certificeringsorgan

Certificeringsorgan, or certifying body, is a third-party organization that assesses whether products, processes, or management systems conform to predefined requirements and standards, and issues certificates when conformity is demonstrated. The certification body operates independently of the organization being certified to provide impartial verification.

Primary functions include planning and conducting conformity assessments, auditing relevant documentation and practices, evaluating evidence, and making certification decisions. It issues certificates that define the scope of certification, conducts surveillance and periodic recertification to ensure continued compliance, and handles nonconformities by requiring corrective actions. In addition, it maintains confidentiality and requires personnel competence and impartiality in its assessments.

Certification bodies work with a range of standards and schemes, such as management system standards (for example ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001) or product and process standards. In the European Union, some certifying bodies may act as Notified Bodies for CE marking, while many certification activities are conducted by bodies accredited by national accreditation authorities to ensure independence and competence.

Accreditation and oversight are central to the credibility of certificeringsorgan. National accreditation bodies assess and recognize certification bodies for their technical competence, impartiality, and due process. This oversight helps ensure consistent assessment practices and the integrity of certificates. Certificates issued by accredited bodies can be used for regulatory compliance, supplier requirements, and market access, and may be reevaluated through periodic surveillance or renewal processes.

A certificeringsorgan differs from testing laboratories and regulatory authorities; it provides third-party certification rather than testing or official permits.