Product Certification
Product certification and certificates of conformity
Independent confirmation that specified products and models conform to the standards or specifications named on the certificate.
- Valid for
- 5 years
- Surveillance
- Years 1 and 2
- Verification
- Public register
Accredited and empanelled
What is Product certification?
Product certification confirms that specified products conform to named standards or technical specifications. Unlike a management system certificate, it covers products and models: what was evaluated, against which requirements, and how continued conformity is maintained.
Our approach follows the conformity assessment framework of ISO/IEC 17067, which describes scheme types ranging from a one-off evaluation of a sample or batch to schemes that combine type testing with factory production control and ongoing surveillance. Evaluation relies on test reports from competent laboratories, typically accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, together with any factory assessment the scheme calls for, and the certification decision is made by us, independently of the manufacturer.
Our certificates of conformity are voluntary. They are not a substitute for approvals or marks that law requires in the markets you sell into, such as CE marking or national mandatory certification, although the same test evidence often supports both.
Who it is for
- Manufacturers asked by buyers for third-party evidence of conformity
- Exporters whose importers request a certificate of conformity
- Private label brand owners and importers
- Suppliers whose contract specifications call for independent certification
- Component makers supplying regulated products
What sets audit time and cost
Timing depends mostly on testing: where valid test reports already exist, a decision can follow within four to eight weeks of application, while new testing adds the laboratory's lead time.
- Number of products and model variants
- Number and complexity of standards
- Whether new testing is needed or existing reports can be used
- Factory assessment and the number of production sites
- Surveillance required by the scheme type
Why it matters
What Product certification gives you
- 01
Independent confirmation
Buyers receive a decision by a third party rather than relying on the manufacturer's own declaration.
- 02
Clear statement of what is covered
The certificate lists products, models and standards, so there is no doubt about which variants conform.
- 03
Reuse of test evidence
Valid reports from competent laboratories can be used, avoiding duplicate testing where they cover the current design.
- 04
Verifiable by anyone
Each certificate is listed in our public register with a QR code, which helps buyers detect altered or invalid certificates.
The audit
What our auditors examine
- 01
Product definition
The products and models covered, how variants differ and whether differences affect conformity.
- 02
Applicable requirements
The standards and clauses that apply to the product, and any that are not applicable with reasons.
- 03
Test evidence
Laboratory competence, whether samples were representative and whether reports cover the current design and edition of the standard.
- 04
Factory production control
Where the scheme type calls for it, checks that production consistently matches the tested type.
- 05
Marking and documentation
Product marking, labels, instructions and the use of the certificate in marketing.
How certification works
Every accredited certificate follows the same three-year cycle, with each step recorded and the result published in our register.
01
Application and quote
Tell us your scope, sites and headcount. We calculate audit time under the accreditation rules and send a fixed quote and audit plan.
02
Stage 1 audit
We review your documented management system, scope and readiness, and agree the Stage 2 plan. Any gaps are reported so you can close them first.
03
Stage 2 audit
Auditors check that the system works in practice: interviews, records and observation across the scope. Nonconformities are raised in writing.
04
Certification decision
Once corrective actions are accepted, a reviewer who did not take part in the audit makes the decision. Your certificate is issued and listed in the public register.
05
Surveillance audits
Shorter audits in the first and second years after certification confirm the system is maintained and improving. The register shows your current status throughout.
06
Recertification
Before the three-year certificate expires, a recertification audit reviews the whole system and renews the certificate for another cycle.
Related standards and audits
Often certified or audited alongside this one, sometimes in a single combined audit.
ISO certification
ISO 9001
Independent assessment of your quality management system against ISO 9001:2015, by an accredited certification body.
ISO certification
ISO 22716
Independent confirmation that cosmetic products are made, controlled, stored and shipped under good manufacturing practices.
ISO certification
ISO 13485
Independent certification of a quality management system built around medical device safety, performance and regulatory requirements.
ISO certification
ISO 29001
Independent certification of a sector quality management system for suppliers to the petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries.
Product certification questions
We audit; we do not consult.
To keep certification independent, we never design, build or fix the systems we audit, and decisions are made by people who did not take part in the audit. Read our impartiality policy.
Plan your Product certification certification
Tell us your scope, sites and timeline. We reply with an audit plan and a fixed quote.