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Accreditation
ACCrEDITATION

Accreditation is synonymous with both the quality and competence of an organization, based on international standard(s). Accreditation refers to the recognition given to an organization by an authoritative body such as GAC. It is a process by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) fulfills specified requirements and is competent to carry out specific tasks.

Accreditation is the most appropriate way to ensure an organization’s competence in performing a specified task. By encompassing the human element of the CAB, end-users can be sure that their data is accurate and dependable. GAC is a third-party body that performs accreditations to various international standards, ensuring an unbiased and objective evaluation of your organization’s functions. GAC provides a range of accreditation programs using international standards, including:

  • ISO/IEC 17025 for Testing/Calibration Laboratories
  • ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Management System Certification Bodies
  • ISO 15189 and CLIA for Clinical Testing Laboratories
  • ISO/IEC 17020 for Inspection Bodies
  • ISO/IEC 17043 for Proficiency Testing Providers
  • ISO/IEC 17065 for Product Certification Bodies
  • ISO 17034 for Reference Material Producers
  • ISO 20387 for Bio banking Facilities
The Scheme

The Accreditation Scheme for Inspection Bodies provides official recognition of the integrity and reliability of an inspection body’s services. Achieving effective inspection is important in maintaining the safety of plant machinery, equipment, structures and systems in operation. the Accreditation Scheme for Inspection Bodies aims to upgrade the standard of inspection activities to support sound decision-making with regard to safety, health, performance and reliability. Accreditation is offered to all inspection services – from in-house to independent inspection bodies. Some areas of inspection include pressure vessels, lifting equipment, motor vehicle, structural steelwork and site investigation. Accreditation allows an inspection body to benchmark its work practices against the world’s best practices.

Accreditation Criteria

Inspection bodies are accredited based on the international standard, ISO/IEC 17021 – “General Requirement for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection”. The Assessment Team comprises a Lead Assessor(s) and Technical Assessor(s). Upon accreditation, the organization is officially deemed capable of meeting standards of quality, performance, technical competence and professional judgment.

Aside from the international standard, there are also specific technical notes that the inspection body has to comply with, which depends on the area of inspection. Accreditation for inspection bodies is granted for a specific scope of inspection activities; only the accredited inspection activities can bear the accreditation mark, thus increasing confidence in users.

Accreditation will

  • Gain new business: As more specifiers and users are stipulating the use of accredited services, a GAC accredited inspection body will help you to garner acceptance of your products and services. This results in better competitiveness and market access.
  • Reduce cost: Properly inspected products and services are more cost-effective, thus reducing downtime and avoiding any unnecessary cost for rework or re-inspection.
  • Lower risk: With the technical proficiency of a GAC accredited inspection body, your products are assured of their reliability and competence. This mitigates claims and unnecessary recall of your products.

Aside from attaining a systematic and well-designed quality system, accredited organizations also stand to gain from the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) that GAC has signed. This allows them access to international markets.

Aside from the international standard, there are also specific technical notes that the inspection body has to comply with, which depends on the area of inspection.

Process

Upon receiving the application for accreditation, the secretariat will send a quotation to the inspection body and arrange for a preliminary assessment. This assessment is conducted by a team that comprises GAC staff and a technical assessor, who is from the technical community, either within the country or overseas. When the inspection body has demonstrated compliance with our requirements, it will be recommended for accreditation. Once approved, GAC will grant a certificate of accreditation. The detailed description of the type of assessment is stipulated in IB-01, Accreditation Process.