European accreditation infrastructure in the internal market
DAkkS is the only national authority for questions concerning accreditation. It determines the competence of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) of all types and in all sectors. In sectors with additional legal approval requirements – the so-called granting of authority or notification – DAkkS works closely with the competent authorities, which are responsible for granting CABs the authority to act as such on the basis of a legislative instrument. Cooperation is on the basis of a coordinated procedure involving the competence of these authorities. This avoids duplication of structures and unnecessary multiple monitoring, while at the same time achieving the highest level of professional competence and technical safety.
DAkkS as the national point of contact for all questions concerning accreditation
DAkkS acts as a subordinate accreditation authority in the business divisions of eight federal ministries in Germany. In addition, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action also has a backstop responsibility for all areas not assigned by law. DAkkS has first-rate horizontal technical expertise in questions of conformity assessment, technical surveillance and accreditation. In coordination with the departments of the competent ministries or by way of administrative assistance, it makes this expertise available to other authorities and countries looking into questions of conformity assessment, certification systems, conformity assessment schemes for quality labels or the introduction of guarantee marks.
DAkkS also supports other authorities and public awarding entities with questions concerning the recognition or assessment of marks of conformity and quality seals in Germany and abroad.
Accreditation facilitates regulation
State accreditation is a key component of the national and European quality infrastructure. This makes it possible to delegate certain verification and monitoring responsibilities to private expert bodies if they have demonstrated in an accreditation procedure that they have the competence, independence and reliability required to assume them. This regulatory instrument can be a powerful and flexible alternative to regulatory oversight by federal and state regulators.
Accreditation and public procurement law
Accreditation can also produce resource savings in bureaucracies, allowing for example the elimination or reduction of direct oversight of organisations that use the services of accredited bodies. In many cases, accreditation precedes regulatory approval. For regulators, this makes it the essential instrument for the use of standardised confirmation of competence as a basis for decisions. It also makes it unnecessary to build up internal resources in this area and to continuously ensure that training keeps pace with the times.
Using a multi-stage selection process, DAkkS ensures that DAkkS assessors not only meet customers at an expert level, but also that they are kept continuously informed about the latest accreditation requirements through obligatory training courses. DAkkS is therefore a strong partner for ongoing education and training for policymakers and regulators.
Accreditation is the link between the market and safety
Accreditation forms a bridge between the requirements of the market and the demands of policymakers, administration and society. It improves confidence in conformity assessment statements substantially and contributes to securing prosperity and growth in Germany as a business location.