This document was developed by ISO to assist regulators and market surveillance authorities. It is especially intended for developing regions, to design market surveillance systems that conform to modern good practice criteria and that make the best use of the "CASCO Toolbox" of International Standards and other deliverables that have been developed to support good regulatory practice.

This document provides guidance to ISO technical committees and subcommittees on the drafting of documents specifying conformity assessment arrangements.

A comprehensive, user-friendly handbook covering all aspects of conformity assessment and its role in international trade, and will be useful for business managers, regulators and consumer representatives. It is the latest in a series of joint publications issued by ISO and UNIDO.

A four page introduction that shows how metrology, standardization and conformity assessment are the three pillars of knowledge for developing a technical infrastructure, and there by enabling sustainable development and full participation in international trade and how they are linked together.

This publication will facilitate the awareness of REMCO's work and its deliverables. It is intended to help reference material producers from the public and private sector, accreditation bodies at national and international level, national metrology institutes and regional/global metrology bodies, customers of reference materials and regulatory authorities.

The complete current collection of ISO/IEC conformity assessment standards and guides for use by certification and inspection bodies is now available on CD.