Identical to the ISO/IEC guides and provides information on product and third-party certification systems. Guidance is given on the establishment, general requirements for, and operation of calibration and testing laboratory accreditation systems. Identical with SANZ HB18.53-1991 and produced as a Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard.

1.1 This Guide outlines a general approach by which certification bodies wishing to do so can develop and apply product certification programmes utilizing elements of suppliers' quality systems.1.2 The forms of programmes espoused by this Guide are for conformity certification of products only and in all cases involve the following as principles:a) assessment of a supplier's capability to manufacture consistently a product conforming to the relevant standard(s);b) testing or comparable evaluation of the product to the satisfaction of the certification body to determine compliance with the requirements of the standard;c) application of a suitable follow-up service to assure ongoing conformity of products manufactured by the supplier;d) control of the mark and/or name of the certification body.1.3 Within certification programmes it is possible for third-party certification bodies to develop a variety of certification procedures to meet the needs of suppliers having a wide range of quality assurance capabilities. Those suppliers with the least demonstrated capabilities in this regard could be involved in certification procedures where the greatest number of steps in the total certification programme would be carried out by the certification body. Those suppliers with highly developed quality systems could process a large number of the steps required by the certification programme under a system of ongoing auditing by the certification body. Whatever the form of programme that is developed, the certification body reserves the authority to certify or not to certify any product manufactured by the supplier. A certification body may at its discretion specify programme criteria in addition to those described herein.

In Australia First published as HB18.53-1991. In New Zealand First published as HB18.53-1991. In Australia First published as HB18.44-1991. In New Zealand First published as HB18.44-1991.