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Minutes of the IAF Eighteenth Annual General Assembly
Held in the Cape Town International Conference Centre,
Cape Town, South Africa
on 9 and 11 October 2004
1.
Welcome and Convening of Meeting.
1.1.1. On behalf of the hosts, SANAS, the IAF Chairman, Dr Thomas Facklam,
welcomed the delegates to South Africa and declared the Eighteenth Annual
General Assembly Meeting open. The General Assembly would consist of one and
a half days with normal business being conducted on the first morning, an Open
Forum to discuss items and exchange views in the afternoon and then a half-day to
receive information from other organisations and finalise the resolutions. The Joint
IAF-ILAC General Assemblies would be held following the first day of the IAF
General Assembly.
1.1.2. The Chairman called for a roll call and referred to the proxies which had been
received prior to the meeting. The list of proxies as read by the Secretary was
accepted.
1.1.3. The Chairman declared a quorum.
1.1.4. The Chairman reminded delegates of the availability of the official Member
List and of the fact that only the nominated Member Representatives were
authorised to speak and vote on behalf of the Member they represented.
2.
Apologies
2.1.1. Members adopted the following resolution
IAF Resolution 2004-01 – (Agenda Item 2) Acceptance of Apologies and
Proxies – The General Assembly received and accepted the list of apologies
for non-attendance and accepted the notifications of proxies by members.
3.
Approval of Agenda
3.1.1. The draft agenda was adopted. It was noted that 6.3 Report of the
Development Support Committee and 8.1 Report from ISO would be given at the
meeting of the Joint IAF-ILAC General Assemblies.
IAF Resolution 2004-02 – (Agenda Item 3) Approval of the Agenda – The
General Assembly adopted the draft agenda (ref IAF–AM–04-002 Ver2).
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Minutes of the Seventeenth Meeting of IAF
4.1. Adoption of Minutes
4.1.1. The draft minutes were approved. Members adopted the following resolution
–
IAF Resolution 2004-03 – (Agenda Item 4) Minutes of the Seventeenth
Meeting - The General Assembly approved the draft Minutes as a true
record of the Seventeenth Annual Meeting, held in Bratislava, Slovakia, on
19 and 21, September, 2003 (ref IAF–AM–03-010 revised) as circulated and
amended.
4.2. Matters Arising from the Minutes
4.2.1. There were no matters arising from the minutes that were not already
included in the agenda for this meeting.
5.
Governance
5.1. Report by Chairman
5.1.1. The Chairman referred to his report which had been circulated prior to the
meeting, and noted that IAF now had a total of 64 members, these being 43
Accreditation Body Members, 15 Association Members (6 certification/registration
body associations and 9 industry/user associations), 4 Regional Groups with special
recognition, 1 partner member and 1 observer member. A new MoU between IAF,
ILAC and ISO had been signed in March and the first meeting of the Joint Working
Group established to deal with joint matters had taken place in June. The second
meeting would be held in conjunction with the CASCO Plenary meetings in
November. The Chairman informed the General Assembly that during the week the
MLA Group had given approval for the Environmental Management Systems MLA
and the Product MLA to become operational and as a result EA and PAC equivalent
EMS and Product MLA members would be signing new IAF MLA certificates at a
function that evening. Following the approval of the new IAF Logo and MLA Mark
last year work had been underway to have these designs registered, initially in all
IAF Accreditation Body member countries, and then as widely as possible. This
had progressed very rapidly and as a result Licensing Agreements had now been
made available to QMS MLA signatories to use the MLA Mark. The Chairman said
that he understood nine licences had been issued in the first two weeks that they
had been made available. The Code of Conduct for Accreditation Bodies had now
been adopted by most AB members, with only six AB's not having signed the
declaration of adoption. The Chairman asked these members if they could do so as
quickly as possible.
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In July a survey was conducted in conjunction with ILAC to determine if there was a
need for a transition period for the implementation of ISO/IEC 17011. The results of
this survey and the subsequent analysis would be given during the Open Forum.
