Laboratory authorization schemes
Partner Laboratory Authorization
Nemko’s laboratory authorization program is established with the purpose of allowing test results from competent external laboratories to be used as basis for Nemko Certifications / Attestations. The program is offered for both manufacturers’ laboratories and independent laboratories and may cover one or more testing areas, such as Safety, EMC, Telecom or Ecology according to relevant standards.
For Nemko’s N-mark certification, attestation for CE-marking etc., the authorization program is applicable for manufacturers’ laboratories as well as independent partner laboratories. For the multi-national services (like the international IECEE CB scheme and the European CCA/ENEC), the use of such program is basically restricted to manufacturers’ testing laboratories (MTL).
However, independent partner laboratories have the opportunity in due course to qualify as CB Testing Lab (CBTL) or Associated Testing Lab (ACTL) within the IECEE CB scheme, being associated with Nemko as the member NCB (National Certification Body). In such case, further conditions and procedures apply concerning assessment etc. (Ref. www.iecee.com).
Programs
Nemko’s authorisation of partner laboratories is based on initial and periodical assessment of the testing capabilities, whether concerning authorisation of EMC Lab (ELA), electrical safety lab (SLA), telecom lab (TLA) or ecology testing labs (EcoLA)
After the initial assessment and acceptance of the laboratory, the concerned testing is either supervised by Nemko personnel based on periodical assessment of the maintained capabilities of the laboratory or the testing is witnessed by Nemko personnel when requested by the laboratory.
The acceptance of a laboratory is based upon mutual understanding of product testing and certification practice, verified through audits and reviews of test projects. After initial assessment of the laboratory’s capabilities and the relevant parts of its quality system, follow-up audits are carried out periodically by Nemko staff to ensure continuous technical knowledge and understanding of relevant administrative routines.
Manufacturer Laboratory Authorization
Nemko’s laboratory authorization program is established with the purpose of allowing test results from competent external laboratories to be used as basis for Nemko Certifications / Attestations. The program is offered for both manufacturers’ laboratories and independent laboratories and may cover one or more testing areas, such as Safety, EMC, Telecom or Ecology according to relevant standards.
For Nemko’s N-mark certification, attestation for CE-marking etc., the authorization program is applicable for manufacturers’ laboratories as well as independent partner laboratories. For the multi-national services (like the international IECEE CB scheme and the European CCA/ENEC), the use of such program is, however, restricted to manufacturers’ testing laboratories (MTL).
Nemko’s own Testing By Manufacturer (TBM) program was established already in 1975. Since that time, similar multi-national programs have been developed within the international IECEE and the European Certification System (ECS) in which Nemko takes active part. The TBM program has therefore been gradually merged into the program structure within these schemes.
Thus, the basic terms of reference are now the relevant rules and procedures of the IECEE, i.e. the Operational Documents CB-2027-2031 and OD-2032, which are accessible on www.iecee.com.
Options
For manufacturers’ testing laboratories, after initial assessment and acceptance of the laboratory, the testing may be performed by Nemko personnel at the manufacturer’s premises (TMP), or the manufacturer’s testing may be witnessed by Nemko personnel (WMT) or subject to periodical supervision by Nemko personnel (SMT). The latter also entails periodical assessment of the maintained capabilities of the laboratory.
The acceptance of a laboratory is based upon mutual understanding of product testing and certification practice, verified through audits and reviews of test projects. After initial assessment of the laboratory’s capabilities and the relevant parts of its quality system, follow-up audits are carried out periodically by Nemko staff to ensure continuous technical knowledge and understanding of relevant administrative routines.
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