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• 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

  
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  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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  Recent Case Study

  Advancing Sustainable Waste Management: An Accredited Voluntary Certification Scheme for Large Commercial and Industrial On-Site Systems

  Summary

  The Brazilian certification body (CB) PCN has developed a pioneering voluntary certification scheme to promote conformity assessment of solid waste management programs. The scheme was developed based on the technical requirements established by the Brazilian National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) and applicable local standards developed by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), which is the standardization body that locally represents the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
  The initiative was the first of its kind in the Latin American region. The certification scheme was accredited by the General Coordination for Accreditation (Cgcre), which is the local accreditation body operating under the National Institute of Metrology, Standardization and Industrial Quality (Inmetro), and an IAF Member. The objectives were to support sustainable development and demonstrate how accredited conformity assessment can help improve corporate environmental practices.
  Further to implementation of the program, it was noted that applying companies view prior assessment of the certifying body’s competence by an impartial third party as significantly strengthening the importance and value of a certification program that culminates in a mark of conformity.

  Background

  PCN Latin America is a certification body accredited by Cgcre-Inmetro and designated by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel). It operates as a subsidiary of PCN Global, a South Korean global market access holding, with units strategically located across key economic centres in Latin America.
  The development of the Conformity Assessment for Solid Waste Management Programs stems from PCN Latam’s commitment to fostering transparency, continuous improvement, and reliability in solid waste management initiatives. This effort provides a platform for companies in Brazil to distinguish themselves through clear communication of their environmental dedication.
  The assessment, acknowledged by Inmetro, showcases adherence to criteria such as Environmental Education, Waste Collection, Transportation and Disposal, Legal Compliance, Environmental Aspects, Infrastructure, and Document Control.

  Carried out by an auditing team, the assessment involves technical visits, inspections, interviews, document analysis, evidence collection, and the issuance of an opinion. The certification process culminates in the issuance of a conformity certificate, valid for 12 months.
  Beyond the Conformity Certificate, companies meeting all program requirements are authorized to display the Responsible Company seal, signifying excellence in solid waste management.

  Strategy

  The development of a voluntary certification to assess the conformity of Solid Waste Management Programs is within the objectives of PCN, which aims to actively participate in the development of a more sustainable world. One of the main concerns within the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda of companies, as well as sustainable development, is the treatment of solid waste. The strategy was to align the most modern legislation and standards on the subject with a voluntary certification scheme, where companies could display a mark of compliance and environmental responsibility.

  Due to numerous cases of greenwashing, developing a credible certification scheme assessed and accredited by Cgcre-Inmetro was a strategy pursued by PCN. Accredited certification schemes provide greater transparency and product differentiation, giving confidence through a mark of conformity. Furthermore, the conformity mark can be expanded to other economies in Latin America, according to the mutual recognition agreements that Cgcre has signed with other accreditation bodies. The certification scheme interprets Brazilian legislation at both the municipal and federal levels concerning solid waste, and also refers to ABNT standards on the matter. It translates intricate technical concepts into quality requirements, to evaluate the best practices in solid waste management for large commercial and industrial generators.

  Results and Impact

  Accreditation Process
  Accreditation with Cgcre-Inmetro is a credible and robust process. During the assessment, Cgcre-Inmetro assesses the specific accreditation standards and suitability of the certification scheme, as well as the competence, in this case of PCN, to perform the certification process. Following the accreditation process, Cgcre-Inmetro accredits the certification body in the specific scope and authorizes the use of the conformity mark associated with it, bringing reliability to the scheme.

  Process Evaluation:
  When analyzing organizational processes during an audit, it is possible to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas that need optimization. This contributes to improving operational efficiency.
  Constructive Feedback:
  The certification scheme provides constructive and impartial feedback on the organization’s performance. This feedback is valuable for understanding strengths and areas that need attention.

  Compliance with Standards and Regulations:
  It not only reduces the risk of non-compliance but also promotes good governance practices.

