6.3 認定の範囲

Accreditation is the standards-based method of assessing and attesting the competence of conformity assessment bodies. Union policy has made use of accreditation as an instrument that is designed to create the conditions for mutual confidence because of its reliance on consensus standards. Mutual confidence can only be achieved through reliance on criteria that can be objectively verified, thus allowing transparency and comparability of conformity assessment. The relevant standards for conformity assessment bodies were produced with the intention of supporting the introduction of the conformity assessment procedures set out in Union harmonisation legislation (267). These standards are conceived to cover the general competence requirements for bodies performing conformity assessment to specified requirements, irrespective of whether these are contained in regulations, standards or other technical specifications or whether such specifications are performance-based or product-specific. This concept supports the role of accreditation as a tool to facilitate the free movement of products within the internal market and has been taken over by the ISO/IEC 17000 standards at international level.

As stated in the respective clauses covering their scope, the standards specify criteria for bodies irrespective of the sector concerned. However, accreditation is always sought and granted for a defined scope, i.e. for specific conformity assessment activity and, where applicable, the types of test performed and methods used (e.g. ‘Body X is competent to undertake inspections as a type A body in the area of pressure equipment categories of Directive 2014/68/EU’) and is never restricted to the mere compliance with the general 17000 standards. Therefore, accreditation on the basis of compliance with the 17000 standards always implies the need for these general criteria to be complemented and further specified by all technical specifications that are relevant for the specific technical area for which the applicant conformity assessment body seeks accreditation. Thus, accreditation implies verification of competence with regard to the current state of the art, and includes assessment on the basis of the standards for conformity assessment bodies and all relevant product- and/or technology-related regulations, standards and other specifications.