As part of the strategic directions for both IAF and ILAC, the Joint Committee on
Closer Cooperation (JCCC) had prepared a survey seeking information on how the
meetings could be made more effective and relevant. The Chairman urged all
members to complete this survey and provide feedback to the JCCC which would
be crucial in determining the future format of Annual Meetings, whether they should
be joint with ILAC or not. In closing the Chairman said that UNIDO had proposed
closer cooperation with both IAF and ILAC and had prepared a framework MoU
which would enable consideration of joint activities and how they should be
undertaken. A copy of the proposed MoU would be distributed to all members and
it was intended that this would be signed at the Joint General Assemblies meeting.
A partnership agreement with ILAC was also being prepared to publicly declare the
undertaking of joint activities with IAF.
5.1.2. In comments on the Chairman's report the recent exchange of
correspondence between ISO and IAF was noted. It was felt that there were a
number of items covered that were critical and it was essential that this dialogue
was followed up. Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-04 – (Agenda Item 5.1) Chairman’s Report - The
General Assembly received with appreciation the report of the Chairman as
presented.
5.1.3. Mr Anthony Craven, Convener of the Chairman’s Advisory Group (CAG) on
Promotions, explained to the meeting that during the year the Executive Committee
had developed an "assigned responsibilities and actions" list to address the
Chairman's Strategic Directions objectives. Two public relations consultants had
been invited to prepare promotions strategy proposals. The first had proposed
utilising an international network of journalists and publications while the second
had been more nationally focused but included a costly advertising campaign. At
the October 2004 Executive Committee meeting a CAG Task Force had been
formed which would now select a PR consultant and develop the promotions
strategy, prioritise strategy elements and monitor the implementation of the
Promotions Strategy Project.
5.1.4. In response to Mr Craven’s presentation it was suggested that perhaps
consideration should be given to collaboration with ILAC, which also faced similar
problems, enabling more efficient use of resources. Mr Craven indicated that he
had already initiated discussion with the Chair of the ILAC Promotions Committee
and he was also talking to the Chair of the EA Promotions Committee. He himself
was currently also the Chair of the PAC Promotions Group.
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It was also suggested that collaboration with ISO publicizing what conformity
assessment meant and the role of IAF would be very useful. In this respect it was
noted that CASCO was currently undertaking a survey of the use of all international
standards relevant to conformity assessment. It was agreed that this would be very
helpful in terms of the adoption of accreditation standards and members were
encouraged to complete this and submit their responses to the CASCO Secretariat.
Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-05 – (Agenda Item 5.1.1) Report of Chairman’s
Advisory Group on Promotions – The General Assembly received with
appreciation the report of the Convener of the Chairman’s Advisory Group on
Promotions as presented and resolved that the Group should proceed with the
development and implementation of the Promotions Strategy as budgeted.
5.2. Report by the Treasurer
5.2.1. The Treasurer, Mr Robert King, introduced the audited financial statement for
the IAF Year 2003 Accounts. He informed the meeting that the financial auditor had
not identified any irregularities and that the separation of duties concern, which had
previously been identified, had now been resolved. The meeting noted the
independent auditor’s management letter to the IAF Board of Directors and IAF
Accounts for 2003. Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-06 – (Agenda Item 5.2.1) Treasurer’s Report on the
Financial Operations of IAF in 2003 - The General Assembly received with
appreciation the report by the Treasurer on the Financial Affairs of IAF and the
Report of the Financial Auditor on the Financial Operations of IAF, December
31, 2003 and 2002 as circulated and presented.
