There are many schemes to consider when thinking about compliance certification for different countries: CE certification for Europe, EAC certification for Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union, the application of explosive atmospheres in accordance with ATEX or IECEx Directives, etc. How to optimally manage product compliance in accordance with local Laws without compromising product safety?
How to obtain the machinery declaration of conformity
If you desire to carry out a technical assessment for the compliance of your industrial products (machines, equipment, components), you should first consider the local laws, regulations and technical standards that regulate the conformity requirements of a specific country, as well as any distinctive characteristics related to each country or region. However, the process to obtain a declaration of conformity (or certification) consists of a series of steps that are common to many countries.
The certification of conformity of an industrial product generally involves a complex process composed of a series of phases, which include the following steps:
Step #1. Basic Assessment: it is a 1st level assessment. It aims at analyzing the set of local laws and regulations that have an impact on the design, manufacture, and delivery of industrial products.
Step #2. Standard Assessment: it is a 2nd level assessment. Through a second evaluation, it is possible to examine in closer detail local laws and regulations by analyzing the paragraphs containing the requirements applicable to the product.
Step #3. Compliance Matrix Assessment: The Compliance matrix is a data matrix that shows for each component, either purchased or manufactured, the laws and main rules that are applicable. From the intersection of the data indicated in the matrix, it is possible to start developing the necessary documentation to be submitted to receive approval by local authorities. This documentation is also useful to complete the supply and draw up internal manufacturing specifications.
Step #4. Product Design: Product design must comply with local technical requirements. The conformity of each product feature represents an important guideline to be followed by the procurement phase. Multi-language specifications are later included in the installation and operation manuals.
Step #5. Product Verification: By means of product documentation, as well as tests and testing, it is possible to verify the developed design thanks to the support of an expert. The result of the carried-out tests is a technical report containing the list of applicable requirements that haven’t been fulfilled yet. The report details the requirements it refers to, as well as the list of components, the specifications of any non-compliant items; it also contains a dedicated section to the report on the detected issues. A correct report is usually accompanied by an additional document containing any possible actions to solve non-conformities.
Step #6. Management of Certification & Authorities: It is necessary to optimally manage the communication with authorities and certification bodies. These are responsible for the approval and issuing of certificates and marks, which are necessary to comply with the requirements of local standards.
Step #7. Issuing of Regulatory Documents: This phase will lead to the issuing of specific documentation required by the applicable requirements or authorities of the country where a declaration of conformity is needed. The list of documents that are necessary to comply with local standards varies depending on the country and product.
Step #8. Development of Installation and Operation Manuals: Delivering goods all over the world requires the supply of a specific set of documents to be made available in multiple languages. In this last preparatory phase, installation and operation manuals must be attached to the product for its correct marketing.
Our tips to simplify the certification process of an industrial machine
Firstly, we recommend keeping in mind the consequences that a lack of product compliance may cause and preventing any potential risks. In this regard, it is advisable to contact an expert in conformity certification who can help you prevent the risk.
On the other hand, the management of communication with authorities and certification bodies is particularly delicate. For this reason, it is of utter importance to seek help from native speaker technicians who can ensure more effective communication.
Authorities, on the other hand, will be more willing to manage the process proactively, therefore reducing the points on the punch list and working on finalizing the certification process.
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