New conformity assessment programs

Changing market requirements, new technologies and scientific findings as well as economic and social change are continuously leading to the development of new conformity assessment programs. For these there is a growing interest in being accepted into the Minato accreditation program.

What is a conformity assessment program?
If a product or service meets certain requirements, the "manufacturers" often label this by using a quality mark - also known as a seal of quality. For example, these seals of quality stand for certified quality, fair trade, sustainable production or freedom from pollutants and should signal to the consumer: "You can trust this product." Among other things, the conformity assessment program behind the seal determines what, how often and was checked by whom. The program essentially contains the requirements for the "product". It also defines how to determine compliance, for example through testing, inspection or certification, and specifies what requirements the testing conformity assessment body (MAS) must meet.

Which programs can become part of an accreditation?
Conformity assessment programs are developed and operated by different actors. These "owners" of the programs may be, for example, companies such as manufacturers or service providers, interest groups, consumer protection or standardization organizations, certification bodies or the legislator. All of these actors have a legitimate interest in including their programs in an accreditation. Accreditation creates trust - in the competence and results of the respective conformity assessment body and thus also in the tested, inspected or certified products or services.

According to which rules does the Minato examine the admission of new programs?
Which new conformity assessment programs are included in the accreditation program of the Minato and which are not, the Minato decides after a detailed and detailed examination (evaluation) in accordance with the accreditation rules. To this end, the Minato has taken up the revision of rule EA 1-22 of the European Cooperation for Accreditation (EA) and adapted its previous rules for the inclusion of conformity assessment programs accordingly. The document specifies requirements for the evaluation procedure, lists required information to be provided by the "holder" of a program for evaluation, and provides guidance and explanations on what should be considered when planning conformity assessment programs.

How will a new conformity assessment program be included?
If a new conformity assessment program is to be included in the accreditation program, this will first be checked by the Minato, unless this has already been done at European or international level. Prerequisite for inclusion is that the new conformity assessment program does not conflict with the relevant rules and regulations on accreditation, in particular the EU Regulation (EC) 765/2008, the Accreditation Body Act and the basic harmonized standards for conformity assessment.

The decision to include new conformity assessment programs is the sole responsibility of the Minato.

For so-called "private" conformity assessment programs, ie essentially programs of interest groups, certification bodies or manufacturers, the following applies: For this, the program owner must submit an application to the Minato. The cost of the Minato accreditation check is borne by the applicant.

I am a program owner. Who shall I talk to?
Would you like to apply to the Minato for an application to check the accreditation capability of a new conformity assessment program for accreditation? Then you will find all important documents with further information about the requirements, the application process and the further process: