Certificate of Conformity project at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (Germany) are all involved in the discussions in some manner. The UN/CEFACT project team is hopeful that 2024 may prove a significant milestone in the adoption of interoperable exchange protocols for conformity data, ensuring that CABs and ABs continue to fulfil their important role as ‘anchors of trust’, as the world transitions to a digital trading environment.

    Expressed in terms of UN SDGs, the project impacts are seen as follows:

    • UN SDG 9 This work is intended to help to “build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation” (SDG9) by providing a blueprint for a key element of “quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure” (Target 9.1) that also provides buyers, sellers, consumers and regulators with “affordable and equitable access” (Target 9.1) while assisting with “their integration into value chains and markets” (Target 9.3).
    • UN SDG 12 This work is intended to help “ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns” (SDG12) by more clearly establishing the basis of any claims made regarding sustainable production and then providing a mechanism for this information to be reliably accessed by responsible consumers. By improving the visibility and reliability of sustainability information, this will incentivise companies to “reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse” (Target 12.5) and to “encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle” (Target 12.6).
    • UN SDG 13 This work is intended to assist in the delivery of “urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts” (SDG 13) by ensuring that sustainability initiatives can be built on reliable processes for sustainability assessment. Such transparency regarding sustainability claims will help improve “human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction” (Target 13.3).

    Contact:
    Brett Hyland, Project Lead at UN/CEFACT
    Email Brett.Hyland@nata.com.au


    Read more...

  • Recent Case Study

    Accreditation supporting the Ivorian Government’s project for the employability of young people based on Industry 4.0

    Summary

    The “Employment 4Youth – Industry 4.0 to promote youth employment in Côte d’Ivoire” program was launched on November 11, 2022, in Abidjan.

    This project aims to offer new employment opportunities to young Ivorians by taking advantage of Industry 4.0. It is financed by the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ).

    In the implementation of this project, the capacity building component is essential. As such, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), which provides technical support to Côte d’Ivoire for its implementation, carried out a consultation of stakeholders, including the West African System of Accreditation (SOAC WAAS), the multi-economy accreditation body in West Africa covering Côte d’Ivoire. The objective of consulting SOAC WAAS was to identify how to ensure the quality of training, with credible exams to confirm the skills acquired by learners. ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons accreditation was presented. SOAC recently began offering accreditation to ISO/IEC 17024, which is a main scope of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). It is internationally recognized and provides a global standard for assessing and certifying the competence of individuals in their respective fields.

    Background

    The main objective of this project is to help Côte d’Ivoire increase youth employment and improve working conditions, by structuring and consolidating a digital economy ecosystem and particularly that of Industry 4.0. This objective will contribute, in targeted sectors, to preparing the ground for a structural transformation of the Ivorian economy, leading to the creation of sustainable jobs.

    This will include supporting:

    • The development of a training capacity dedicated to 4.0 knowledge in professional centres, universities, and business schools.
    • The establishment and strengthening of institutions and 4.0 centres for sharing training, knowledge, experience and activities (multi-country intervention).

    It is implemented, in Côte d’Ivoire, by the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, with technical assistance from UNIDO.

    Strategy

    In its policy to support the success of this program, SOAC WAAS presented the advantages of ISO/IEC 17024 accreditation, to make qualifying professional training credible. One of the prerequisites will be the development of a training and examination course on Industry 4.0 by the specialized structures of the Ivorian Government, with the support of UNIDO. Around the world, organizations offer qualification exams as a certification. However, only accredited certification bodies under ISO/IEC 17024 standards are assessing and certifying the competence of individuals in a respective field based on a credible scheme. SOAC is ready to be part of this change and ensure the sustainability of the results of this program in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Results and impact

    By associating SOAC with the project, the following results and impacts could be achieved:

    • An ISO/IEC 17024 / Industry 4.0 accreditation program available in Côte d’Ivoire.
    • Pilot certification bodies accredited according to the ISO/IEC 17024 / Industry 4.0 standard.
    • Young Ivorians with quality training guaranteed by the SOAC accreditation of the certifiers involved.
    • Ultimately, a program with global potential if SOAC extends its scope by signing the IAF MLA for ISO/IEC 17024


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  • Recent Case Study

    Accreditation: Unlocking the Potential of Cassava to Promote Economic Development and Fight Hunger and Poverty

    Summary

    The Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) collaborated with the Pan African Quality Infrastructure (PAQI) and the African Union to host the first African Cassava Conference in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference provided an opportunity for Africa to explore the potential of the cassava value chain in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by contributing to the global fight against hunger (SDG 2), the fight against poverty (SDG 1), and industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9). An interesting outcome of the conference was the demonstration of the use of technology to make cassava farming more interesting, and reduce the stress associated with planting, harvesting, marketing, and exporting of cassava, thereby contributing to SDG 8: decent work and economic growth. The role of accreditation in driving the cassava value chain and increasing market access and competitiveness through product certification (ISO/IEC 17065), laboratory testing (ISO/IEC 17025 for quality assurance), quality management system certification (ISO/IEC 17021-1), and inspection (ISO/IEC 17020) was elucidated during the conference. New applications of cassava as a source of green energy, and its uses in several manufacturing processes such as tableting (pharmaceutical grade starch) and production of biopolymers, were discussed.