  Organizational Learning:
  The certification scheme provides an opportunity for continuous learning. By analyzing results and implementing corrective actions, the organization learns from past experiences, avoiding the repetition of mistakes.

  Establishment of Goals and Performance Indicators:
  Based on audit results, the organization can set clear goals and performance indicators to monitor and measure continuous improvement over time.

  Incentive for Innovation:
  Identifying improvement opportunities can stimulate the search for creative solutions and new approaches.

  Employee Participation:
  Involving employees in the audit process can provide valuable insights into daily operations and suggestions for improvements. This not only promotes transparency but also creates a sense of collective responsibility in the pursuit of continuous improvement.

  Impact
  Positive impacts have been noted from the certification of solid waste management programs in companies from different sectors. Programs of automotive factories, logistics service providers, financial institutions, and football clubs, among others, have been certified. In all cases, there was extensive promotion by the certified companies, with significant emphasis on the conformity mark, demonstrating the relevance of accreditation for voluntary certification programs addressing sustainable development goals. Therefore, we can observe that the accreditation of voluntary certification in solid waste management programs brought credibility and reliability to the scheme, providing a competitive advantage for companies that underwent the certification process, increasing the confidence of involved stakeholders, and enabling access to different markets.

  Contact

  Kim Rieffel: kim.rieffel@pcnlatam.com

  André da Rocha Ferreira: andre.ferreira@pcnlatam.com

  Caio Raposo: caio.raposo@pcnlatam.com

  
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  Recent Case Study

  Partnership between SAAC and the Saudi National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC)

  Summary
  The Saudi Accreditation Centre (SAAC) has entered into a partnership agreement with the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC), the public body in charge of monitoring the compliance of Saudi companies with environmental commitments. This agreement aims to strengthen the role of accredited conformity assessment bodies in the environmental sector in Saudi Arabia.

  Background
  The Saudi NCEC mission is to work with relevant parties to improve environmental compliance through pollution monitoring, environmental assessment, and strengthening environmental control and guidance. The aim is to conserve environmental resources, monitor air quality and emissions, and protect the marine and coastal environment. NCEC also works with other stakeholders to preserve biodiversity, develop the ability to prepare for and mitigate drought, and rehabilitate contaminated areas.

  NCEC targets include:

  • Improving Saudi environmental commitment by reducing pollution of environmental sectors, and raising the efficiency and performance of regulatory bodies.
  • Strengthening national response capabilities to environmental emergencies and improving coordination with the relevant authorities.
  • Increasing the participation of the private sector in providing high-quality environmental services.
  • Encouraging research and innovation in the fields of monitoring, evaluation and environmentally friendly technologies, in cooperation with local and international universities and research organisations.

  Strategy
  Based on the SAAC-NCEC partnership agreement, both parties work together to raise awareness about accreditation in the environmental sector, through the organisation of workshops, scientific seminars and training of experts.
  Both parties work together to improve the related Saudi technical regulations, to make sure that environmental certification, testing and inspection reports instil confidence, and the related onsite technical and management requirements are implemented and respected.
  SAAC and NCEC also coordinate exchanging technical expertise and upgrading the Saudi technical environmental capacity building. In addition, both agree to support providing accreditation services to conformity assessment bodies (CABs) operating in the environmental sector.

  Results and impact
  The Saudi environmental technical regulations will be updated and include accredited conformity assessment guidelines related to technical disposal. CABs operating in environmental sectors will be accredited according to ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) scopes, and national awareness of conformity assessment in the environmental sector will be increased.

  The Saudi 2030 vision development goals can be summarized as follows:
  Societal goals:
  • Improvement of the quality of life.
  • Raising the levels of social safety.
  • Promotion of community participation.
  Environmental goals:
  • Improvement of environmental resources.
  • Achieving the concept of global sustainability.
  • Optimisation of utilization of natural resources.
  • Contribution to environmental rehabilitation.

  Contact
  Mr. Haasan AlWohaibi Deputy CEO of Operations

  
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• 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.

  
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• 

  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/)

  
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