EA CERTIFICATION COMMITTEE - Sept 2007

The EA Certification Committee held its 14th meeting in Vienna on 11th and 12th September 2007. Adrienne Duff attended on behalf of INAB. The committee is formed primarily of European Accreditation Bodies but also has representatives from stakeholder groups.

The primary items of interest and discussion revolved around changes to standards and regulations and their impact on Accreditation Bodies and their clients. In 2008, Accreditation Bodies will manage the transition to ISO 17021 for Certification Bodies operating management system certification and with the revision of the NACE codes by the EU Commission, INAB Schedules of Accreditation will require review.

Revision of standards and development of guidance is also progressing in the areas of ISO 22000 certification, integrated auditing practices and expression of scopes for certification of products, personnel and management systems.

The IAF General Assembly is due to take place in Syndey, Australia in October and the next meeting of the EA Certification Committee is scheduled for February 2008.