1         Overview

This is a “type test” approval, which involves:

- Selection of a sample by the manufacturer

- Sample to be tested by an approved laboratory

- Client presents a product technical file for the product

- Laboratory report (acceptable test report) to be presented and reviewed by Global-Mark

- Subject to the above review, Global-Mark will issue a Certificate of Approval (valid for 5 years)

- Under this program, the Trust-Mark® certification mark cannot be affixed to the product, its packaging or supporting literature (except in some specific conditions based on the standard or scheme)

- The certificate of approval is only valid for the product, as tested.  If any of the product critical components is changed, a new test report and certificate of approval is required.

2              In simple terms

This program is based on a Type 1 approval (as defined by ISO).

Product conformance issues are becoming increasingly mandated by regulators or expected by consumers. Due diligence is also expected for in most product related litigation. Point of sale legislations in some states or countries require that products be tested, and certified before they can be offered to the market, or connected to a network or infrastructure.

Type 1 certification is one of the simplest, and cheapest type of product conformance, delivered by an independent organisation, and based on a (or a number of) test report issues by an Approved Laboratory. In this case, there is no factory surveillance program, but if the product is changed, the test needs to be completed again.

Finally, the certification can be sought by the manufacturer, an importer or a distributor. Global-Mark can issue a transfer certificate if the product has been tested and certified by another certification company overseas, under an internationally approved scheme (IEC scheme for example).

3         Specific program conditions

• Tests reports need to be no older than 5 years (and our certificate of approval will expire on the fifth anniversary of the oldest test report for the product).
• Global-Mark may require selecting the sample, and maintaining a duplicate of the sample.

Changes to Type 1 vs Type 5 certification as stipulated in relevant certification standard

Global-Mark will not accept that a product which standard requires or recommends Type 5 approval (or similar) be certified under Type 1 (type testing).  This applies in cases where the standard recommends rather than prescribes the type of certification.

Independent testing of products

Global-Mark reserves its right to select additional samples and completed indenpendent tests. The results of the test will be presented to the manufacturer.  Costs associated with the additional sampling and testing must be paid by the Global-Mark client.

Certification based on other test report(s) and/or certification(s)

Global-Mark can issue certification based on test reports and/or certification issued by others under the following conditions:

• The test report meets the definition of Approved Test Report (refer to MSP01)
• The certificate(s) is issued under an approved IEC scheme, and
• The manufacturers issues a declaration that the product conforms to the relevant standard

Or

• The test report meets the definition of Approved Test Report (refer to MSP01)
• A sample of the product is presented to Global-Mark for local testing by an approved laboratory (cost to be paid by the manufacturer), and
• The manufacturers issues a declaration that the product conforms to the relevant standard

4              What documents/records are needed to understand this program

In order to understand our program you should also access and be aware of the following documents:

·         G-00: Welcome Pack

·         MSP-00: Introduction to our management systems

·         MSP-01: Nomenclature and definitions

·         MSP-24: Appeals