1. The concept of the ITU conformity programme
  ITU Consultation on Conformance Assessment and Interoperability Testing (Geneva, July 2009)
The concept of the ITU conformity programme
Alan Bryden,
ITU Special Consultant
Geneva, July 2009

2. Outline of presentation
Background
Prerequisites
The components of a possible ITU conformity programme
The characteristics of a possible ITU conformity scheme
Options considered
Proposed option
Building capacity in developing countries
Geneva, July 2009

3. Background
ITU’s global responsibility for interoperability and efficiency of international telecoms
Concerns related to non-compliance
Fight counterfeiting and dumping of non-compliant goods
Promote homogeneous implementation of ITU recommendations
Avoid multiple testing and conformity assessment
Support capacity building for testing ability and expertise in developing countries
Geneva, July 2009

4. Existence of ITU Recommendations suited for conformity assessment
Prerequisites
WTSA Resolution 76
Existence of ITU Recommendations suited for conformity assessment
Consultation of stakeholders
Analysis of market data and existing conformity programmes and services
Assess consensus on desirability of an ITU conformity programme
Geneva, July 2009

5. The components of a possible ITU conformity programme
Development and promotion of conformity and interoperability test suites for ITU Recommendations
Development and operation of an ITU conformity scheme
Assistance to developing countries in creating and operating testing facilities and expertise
Geneva, July 2009

6. The desirable criteria of an ITU conformity programme
Limit ITU’s direct involvement in assessing conformity
Make best use of existing international standards and practices
Enable visibility of conformity, through the use of the reference to ITU
Optimize costs and delays for users
Enable market surveillance
Geneva, July 2009

7. Four options considered
Rely on accredited testing and certification, and ILAC/IAF MLAs
Develop an ITU certification scheme based on peer assessment and mutual acceptance of certificates and test reports (similar to IEC schemes)
ITU itself is the certification body
Publish an ITU conformity assessment and interoperability framework and charter, with self declaration of adherence
Geneva, July 2009

8. Option 1 selected Suits desirable criteria best
Provides flexibility for vendors
Two routes proposed:
Accredited testing + suppliers declaration of conformity, or
Third party accredited certification
Issuance of licence to use ITU conformity mark based on documentary evidence and market surveillance
Implies partnership with ILAC and IAF and use of ISO Standards
Geneva, July 2009

9. Build capacity in developing countries
ITU conformity programme as a driver for awareness raising and implementation of good conformity assessment practices
International recognition and acceptance
Level playing field
Partnerships to be developed with development agencies and organizations (e.g., UNIDO, ITC and World Bank)
Geneva, July 2009

10. Thank you for your attention!
Geneva, July 2009