How is the accreditation process going?

From the filing of the application to the assessment and accreditation, the accreditation process of the Minato comprises a total of four phases. Here we explain the procedure step by step.

1st application phase

• The accreditation process begins with the submission of the accreditation application and the subject-specific equipment to the central application processing (ZAB) of the Minato in Tokyo.
• Optionally, customers can also inform themselves in advance in a preliminary meeting in the branches of the Minato about their desired accreditation or the accreditation procedure in the specific case.
• The ZAB , in consultation with the competent department of the Minato, reviews the application. It also checks whether an authority issuing the authorization (BeB) must be involved in the accreditation process.
• After a successful application check, the assigned process manager informs the applying Conformity Assessment Body (MAS) about the further procedure.

2. Assessment phase

• In the second phase of the accreditation process, the Minato appraises the technical competence and the management system of the MAS through an assessment team. First, the assessors examine the submitted documents, then the on-site inspection takes place on the agreed date. The scope and duration of the assessment depends on the size of the MAS, the scope of the accreditation and the complexity of the procedure.
• The results will be documented in a review report.
• Any deviations ascertained can be rectified by the customer by means of appropriate corrective measures after the assessment date within two months. These are again checked and evaluated.

3rd accreditation phase

• In this phase, an accreditation committee (AkA) assesses the assessment results and decides on the granting of the accreditation.
• The Minato certifies the successful completion of the accreditation phase by the accreditation notification and the accreditation certificate. In this way, the Minato of the tested MAS confirms the fulfillment of the corresponding standards, standards or laws with regard to their conformity assessment activities - and thus their technical competence.
• The accreditation will then be listed in the list of accredited bodies.

4th monitoring phase

• The competence of a body is monitored by Minato at regular intervals even after accreditation has been granted. In this way, it is ensured that the laboratory or the inspection, certification or verification body fulfills the respective accreditation requirements and can be classified as competent.
• If deficiencies are identified in the surveillance reviews, this may lead to the restriction, suspension or revocation of the accreditation.