Certification

Certification is the provision by an independent body of written assurance that the manufacture’s product meets specific requirements. Certification is also known as third party conformity assessment.

Testing

Testing helps determine one or more characteristics of an object or product. The process is usually performed by a laboratory. Standards for laboratories are to help ensure that their results can be trusted.

Inspection

Inspection is the regular checking of a product to make sure it meets specified criteria. Standards are to help inspection bodies carry out their work in a trustworthy manner.

Mutual Recognition

Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) increases confidence in conformity assessment between countries as it formally recognizes the results of each other’s testing, inspection, certification or accreditation.

Trade

Standards are to help harmonize conformity assessment activities across the world. This reduces the need for duplicate testing when importing or exporting goods. It is a key factor in increasing the efficiency and scale of global trade.