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Voluntary certification for the guarantee trademark "B" is a process in which independent, competent and objective certification bodies award the safety mark to products submitted by suppliers, including manufacturers, importers and distributors. Products bearing the "B" mark are recognized as safe to use, modern, environmentally friendly, and inspire confidence in consumers.
The rules of certification are set forth in the Program for the Certification of Products for the Common Warranty Mark "B", developed by the Committee for the Common Warranty Mark "B".
Detailed information on the certification program for the "B" Mark can be obtained from the staff of the COCH Certification Department.
What does the certification model for the B Mark look like?
The conformity assessment of products under the agreement is conducted according to a model that includes the following basic elements:
Product testing: This involves conducting tests on the product to assess its compliance with safety requirements specified in national and international standards, as well as technical criteria.
Supplier’s management system assessment: Evaluating the supplier’s management system to ensure it meets the necessary quality standards and procedures relevant to the product being certified.
Surveillance during the validity of the certificate: This includes periodic checks of the supplier’s quality system and testing of products taken from the supplier or from the market, ensuring ongoing compliance with certification requirements.
The certification basis for the mark B includes safety requirements defined in national and international standards, as well as technical criteria.
The testing required for certification is carried out by laboratories recognized as competent by accredited bodies, which are independent of both the supplier and the recipient. These laboratories provide reliable results used in the certification process to ensure products meet all necessary safety and quality standards.
Who supervises the certificates issued?
Certification bodies exercise supervision over the certificates they issue through the following methods:
Auditing organizational and technical conditions: They conduct audits to ensure that the organizational and technical conditions under which the certified products are produced and managed continue to meet the required standards.
Monitoring the use of certificates by suppliers: Certification bodies oversee how suppliers use the issued certificates, ensuring that the certified products continue to adhere to the standards and requirements throughout their lifecycle.
Testing samples of products: They periodically collect samples of certified products from suppliers or purchase them from the market for testing. This helps verify ongoing compliance with certification standards and ensures the quality and safety of the products.
Certificates bearing the mark B are issued for a period of up to five years, along with a license to use the mark. This timeframe includes regular surveillance audits and other measures to maintain the integrity and validity of the certification.
How many years is the certificate valid?
Detailed information about the certification process
Diagram of the certification procedure
Applying for Certification:
A supplier seeking certification for the mark “B” is required to submit necessary documents that form the basis of the certification process. To facilitate this, requirements regarding documentation are specified, and application forms, including supplier assessment questionnaires, are provided to the applicant.
Certification Process:
Preparation of Documents and Application: The supplier submits a complete certification application along with product identification documents and filled-out questionnaires.
Formal Document Evaluation: The documentation undergoes a formal assessment to ensure completeness and compliance with certification requirements.
Product Testing and Evaluation: Products undergo necessary testing and evaluation to confirm compliance with safety and quality requirements.
Quality Management System Assessment: An assessment of the supplier’s quality management system is conducted, involving a review of system documentation and potentially an inspection of production technical conditions.
Review and Decision: Information gathered during the process is reviewed, and based on this, a decision is made regarding certification issuance.
Contractual Agreement and Certificate Issuance: Upon successful completion of the certification process, a contractual agreement is established with the supplier defining conditions for using the “B” mark. Subsequently, the certificate is issued, confirming the products’ compliance with high standards of safety, quality, and environmental protection.
Interrupting the Certification Process:
If required documents are not submitted, there are financial arrears, or if the supplier requests to halt the process, certification procedures may be interrupted.
The certification process is comprehensively outlined in the Product Certification Program for the “B” trademark, specifying all requirements and procedures necessary to obtain certification.
Appeals and Complaints
Information on the procedure for handling complaints and appeals can be found at this link.
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