5.2.2. Mr Vagn Andersen introduced the report of the Finance Oversight Committee
(FOC), on behalf of its Chairman, Mr Pierre Salle. He reported that the Committee
had communicated by e-mail during the year and had met earlier in the week. He
confirmed the FOC acceptance of the accuracy of the financial statements and
noted that while a deficit had been budgeted, the end of year financial statement
instead showed a surplus. This again had been due to a number of projects which
had been budgeted for but not been completed. He indicated that the FOC had
recommended future distribution of financial statements include the budget for the
year reported. The FOC regarded the IAF Treasury activity as being handled
responsibly. The members of the Finance Oversight Committee, Mr Pierre Salle
(IAAR), Mr Vagn Andersen (DANAK) and Mr Shinichi Iguchi (JAB), had all agreed to
serve for another year. Members adopted the following resolutions -
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IAF Resolution 2004-07 – (Agenda Item 5.2.2) Report of the Financial
Oversight Committee - The General Assembly received with appreciation
and adopted the report of the Financial Oversight Committee (ref IAF 18–Item
5.2.2), as circulated and presented.
IAF Resolution 2004-08 – (Agenda Item 5.2.2) Membership of the Financial
Oversight Committee - The Annual Meeting resolved to appoint Mr Vagn
Anderson (DANAK), Mr Shinichi Iguchi (JAB) and Mr Pierre Salle (IAAR) to be
members of the Financial Oversight Committee for the complete years of 2005
and 2006.
5.2.3. The Treasurer introduced the report on the financial accounts for the period 1
January to 31 July 2004. Following discussion it was agreed that the amount of US
$30,000 allocated to be spent by the Promotions CAG in 2004 should now be held
over until 2005. Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-09 – (Agenda Item 5.2.3) Treasurer’s Report on the
Financial Operations of IAF in 2004 - The General Assembly received with
appreciation the report by the Treasurer on the Financial Affairs of IAF for the
period 1 January to 31 July 2004 as circulated and presented. The Convener
of the Chairman’s Advisory Group on Promotions was directed not to spend
the amount of US$30,000 that was previously approved for the 2004 budget.
5.2.4. The Chairman explained that in 2004 it had been decided to use some
reserve funds for operating expenditure and this was being proposed again for
2005. It was planned that there would not be any significant increase in members’
fees for 2005. The declining value of the US Dollar was having a negative effect on
the budget as there was a need to pay for the Secretariat contract in another
currency. However all members who were not in a US$ currency area had in fact
experienced an actual reduction in their fees over the last two years. The Treasurer
introduced the income statement of the proposed Budget for 2005 along with notes
to the Budget. There had been a small surplus resulting from the Berlin Annual
Meetings, while revenue from membership subscriptions was slightly up on the
previous year, primarily due to new memberships. A deficit of approximately US
$31500 was being budgeted and this was mostly due to the adverse exchange rate.
This would have the effect of reducing the reserves but the Treasurer felt this would
still leave them at a satisfactory level. The General Assembly extensively discussed
concerns with reducing the reserves and continuing to have deficit budgets, the
need to consider increasing membership subscriptions, costs incurred by IAF in
registering the MLA Mark and how the amount allocated to conducting a Customer
Satisfaction Survey in 2005 should be spent. Following agreement on the Budget
for 2005 the Secretary was instructed to prepare the invoices for the 2005 fees and
send them to members. Members adopted the following resolution -
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IAF Resolution 2004-10 – (Agenda Item 5.2.4) IAF Budget for 2005 - The
General Assembly, approved the IAF Budget for 2005 submitted by the
Treasurer and directs the Board to send invoices for membership fees for
2005 based upon the revised budget amount, in accordance with the
Membership Fees Rules (ref IAF PL4:2004 Issue 3), to all members as quickly
as possible. The budget amount allocated to the Customer Satisfaction
Survey will be expended in cooperation with the Regional Accreditation
Groups under the direction of the Customer Satisfaction Task Group.
Secretarial Note – Invoices for 2005 Membership fees were sent to all IAF
Members on 18 November 2004, with a due date of 1 January 2005.