    The National Quality Council (NQC) of Nigeria, the apex quality infrastructure (QI) coordinating office, and key stakeholders in the cassava value chain from Africa (encompassing both public and private sector actors, researchers, farmers, development organizations, quality infrastructure institutions, and investors), came together to share experiences, discuss, and strategize on the full exploitation of cassava-based products, ensuring that standards and quality requirements are addressed through accredited conformity assessment services.

    The goal of the conference was to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders, to:

    • strengthen the cassava value chain,
    • promote its economic benefits,
    • enhance food and nutrition security in Africa, and
    • expand exports by ensuring that standards and quality requirements are successfully implemented in cassava production.

    Specific sessions were devoted to the crucial role of accredited conformity assessment services; information on the International Accreditation Forum Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (IAF MLA) and African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AFRAC MRA) was shared. The stakeholders were shown how to access accredited quality management system certification (ISO/IEC 17021-1), product certification (ISO/IEC 17065), certification of persons (ISO/IEC 17024), inspection (ISO/IEC 17020), and testing (ISO/IEC 17025) services, to engender confidence and trust, which will facilitate trade in the cassava value chain.

    Background

    Cassava is a starchy root crop that is native to South America, but has been cultivated in Africa for centuries. It is an important staple food in many African countries, providing a significant source of carbohydrates and nutrients for millions of people. Cassava was introduced to Africa by Portuguese traders during the 16th century. It quickly adapted to the African climate and became widely cultivated across the continent. The crop thrived in various ecological zones and played a crucial role in food security, particularly during times of drought and famine. Cassava “Manihot Esculenta” is a perennial crop present in most of Sub-Saharan Africa, that has gradually transitioned from a food security crop to a cash crop because of the recent demand for it globally. Cassava is cultivated as food, animal feed, and as an industrial raw material.

    Nigeria, leading among the four producers of cassava in Africa (followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Angola), contributes between 54% and 61% of the continent’s cassava production. NiNAS has played an important role by ensuring that standards and quality requirements reach the diverse stakeholders involved in the cassava value chain. This unlocks the potential of cassava to provide food nutrition security and become an export product, against the background that before now it was perceived as a staple food.

    To assure food security and spur industrial development, the consideration of cassava as a ‘poverty fighter’ was adopted. Cassava has been an important staple food in many African countries, providing a significant source of carbohydrates and nutrients for millions of people. In addition to that, the conference helped in stimulating Africa’s industrialisation, through stakeholder engagement in developing and assuring quality along the cassava value chain.

    PAQI began the Cassava Research Project in 2020, with funding from PTB Germany. The purpose of the research was to investigate the role of QI in the value chain. AFRAC managed the accreditation-related process, identifying gaps such as unavailability of enough accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs) competent in cassava derivatives testing and product certification. AFRAC designed and provided training to stakeholders on cassava product certification (ISO/IEC 17065) and laboratory testing of the derivatives. These training workshops highlighted the value of accredited conformity assessment in assuring safety of foods, confidence of our trading partners, and protection of our environment.

    The stakeholders learnt how accreditation reduces the need for multiple inspections of goods and services supplied by accredited CABs. Accreditation also facilitates the development of market linkages by building confidence, enhancing competitiveness, and driving the leveraging of opportunities provided by regional economic integration initiatives, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Strategy

    With the realization that cassava has multiple applications for the fight against hunger, particularly in Africa, and its potential application in industry, PAQI embarked on the Cassava Research Project, and used this conference to provide the platform for stakeholders, government, and researchers to gather to find ways forward. Cassava is not only an important staple food for hundreds of millions of people around the world, especially among lower income communities in Africa and Latin America, but an avenue for fostering international trade to sustain nations’ economies, industrialization of agriculture and significantly reduce unemployment.

    Previous strategies included adoption of improved varieties and innovative farming practices, coupled with effective extension services, establishment of small to medium-sized enterprises, and fostering economic empowerment among farmers and processors. Encouraging the adoption of appropriate technology in cassava cultivation and processing in order to improve efficiency, and reduce post-harvest losses, did not yield the desired results. Major contributors to this were the poor implementation of quality assurance measures, including lack of standards enforcement and certification programs. Also, even where certification was used, there was no emphasis on accredited conformity assessment. The outcome of the conference is a better understanding of the role of accreditation in unlocking the potential of cassava to enhance economic development, fight poverty, and fight hunger.

    Results and impact

    The conference stakeholders, including public and private sector actors, researchers, farmers, development organizations and investors, recognised the role of accredited conformity assessment services as crucial to our fight against hunger and poverty, and to Africa’s industrialisation. There was a consensus among the diverse stakeholders involved in the cassava value chain for developing the value chain through application of accreditation, standards, and metrology.

