Accreditation 1

Purpose of the Module - To create knowledge and understanding on accreditation system - To build capacity of National Governments/ focal points in countries to develop the Accreditation System in particular on GAP Certification 2

Outcome of the Module Participants will understand: - What is the accreditation system and the benefit thereof - How important certification body to be recognized its competence through accreditation scheme - How to become Product Certification Body 3

Overview of the Module - The benefits of Accreditation towards government, Consumer, Industry and Accredited members - The components of accreditation scheme - Accreditation Process - Criteria and Conditions for Accreditation on GAP Scope of Certification 4

What Is Accreditation ISO’s formal definition of accreditation is “third party attestation related to a conformity assessment body conveying formal demonstration of its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment tasks.” In everyday language the terms accreditation and certification are often used interchangeably. In the conformity assessment industry however, these terms have very different and specific meanings. 5

The Benefits of Accreditation Government Accreditation is the preferred mechanism for ensuring public confidence in the reliability of activities that impact on health, welfare, security and the environment Consumer Accreditation gives consumers confidence through ensuring consistently high standards in the quality and safety of products or services purchased. 6

Industry Accreditation is an essential tool for decision making and risk management. Organizations can save time and money by selecting an accredited (and therefore competent) supplier. Accredited Members Accreditation is objective proof that organizations have the competence to comply with best practice. It is the internationally recognized system that is used to develop and sustain high standards of performance 7

Accreditation Schemes 1. Accreditation of Certification Bodies The National Accreditation Board accredits certification bodies operating management systems, product and personnel certification. 8

ISO/IEC Standards Associated with Accreditation ISO Guide 65Certification Product - General guidelines for bodies operating product certification systems ISO Management Systems - Conformity Assessment - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems ISO Testing and Calibration - General Requirements for the competence of Testing and calibration laboratories 9

2. Product Certification In the area of product certification, National AB accredits certification bodies who certify the quality of a product. The word “product” is used in its widest sense, and includes processes and services. 10

3. How to become an Accredited Product Certification Body? -A product certification body must be able to demonstrate its competence to assess and certify the products presented to it. -the certification body must comply with ISO/IEC Guide 65 -ISO/IEC Guide 65 has a number of requirements for organizational structure, quality management system elements, competence of personnel, confidentiality, etc 11

4. The Accreditation Process Enquiry Stage Before applying for accreditation, applicant will need a copy of the relevant standard in order to prepare application. Application Stage Applicant will need to send required documents to AB 12

Pre-Assessment Stage A pre-assessment is designed to evaluate organization's readiness for full assessment. Assessment Stage The duration of the visit and composition of the peer assessment team is dependent upon the scope of accreditation requested. 13

Clearance of Non Compliances A normal consequence of an assessment visit is that observations/non-compliances are raised. The organization is then required to submit evidence of corrective actions to address any non compliances raised within 3 months of the assessment. Recommendation to the AB Board The AB Accreditation Officer presents a report containing the recommendation to the Board who then make the decision on accreditation. 14

Award of Accreditation The organization will receive a certificate of accreditation and a scope of accreditation. Maintenance of Accreditation An organization's accreditation is maintained by means of annual surveillance visits. Extending Scope of Accreditation If CB wish to extend scope of accreditation, it is able to contact accreditation officer and complete the relevant extension to scope application form 15

Criteria and Conditions for Accreditation in Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) scope 1. Definition Accreditation is a process of assessment by AB or person assigned by AB including recommendation by Accreditation Review Panel, and decision by AB to attest a body operating conformity assessment of quality standard and agricultural commodity and food standards that can demonstrate its competence to carry out specific conformity assessment. 16

Accreditation Body (AB) is an organization responsible for accrediting Conformity Assessment Body (CAB). Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) is an applicant who is accredited by AB as its evidences have been evaluated and met the requirements. Certification is a process by which CAB certify that an entrepreneur’s system, product/commodity and other activities relating to agricultural commodity and food are in compliance with prescribed standard. 17

2. Applicant qualification 2.1 An applicant must have following qualifications -be Legal entity -gain experiences in applied scope -is an entity of which operation is complied with the requirements of International Accreditation Forum (IAF), i.e. ISO/IEC Guide 65:

3. Process of Accreditation -an applicant shall submit its request to AB -AB to investigate pertinent information and documents of its organization and to conduct assessment thereafter -conduct the Office Assessment at the head office or other branches of an applicant as necessary and the Witness Assessment during certifying an applicant’s client 19

4. Conditions -Maintain its competence as accredited by AB throughout its accreditation period -Claim its competence only in the assessed and accredited scope indicated in the certificate -Cooperate with AB to carry out surveillance thereafter 20

5. Extension of Scope -be proceeded as initial assessment for accreditation 6. Reducing scope, suspension and revocation of certificate of accreditation -If CAB cannot maintain its system in compliance with criteria and conditions 7. Appeal -An applicant, or suspended or revoked CAB may submit an appeal in writing to AB 21

8. Complaint - A complaint can be submitted in writing to AB 9. Cancellation of Accreditation -CAB terminates its accredited certification service 10. Confidentiality - AB and all concerned personnel shall keep all information of Applicant/CAB under the accreditation activities confidentially 22

11. Use of symbol -An accredited CAB can use the accreditation symbol to demonstrate its competence as defined by AB only -An accredited CAB can authorize its certified clients to use the product certification mark by presenting it on the label, package, wrapping material or on agricultural products of GAP according to the provisions in place 23

12. Others 12.1 When there is change in requirements, criteria or other conditions concerning accreditation, AB shall inform, in writing, CAB to modify and correct their system within the prescribed period When CAB changes its location or transfer certification business to other person, its certificate shall be terminated and returned to AB within 30 working days AB shall not be responsible for any actions by CAB against its integrity or not complied with criteria and conditions set forth. 24