Chapter 4 - Notified Bodies and Certification

Abstract

Common European laws and standards are a good start toward harmonization, but mutual recognition of tests and certificates is necessary to create the requisite trust for total harmonization. Mutual recognition of test reports and certificates of one member state by another is the overriding requirement. A test is considered equivalent, if performed by an accredited testing body on the basis of uniform assessment criteria. Accredited bodies are listed in the Official Journal of the European Communities (OJEC)as notified bodies (safety), competent bodies (EMC), or referred to in general terms as third parties. The goal of the accredited body is to protect the health of the consumer and the safety of the environment, with special emphasis placed on the well being of the consumer. Placing consumer protection first also limits the product manufacturer's risks. When called upon, the testing and certification bodies must accurately assess equipment according to established European norms as the minimum criteria, confirming with such by the issuance of test reports and certifications recognized by all concerned parties. Accreditation means the recognition of the competence of a laboratory, certification, or inspection body by independent accreditors. The accreditation bodies are typically sanctioned by a member state government to perform audits of testing and certification institutions.