How conformity assessment works

Conformity assessment activities can be characterized as:

First party - this is the technical term used when conformity assessment to a standard, specification or regulation is carried out by the supplier organization itself. In other words, it is a self-assessment. This is known as a supplier's declaration of conformity.

Second party - this is defined as the conformity assessment activity which is performed by the customer of the organization. For example the manufacturer would allow his customer to do an assessment of the product against the requirements.

Third party - this is defined as the conformity assessment activity that is performed by a body that is independent of the organization that provides the product and is not a user of the product. An example of this would be when an independent certification body certifies that another organization complies with ISO 9001 and issues it with a certificate to this effect.

Very often the decision to use one type of conformity assessment above another will depend on a number of factors, one of which is the level of risk associated with the product/service and the customer's requirements.

We can therefore say that conformity assessment is a series of three functions (functional approach) that satisfy a need or a demand for demonstration that specified requirements are fulfilled. These three functions are:

1. Selection
2. Determination
3. Review and attestation

Such determination adds credibility to claims that specified requirements are fulfilled, giving users greater confidence in such claims. ISO standards are used as the specified requirements.

Conformity assessment may be applied to products which includes services, process and systems for example management systems.