5.3. Secretary’s Report
5.3.1. The Secretary referred to the official Member List (ref IAF-AM-04-003 Rev2),
listing the names of Members and the authorised Member Representative of each
Member, which was available in the meeting room in accordance with the
requirements of the Bylaws. Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-11 – (Agenda Item 5.3.1) Current Membership - The
General Assembly received the report by the Secretary on the current IAF
membership as at September 2004 (ref IAF-AM-04-003 Rev2).
5.3.2. The Secretary reported that all members had paid their membership fees for
2004 as of the end of April, with the exception of TUNAC (Tunisia) who had been
subsequently suspended.
5.3.3. The Secretary reported on the admission of one new Association Member,
the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and one new
Observer Member, the Central Asian Cooperation on Metrology, Accreditation and
Standardization (CAC-MASQ), since the IAF 17 General Assembly Meeting. Since
his report had been circulated, the ballot concerning the application for membership
by the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) had closed and members
had voted in support of their joining IAF. An application for membership as a
Special Recognition Organisation - Regional Accreditation Group had been
received from the Euro-Asian Council for Standardization, Metrology and
Certification (EASC) in August and the Board had recommended inviting them to
become an Observer Member. Members adopted the following resolutions –
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IAF Resolution 2004-12 – (Agenda Item 5.3.3) New Members - The General
Assembly received the Secretary’s report (ref IAF GA18 Item 5.3) on the
admission to membership since the 2003 Annual Meeting of one new
Association Member (PEFC – Program for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification) and one new Observer Member (CAC-MASQ - the Central Asian
Cooperation on Metrology, Accreditation and Standardization for a 12 month
period).
IAF Resolution 2004-13 – (Agenda Item 5.3.4) Admission of PNAC - The
General Assembly, noting the information provided to it, votes to an extend
invitation to PNAC, the Pakistan National Accreditation Council, to become an
Accreditation Body Member.
Note: PNAC (Pakistan) signed the IAF MoU at a ceremony during the IAFILAC Gala Dinner on 9 October 2004.
5.3.4. The Secretary reported that an application for membership in IAF had been
recently received from the Foundation Sammarinese for Accreditation of Inspection
Body (ESAOCI). The Executive was determining the action which should be taken
with regard to this application and would be arranging a meeting with its leadership.
5.3.5. The Secretary referred to the ballot for the revision of the current complaints
handling procedure, which had closed immediately prior to the Annual Meetings.
The Ballot had been approved and the document would be published as IAF PR
1:2004 Procedure for the Investigation and Resolution of Complaints. The Secretary
informed the meeting that of 15 complaints received since the start of 2002 it had
now been possible to successfully close 12 of these, with the remaining three being
close to finalization. It was noted that it was not possible to deal with complaints
which were anecdotal and did not provide any documented evidence, although it
was felt that it may be useful to take these into account when considering trends.
6.
Committee Reports
6.1. Report of the Technical Committee
6.1.1. Mr Randy Dougherty, Chairman of the Technical Committee (TC), referred to
his report which had been circulated with the papers for the General Assembly. He
paid tribute to his predecessor, Roger Brockway, under whose leadership a number
of significant achievements had been made. In particular were the publications of
the revised guidance for ISO/IEC Guides 61, 62 and 66 and the issue of new
guidance on the application of ISO/IEC 17024 for certification of persons.
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During the week the IAF TC had met and had agreed on a new structure which
would result in the appointment of a number of TC Vice Chairs covering regional
representation, an 18 month transition period for the implementation of the revision
to ISO 14001, joint IAF-ILAC publication of the guidance on ISO 17020 for
inspection with an implementation date of 1 January 2005 and the formation of a
new working group on the accreditation of personnel certification bodies. It was
also agreed that the IAF working group on the application of ISO/IEC 17011 would
be reconstituted to become joint with ILAC, a new working group would be formed
to develop IAF guidance on the application of ISO 19011 for certification and
accreditation, and revisions to the guidance on the application of ISO/IEC Guide 62
and Guide 66 would be initiated to include new guidance on temporary sites. Mr
Dougherty informed the meeting that the TC had proposed that a draft White Paper
entitled "The relationship between ISO 14001 management system conformity
assessments and regulatory compliance" should be circulated to all IAF Members
for comment and that the guidance on the application of ISO/IEC Guide 65 be
circulated for ballot approval. The Members adopted the following resolutions –
IAF Resolution 2004-14 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Report from the Chairman of
the Technical Committee - The General Assembly received with appreciation
the report from the Chairman of the Technical Committee (ref IAF 18 – Item
6.1) and approved the Technical Committee Program.
