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Approaches to Conformity Assessment Workshop: Use of Accreditation

This workshop explores the use of accreditation to facilitate the acceptance of conformity assessment results. Mr. Robin N. Gopee, Acting Director of Mauritius Accreditation Service (MAURITAS), discusses the background, functions, and current trends in accreditation.

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Approaches to Conformity Assessment Workshop: Use of Accreditation

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  1. WTO Workshop on the different Approaches to Conformity Assessment 16-17 March 2006 Geneva, Switzerland

  2. Session II Part C Other Approaches to facilitate the Acceptance of Conformity Assessment Results Use of Accreditation by Mr. Robin N. GOPEE Acting DIRECTOR MAURITIUS ACCREDITATION SERVICE (MAURITAS)

  3. Background • Following the project on “Technical Assistance to Enhance Competitiveness” (1994-1999), the World Bank recommended the establishment of a national accreditation body in Mauritius • Establishment of a National Laboratory Accreditation Council and appointment of Director 1997 • Adoption of Mauritius Accreditation Service Act in December 1998 by the National Assembly

  4. Main functions of MAURITAS • To provide a national, unified service for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies i.e. laboratories and certification bodies. • To establish mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) with other national, regional and international accreditation bodies.

  5. National Quality Infrastructure Mutual recognition by foreign national, regional and international accreditation organizations MAURITAS Conformity assessment bodies Inspection of processes, products, plant and equipment, etc Certification of products, systems, personnel Testing and calibration International standards, technical specifications, health and safety standards, regulatory approvals, etc. Manufacturing and service industries

  6. OrganizationStructure

  7. What is Accreditation? • Procedure by which an authoritative body (like MAURITAS) gives formal recognition that a body (a laboratory) or person is competent to carry out a specified task (test).

  8. Why is Accreditation Important? • At International Level: Trade Facilitation: Recognition at accredited test reports and certificates accompanying exported goods. • At National Level: - Protection of health and safety of the population - protection of the environment.

  9. Strategy to implement Accreditation in Mauritius • Awareness creation/training of stakeholders • Transfer of technical expertise/know-how through the signing of twinning agreements with two foreign accreditation bodies.

  10. Current Status 13 laboratories have applied for accreditation 4 laboratories have already undergone document review and pre-assessment Level of awareness have been raised on the issue of standards and accreditation.

  11. Use of accreditation in the acceptance of conformity Assessment Results • Mauritian Experience • Ex 1 – Accredited test reports to accompany imported foodstuffs in which toys are included (following death of 2 children having swallowed the gadget/toys).

  12. Use of accreditation in the acceptance of conformity Assessment Results • Mauritian Experience • Ex 2 – Pre-Inspection Shipment Certificates to accompany all second hand imported vehicles (following import of stolen cars and cars which had been flooded in country of origin).

  13. Current Trends • Increasing number of technical regulations making reference to accredited conformity assessment bodies • Government is considering the promulgation of technical regulations on a number of items to ensure consumer safety ex. electrical appliances

  14. Future Trend • With the reform in the sugar and textile sector, Mauritius aims at developing other sectors like the sea-food hub. • Much emphasis will be on quality of fishery products entering the EU market. • Need for developing countries to adopt good regulatory practice while introducing technical regulations.

  15. International Recognition • International Recognition achieved through the signing of Mutual Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRAs) with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) • Peer Evaluation of the NAB by international teams with relevant expertise • Comparable data (ex. Proficiency testing) • Harmonized operation of Accreditation programmes (ex. ISO/IEC 17011) • Use of international accreditation standard – ISO/IEC 17025 • Traceability of Measurements (Metrology)

  16. THANK YOU Additional Information on MAURITAS mauritas@mail.gov.mu Tel: (230) 208 1690 Fax: (230) 210 6101

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