    The goal is to open and strengthen investment opportunities to provide food nutrition security, employment, boost exports, and ensure that standards and quality requirements are addressed.

    Contact:

    Name: NiNAS Communication Team

    Organisation: Nigeria National Accreditation System, NiNAS: PAQI Secretariat and African Union.


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  • Recent Case Study

    Improving Trust in the Construction Field

    Summary

    Accreditation supports the structural construction system through the accreditation of construction testing labs and inspection bodies in the mechanical and construction sectors.
    Accreditation includes a range of examination, inspection and testing activities within the construction field, to provide authoritative assurance that the accreditation requirements are met. It also provides confidence in the technical competence of inspection bodies and testing laboratories to carry out specific tasks.

    Background

    Jordan has limited internal financial capacity to implement construction projects. Hard choices need to be made and critical projects with low costs, high benefits, and low health and safety risks should be targeted. Jordan is largely dependent on external funding sources, so the quality of construction materials, components, activities, and safety measures are always paramount in construction projects. Therefore, the regulatory authoritative bodies address these challenges by requiring accreditation as a prerequisite for entering into government tenders for construction contracting and consulting, and provide evidence on the technical competency of testing labs and inspection bodies.

    Two authoritative bodies regulate tasks in this way:

    • The Jordanian Government Tenders Directorate (GTD). Further information is available at the following link
    • Jordanian National Building Council. Further information is available at the following link

    Strategy

    The Jordan Accreditation and Standardization System – Accreditation Unit (JAS-AU) accredits the following types of conformity assessment bodies in relation to the construction sector:

    • Testing labs according to ISO/IEC 17025 – General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation covers the following areas of construction testing: Soil, Aggregate, Concrete, Building Stone, Steel, Cement Tiles, Bituminous Mixture and Cement.
    • Inspection bodies according to ISO/IEC 17020 – Conformity Assessment — Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection. Accreditation covers the following area of inspection: Lifting equipment including cranes and lifts.

    Results and impact

    The government regulator benefits from ensuring quality and competence in construction projects, which can extend a project’s shelf life, optimize the use of available resources, and reduce errors and re-work. Between 2006 and 2023, the number of accredited laboratories increased from zero to 19 and the number of inspection bodies increased from zero to five.

    Contact:
    Jordanian Accreditation and Standardization System – Accreditation Unit (JAS-AU)


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  • Recent Case Study

    Accreditation of Validation and Verification Supporting Net-zero Policies

    Summary

    To support the net-zero emissions trend in the global economies, Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) is committed to providing accreditation services for validation and verification bodies (VVBs), and is dedicated to its development.
    This case study illustrates the development of accreditation services for VVBs in Chinese Taipei, in line with the implementation of international and domestic policy goals of net-zero transformation and sustainability.

    Background

    In response to environmental concerns caused by global warming and climate change, the Government has announced the “2050 Net-Zero Emissions” policy, as is the common policy trend of governments around the world. The Ministry of Environment also promulgated the “Climate Change Response Act” in 2023 and officially converted the “2050 Net-Zero Emissions” policy into law to achieve the “Net-zero emissions” goal in the legalization of climate governance.

    To support international and domestic policies, TAF actively establishes relevant accreditation services for VVBs to ensure that the results of validation and verification are trustworthy, and to promote international and domestic policies.

    Strategy

    The scope of TAF’s accreditation activities includes accrediting VVBs that provide greenhouse gas-related services, which is applicable to the Climate Change Response Act. This accreditation service adopts international standards such as ISO/IEC 17029, ISO 14065, and ISO 14064-3. Meanwhile, TAF cooperates with the Ministry of Environment to adopt the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism (including validation/verification methods and reduction methodologies, etc.) and continues to promote the global validation/verification method.

    In addition, in response to the revisions of the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and Environmental Technical Manual (ETM) of the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (ICAO CORSIA) in 2023, TAF cooperated with the Civil Aviation Administration to provide transition assessment to the accredited verification bodies, and confirmed that the competency of verification bodies complies with the rules of ICAO.

    Furthermore, in order to broaden accreditation services in global greenhouse gas reduction and removal activities, in 2023 TAF signed an MoU with Verra. Verra owns the Verified Carbon Standard Program, an international voluntary carbon reduction/offset program. In accordance with the memorandum, TAF has been actively building accreditation service capabilities, which will assist domestic enterprises in the future to contribute their reduction and/or removal results – carbon rights – to local and global markets.

    Results and impact

    In accordance with the “Climate Change Response Act”, the Ministry of Environment has required over five hundred companies to conduct and register their emission sources. TAF provides accreditation services for VVBs to help Chinese Taipei’s economy to implement the Act. TAF’s accreditation activities have strengthened the technical project requirements for VVBs and personnel, to ensure the robust quality of statements issued by VVBs. Furthermore, TAF has worked diligently towards meeting domestic validation and verification needs. The number of accredited bodies has increased from seven in 2022 to the current seventeen by January 2024..

    Contact:

    Organization: Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF)
    E-mail: taf@taftw.org.tw


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