Conformity Assessment

Conformity assessment is a term used to describe steps taken by both manufacturers and independent third parties to evaluate whether products, processes, systems, services or personnel adhere to the requirements identified in a specified standard. Conformity assessment activities such as testing, certification, and accreditation are closely associated with standards and provide the consumer or end user with a measure of confidence in the products and services being purchased. For this reason, conformity assessment has become a critically important aspect of conducting business in the global marketplace and is often made visible through product marking or other marketing and promotional efforts.

The “National Conformity Assessment Principles for the United States” articulates the principles for U.S. conformity assessment activities that will allow consumers, buyers, sellers, regulators and other interested parties to have confidence in the processes of providing conformity assessment, while avoiding the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade.

The American National Standards Institute’s role in conformity assessment includes accreditation of organizations that certify that products and personnel meet recognized standards. The ANSI-American Society for Quality National Accreditation Board (ANAB) serves as the U.S. accreditation body for management systems certification, primarily in areas such as quality (ISO 9000 family of standards) and/or the environment (ISO 14000 family of standards). ANSI also is involved in several international and regional organizations to promote multilateral recognition of conformity assessments across borders to preclude redundant and costly barriers to trade.