As part of TUV SUD America's ongoing commitment to keep our customers informed of changes that could affect their quality management system certification, TUV is highlighting changes that will affect customers who currently have or are working towards an ANAB, SCC or DAR accredited TUV SUD certification.

ISO/IEC 17021 defines accreditation requirements that all certification bodies must follow. It was published on 15 September 2006. It replaces ISO/IEC Guide 62 and ISO/IEC Guide 66 and incorporates many of the current IAF requirements. The standard covers the demands for certification bodies and the principles of management system certifications, e.g. QMS and EMS, within an organization.

The transition period for certification bodies to meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17021, should not exceed September 15, 2008. Effective June 1, 2008 TUV SUD America will implement changes within our system to meet the requirements of this standard.

The following summary sheet provides a brief and practical overview regarding the changes that may affect TUV clients.

Overview ISO/IEC 17021 New Requirements

• The audit program shall include a two-stage initial audit, surveillance audits in the first and second years, and a recertification audit in the third year prior to expiration of certification.
  
• Stage 1 audits will be required during the initial certification audit, for both QMS and EMS audits. These audits will typically be performed on-site.
  
• Recertification audit activities may need to have a new stage 1 audit, where there have been significant changes to the management system or organization.
  
• There is a specific requirement to communicate to the client any inconsistencies between their policies / objectives / targets and the actual results .
  
• The date of the first surveillance audit following initial certification shall not be more than 12 months from the last day of the stage 2 audit.
  
• Clients shall notify the certification body of the following changes when they arise or at the latest before the next audit:
  
  a) the legal and organisational form, the economic or property situation
  b) organisation and management (e.g. key personnel in leading positions, decision
      making or specialist staff)
  c) contact addresses and locations
  d) the scope of the certificate
  e) basic changes within the management system and processes (e.g. new production
      lines or services)
  
• TUV will be required to publish certificate suspensions. (status,not reason). This will be handled by posting on our web site, www.TUVamerica.com.

       The method for identifying non-conformances has changed. Nonconformances will now
       be categorized as Major and Minor. These process for handling nonconformances will
       be as follows:

      Major Nonconformities:
      Before auditor makes recommendations TUV will need:

• Cause of Nonconformity
• Correction (Action taken to contain and eliminate existing nonconformity)
• Corrective Action (Action taken to prevent recurrence of cause)
• TUV audit team's verification of correction
• TUV audit team's verification of corrective action effectiveness

• Plan for Correction (Action planned to contain and eliminate existing nonconformity)
• Plan for Corrective Action (Action planned to prevent recurrence of cause)

      In addition, the use of the term "Observation" will no longer be in effect. Findings will be
      identified as nonconformities, opportunities for improvement, or positive comments.

For more information regarding the transition to this new standard, please contact your Lead Auditor.

For more information on TUV SUD America services, contact us.