| All three of the IEC’s certification schemes saw significant progress in 2005 and improved participation by countries. IEC’s flagship system, the IECEE CB Scheme, dealing with the safety of electrical equipment that is primarily intended for use in homes, offices, workshops, healthcare and similar facilities, issued more than 40 000 certificates, bringing the total to over 170 000 worldwide (still valid certificates).
The IECEx scheme dealing with the certification of equipment for use in explosive atmospheres saw Japan and Singapore join as new member countries, as well as the addition of four more Ex Certification Bodies and six new Ex Testing Laboratories. In addition, the IECEx was given the go-ahead to develop its own mark of conformity to serve this very specialized industry.
Meanwhile, the IEC scheme dealing with quality in electronic components, the IECQ, saw the launch of two new process management programmes to respond to market needs covering avionics components and hazardous substances.
- Following on from work initiated by former IECQ Chairman Hans Nagel, the IEC’s Conformity Assessment Board (CAB) took the first steps towards official future collaboration with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), with representatives from the IEC systems holding a meeting in August 2005. The main difference between ILAC (see below) and IAF is that the former concentrates on developing laboratory practices and the certification bodies which certify them, whereas IAF focuses on the accreditation bodies which accredit certifiers. For most participants, focusing on these should enable savings in time and money and help avoid redundant assessments. This was seen as a very important CAB initiative by the IEC schemes, as the certification bodies assessed by IAF and schemes are generally the same.
IECEE
IECEE launches Recognized Manufacturer Testing, CB certificates online
 Recognizing the benefits of the IECEE to help their developing economies, Indonesia and Kenya joined the IECEE in 2005, bringing the total number of member countries to 45. It is expected that other developing nations will follow suit. Responding to calls from the market for greater openness, the IECEE also launched a publicly available version of its online database of test certificates.
The CB Scheme saw a rise in the number of Certification Bodies to 58 and Testing Laboratories to 194, while the CB-Full Certification Scheme saw its membership increase to 15 participating countries, 17 national Certification Bodies, and 37 Testing Laboratories.
The IECEE launched two new programmes in 2005, one dealing with manufacturer testing laboratories – known as the Recognized Manufacturer Testing (RMT) Programme – and the other – the Component Recognition Program – for improved acceptance of components in end-products.
On the training front, IECEE continues to organize Lead Assessor & Technical Assessor Training courses and associated Workshops financially sponsored by IECEE.
The IECEE and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) continued their closer collaboration covering joint assessments, a common understanding of ISO/IEC 17025, and the use of common procedures. The close collaboration was spurred by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between IEC and ILAC in March 2005 that aims to improve efficiency and reduce assessment costs for Testing Laboratories. The agreement makes official a working relationship that had been operating informally since December 2003.
IECQ
A Quality System, New Markets
 For the IECQ, the system saw its name simplified (dropping the -CECC designation) and the appointment of Chris Agius as Managing Secretary. Agius is also Secretary of the IECEx. As quality management system assessment and surveillance are mandatory requirements for the issuing of an IECEx Certificate of Conformity or IECQ Approval Certificate, there are some useful synergies between the two schemes. The IECQ scheme also saw the implementation of its strategic business plan to ensure growth over the next five years.
One of the IECQ’s key initiatives in 2005 was the launch of a pilot programme on Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM) which certifies the capability of suppliers to comply with directives, regulations and other requirements on an on-going basis. Good progress was made with this programme in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe with the first assessors training courses held covering HSPM. In addition, more approvals were given under the electronic component management plans (ECMP) covering avionics. The system also sees subcontract manufacturing as a major potential area for growth by allowing industries to move high-cost elements of their manufacturing processes and having the conformity assessment to guarantee peace of mind.
IECQ launched its online certificates database and re-branded its website (www.iecq.org).
IECEx
A Special Scheme for a Specialist’s Market
The IECEx dealing with the certification of electrical equipment for use in explosive atmospheres (including areas where flammable gases and vapours or combustible dusts may be present) continued to reach out to new countries which resulted in its overall membership increasing to 25 Member Countries of the IECEx Management Committee, and the number of IECEx Certification Bodies (ExCBs) at 26 and IECEx Test Laboratories (ExTLs) at 29. There are a further 11 bodies having applied and now undergoing the formal IECEx assessment process. IECEx certificates require the independent testing of samples, the assessment and audit of the manufacturer’s quality system, and the on-going surveillance of manufacturers. The IECEx quality management system has requirements based on ISO 9001 with additional requirements specific to the product certification for the explosion protection field.
The growing level of interest and respect of IECEx by industry, saw direct industry participation surge in 2005 for the annual series of IECEx Management Committee meetings. Increased industry interest in IECEx was also evident at the IECEx Buxton (UK) Industry Seminar with more than 200 industry delegates.
While IEC celebrates its centenary in 2006, IECEx is celebrating its first 10 years in operation.
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