Implementation to ISO 9001:2008

SO 9001:2008 has been published and has been available from the 13th November 2008.

The Joint IAF-ISO Communiqué on the implementation of accredited certification to ISO 9001:2008 can be found on the IAF website.

Before issuing certificates to the new standard and taking into consideration the IAF-ISO Guidance, all CABs need to be in a position to demonstrate that they have taken all the necessary steps in order to manage the implementation process.

For this reason and in accordance with the Implementation Timetable, INAB will verify if CABs have carried out the following processes:

• provided specific training (in particular to auditors and decision makers)
• provided external communication to certified (and applicant) clients.

Taking into consideration the changes to the standard, INAB will evaluate the effectiveness of the preceding processes by:

• (a) a review of documents submitted to INAB by CABs

or

• (b) during the first normal surveillance visit (with no extra time required) or in the course of other planned visits at CAB premises if this happens before the surveillance visit.   

It is the responsibility of the CAB to decide whether it chooses to make the transition to ISO 9001:2008 by means of the document review and have this identified on its scope of accreditation following this process, or to wait for the INAB routine surveillance audit following which the scope may be amended.

However, we remind you that one year after publication of ISO 9001:2008 all accredited certificates issued (new certifications or re-certifications) shall be to ISO 9001:2008.

Furthermore, if the CAB chooses to proceed by document review, it shall send the following to INAB:

1. The updated list of qualified auditors and decision makers
2. Records regarding their training to ISO 9001:2008
3. Copy of the communication sent to the client organisations concerning the transition
4. Basic modified documentation, if any (Check lists, Certification procedure……etc.).

   INAB will re-issue the scope of accreditation following a successful review of documentation/visit. References to ISO 9001:2000 will be removed from scopes after the expiry of two years from the publication date of ISO 9001:2008.

   If you have questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact your accreditation officer.