ROK Conformity Assessment System: Introduction
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 Korean conformity
assessment system is governed by the National Standards Act of Korea. The Korean
Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) coordinates the development and
implementation of Korean policies, and also acts as an accreditation body
through its various accreditation schemes. Specifically, the Korea
Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS)
and the Korea Accreditation System (KAS) represent Korea in the International Laboratory Accreditation
Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), and other international and regional conformity assessment
fora.
