Benefits of conformity assessment

Conformity assessment provides benefits to everyone in the supply and demand chain. This includes the consumer, manufacturer and the supplier. It also includes regulators who are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the general public.

The consumer benefits from conformity assessment, as it is a mechanism providing confidence to consumers that the products and services they purchase are fit for the purpose. It may also allow the consumer the possibility to seek appropriate remedies should the product be found not to meet the specified requirements.

For manufacturers, it allows them to have peace of mind that they have implemented systems within their own organizations to ensure that the products and services they deliver meet the necessary criteria. The fact that their product or service meets ISO International Standards also gives them a competitive edge over those that do not.

For regulators, it allows them to use the conformity assessment infrastructure as part of the process they use to ensure health and safety as well as environmental conditions are being continuously met. The regulator will often make conformity assessment obligatory when it involves health, safety and/or environmental issues. Without official assessment and approval the regulator may prohibit the sale of products and services.

Therefore not only does conformity assessment provide confidence to consumers and purchasers but it also facilitates the free flow of goods and services between national boundaries.