Certification

What is certification?
Why is certification necessary?
Types of certification
How is certification conducted?

What is certification?

Certification is an important procedure during which a competent organization confirms that products, services, or processes meet certain established standards and requirements. The completion of this process usually results in the issuance of a certificate, which serves as proof of compliance. In Russia, this procedure is regulated by the Federal Law "On Technical Regulation," as well as by a number of other regulatory acts, including government resolutions and international standards.

Certification is conducted by accredited organizations, both state and private. These institutions carry out checks to ensure that products comply with the following criteria:

technical regulations;
state standards;
internal company documents, such as technical specifications;
contractual conditions between companies.

In Russia, there are also technical regulations of the EAEU, which establish requirements for various types of products, including food products, cosmetics, and much more. Certification can pertain not only to goods but also to management systems, such as ISO, which confirm that manufacturing processes meet established standards.

Why is certification necessary?

Certification plays a key role in business and the economy. Here are several reasons why it is necessary:

Confirmation of product quality: Certification helps to increase customer trust in the brand. Companies benefit from mentioning the availability of certificates in their marketing materials, which contributes to improving their reputation.
Participation in government procurement: Having a certificate is a mandatory condition for participating in government tenders. This is especially relevant for products that have significant implications for health and safety.
Market protection: Mandatory certification prevents the emergence of unsafe products and unscrupulous manufacturers in the market, thereby protecting consumers.
International trade: For the export and import of certain goods, having a certificate is required, which opens access to foreign markets.
Elimination of deficiencies: The certification process helps identify and eliminate internal deficiencies within the company, ultimately improving its operations.

Types of certification

Certification in Russia is divided into mandatory and voluntary:

Mandatory certification

Some products are subject to mandatory certification, and their sale without the appropriate documents is prohibited. This can lead to administrative liability. The list of such products includes those that pose a potential danger to life and health.

Voluntary certification

If a product is not on the list of mandatory certification, companies can voluntarily initiate the procedure to enhance their market competitiveness and improve their reputation. Examples of such products include books, costume jewelry, and office supplies.

How is certification conducted?

The certification process consists of several stages:

Application to a certification organization: The applicant selects an accredited legal entity and submits an application.
Compliance assessment: A check is conducted on samples of products or other objects to ensure they meet established requirements.
Decision making: The certification body makes a decision on the issuance of a certificate or denial.
Issuance of the certificate: In the case of a positive decision, the applicant is issued a certificate, which is registered in a general registry.
Labeling: The product may be labeled with a compliance mark if this is provided for.
Inspection control: Scheduled and unscheduled inspections are conducted to confirm compliance during the validity period of the certificate.