COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The following are some of the common questions posed by enquirers contacting IABSI for assistance.
I would like to obtain a certification for a particular management system standard (e.g. ISO 9001, ISO 14001, or ISO 22000). How do I go about this?
These types of management system standards are certification standards, and so you will need to seek the services of a Certification Body.
IABSI is an accreditation body, and so we assess and accredit Certification Bodies for a defined scope of accreditation (relating to specific industry sectors) so that they may then certify organizations to the various management system standards. You need a certification body in your country that can service your organization.
I would like to certify my product to comply with an EU, how do I do this?
Certification Bodies provide certification services. IABSI does not provide this service. If you know the standard that you are seeking certification for, then we suggest that you find a certificate body in your country. Certificated bodies will be able to assist you in providing that certification.
If you don’t know the acronym or number of the standard you want certification to, visit SAI Global’s InfoStore or contact your national standards writing body.
I would like to know what EU Standard my product should be certified to?
IABSI is not the definitive source of this information as we do not have technical expertise across all types of products that may be sold within the EU. Usually, the customer for your product will tell you what certifications they require. As an example, producers supplying food products to retailers in the EU will be informed that in order to supply these products they need to meet either the retailer’s standard (such as the Woolworths standard) or another internationally recognized food safety standard such as British Retail Consortium Global Food Standard. So ask your customer first. There may also be regulations relating to your product that require particular certifications.
Which accredited certification is recognized in any other country?
If the certificate is issued under the accredited body’s scope of accreditation then the certificate should be recognized in those countries whose national accreditation bodies are signatory to the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) and National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies (NACCB) Multilateral mutual recognition arrangement.
Can I complain to IABSI about an Accredited Body if I don’t believe that they’ve done a good enough job?
Yes, you are able to complain about a certification body. But you must first complain to the Certification Body themselves and give them an opportunity to address your concerns directly with them. If however, you’re unhappy with the way in which your complaint is dealt with, you can complain to IABSI. You can do this by submitting the form.
I have designed a new product and would like to have it tested, what do I need to do?
R6 Once you have determined the type of testing required for your product you will need to find an accredited laboratory to undertake those tests.
I want to get training in a system such as QMS (ISO 9001), EMS (ISO 14001), OHS (OHSAS 18001), FSMS (ISO 22000). Where can I obtain a list of trainers?
IABSI does not provide training in these areas. An internet search in which you specify the type of training, the standard, and preferred location should produce a list of training organizations.