Basics of accreditation Step 1 of the accreditation process
Are you interested in the topic of accreditation or would you like to be accredited for the first time? Are you wondering about the requirements that will need to be fulfilled? Here you will find answers to the basic questions about the accreditation procedure, as well as information about how to get in touch.
Where does DAkkS provide accreditation?
DAkkS conducts accreditation activities both within Germany and internationally, divided into two main categories: statutory accreditation in Germany and the European Union (EU)/the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-statutory accreditation (outside the EU/EEA).
Accreditation in Germany and EU/EEA (statutory)
DAkkS is statutorily mandated to accredit for accrediting conformity assessment bodies based in Germany, in accordance with European Regulation (EC) No. 765/2008 and the German Accreditation Body Act (AkkStelleG).
In some cases, DAkkS may also carry out these duties in EU and EEA member states, when appointed by the national accreditation body or when granted specific procedural exemptions. In these cases, the relevant regulations and guidelines of the European accreditation organisation (EA) apply.
Statutory accreditation also covers the international locations of conformity assessment bodies whose main headquarters are based in Germany, whether located in the EU/EEA or outside these regions.
Accreditation outside Germany and the EU/EEA (non-statutory)
Non-statutory accreditation applies when the conformity assessment body has its main office outside Germany and the EU/EEA. DAkkS offers accreditation for these bodies, following international rules set by EA, ILAC and IAF.
This type of accreditation applies to organisations based in countries outside the scope of European regulations.
Who can be accredited?
DAkkS accredits organisations that offer and perform conformity assessment activities. These include the following types of conformity assessment bodies (accreditation activities).
What is the scope of an accreditation?
As a rule, an accreditation does not apply to an organisation as a whole, but only to specific activities. This “scope” varies from case to case. It is precisely defined as part of the application for accreditation and is reviewed and evaluated during the assessment phase.
If the outcome of a case is positive, an accreditation confirms that an organisation fulfils the requirements within the defined scope and can competently perform specific conformity assessment tasks.
What are the requirements to be fulfilled?
DAkkS grants accreditation if the conformity assessment body fulfils the requirements in place for it. The essential requirements are set out in the relevant harmonised standards (e.g. DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025). There may however also be additional requirements, for example from
- Legislation
- The standard DIN EN ISO/IEC 17011
- Level 5 standards, which define the requirements for the object of conformity assessment or for the specific conformity assessment activity
- The agreements or requirements of owners of conformity assessment schemes, or
- The rules and regulations of the accreditation system
The exact technical requirements to be met for the granting of accreditation are very individual and depend on the scope of accreditation being sought.
How long does the accreditation process take?
The accreditation process is complex and typically takes several months to complete, depending on its technical complexity. The duration of the process can vary significantly and is influenced by several factors, including:
-
The scope of accreditation being requested
-
The number of locations involved
-
The experience and engagement of the conformity assessment body
-
The maturity of the quality management system and its processes
-
The availability of staff resources
How long are accreditations valid?
Unlimited accreditations
Accreditations in the statutory area (Germany and the EU/EEA) are normally granted for an unlimited period.
They remain valid until they are revoked, suspended, restricted or modified by the DAkkS or the body withdraws its accreditation.
Reasons for the restriction of accreditations by the DAkkS may include, for example, the discontinuation of essential accreditation requirements or a lack of cooperation for the body in monitoring the accreditation. Feedback from the market or market monitoring may also lead to a restriction.
Limited accreditations
Accreditations are limited in time, particularly in the following cases:
-
in the statutory area if the limitation of the accreditation is required by law
-
for all accreditations in the non-statutory area (organisations based in countries outside Germany, the EU and the EEA)
Limited accreditations lose their validity on the expiry date specified in the notice of accreditation and in the certificate, and must be re-accredited in good time.
What does an accreditation cost?
Basis of cost calculation
The basis for calculating the costs of our accreditation service depends on the location of your organisation. Different costs apply depending on whether your organisation is based in Germany or the EU/EEA (statutory) or outside this region (non-statutory).
Costs of accreditation in Germany and the EU/EEA (statutory)
In the statutory area (Germany and EU/EEA), the costs for an accreditation are based on the time required for the case. The accreditation costs are not calculated using general fees and flat rates. They are instead calculated precisely using a time-based fee and stated in a fee notice.
The legal basis for the calculation of these fees is AkkStelleGebV, the German ordinance on fees for accreditation bodies enacted by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action. In addition, the calculation of expenses incurred in the case is based on BGebG, the act on fees and expenses for federal services.
All fee rates are calculated to cover all personnel and material costs associated with “individually attributable public services” provided by DAkkS.
Link to the ordinance on fees for accreditation bodies (only available in german)
Link to the act on feesand expenses for federal services (only available in german)
Costs of accreditations outside Germany and the EU/EEA (non-statutory)
The cost of accreditation depends on factors such as the type of accreditation, scope, number of locations, organizational and case complexity. Ongoing costs also arise from surveillance, reassessments, and case processing. For more information please follow the link below.
Who do I contact if I am interested in an initial accreditation?
Are you interested in an initial accreditation by DAkkS? As a new customer, you are welcome to take advantage of our free webinars on the basics of accreditation and the accreditation process and its requirements.
Please send us individual inquiries exclusively via the contact form linked below, and specify the type of accreditation you are seeking as well as the relevant technical scope.