IAF Resolution 2004-15 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Guidance on the Application
of ISO/IEC 17020 – The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of
the Technical Committee to approve the recommendation of the IAF-ILAC
Joint Working Group on Inspection, resolved that the guidance to be published
in October 2004 become effective from 1 January 2005.
IAF Resolution 2004-16 – (Agenda Item 6.1) IAF Communiqué - The
General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the Technical
Committee, resolved that IAF issue a Communiqué, jointly with ISO, to the
effect that there be a phased transition period of 18 months for implementing
the revision to ISO 14001, following its publication. The 18 month period is to
facilitate the transition during the normal certification cycle.
IAF Resolution 2004-17 – (Agenda Item 6.1) IAF Guidance on the
transition to ISO 14001: 200X - The General Assembly, acting on the
recommendation of the Technical Committee, resolved that the draft IAF
Guidance on the transition to ISO 14001:200X (ref TC/10/04rev1) be
circulated to all IAF Members for approval by 30 day ballot.
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IAF Resolution 2004-18 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Guidance on Temporary Sites
– The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the Technical
Committee, resolved that draft revisions to IAF Guidance on the Application of
ISO/IEC Guide 62 and IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 66,
with new guidance on temporary sites, be circulated to all IAF Members for 60
day comment and subsequent approval by 30 day ballot.
IAF Resolution 2004-19 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Auditing Regulatory
Compliance – The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the
Technical Committee, resolved that the draft white paper entitled “The
relationship between ISO 14001 management system conformity
assessments and regulatory compliance” (ref. TC/30/04), be circulated to all
IAF Members for 60 day comment.
IAF Resolution 2004-20 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Guidance on ISO/IEC 17011 The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the Technical
Committee, resolved that the IAF TC working group developing guidance on
the application of ISO/IEC 17011 be reconstituted as a Task Group under the
Joint IAF-ILAC Management Group for maintenance of the A series
documents, joint training activity for peer evaluators and the development of
guidance on the application of ISO/IEC 17011, but with the IAF members to
the Task Group for guidance on the application of ISO/IEC 17011 being
appointed by, and reporting to, the IAF Technical Committee.
IAF Resolution 2004-21 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Guidance on the Application
of ISO/IEC Guide 65 – The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation
of the Technical Committee, resolved that the draft revision to IAF Guidance
on the Application of ISO/IEC Guide 65 be circulated to all IAF Members for
approval by 30 day ballot.
6.1.2. Dr Nigel Croft, the ISO 9001 Advisory Group (IAG) Co-chair representing
ISO/TC 176, presented the IAG report to the meeting. He explained that the IAG
was a multilateral group focusing on issues affecting the credibility of the ISO 9001
standard and had membership from IAF Accreditation Bodies (AB) and
Certification/Registration Body (CRB) association members, IAF industry members,
ISO/TC 176 representatives, ISO/CASCO Members, IATCA Members and last
meeting representatives from ISO/COPOLCO. Randy Dougherty was the IAG Cochair representing IAF and Mr Graeme Drake of the ISO Central Secretariat was the
IAG Secretary representing ISO/CASCO. The IAG had held three meetings since
the last IAF GA, these being in Bucharest in November 2003 with ISO/TC 176, in
Geneva in March with ISO/CASCO and during this week with IAF. The IAG had
been working on a number of areas including the preparation of a new publication
entitled "ISO 9001 -what does it mean for purchasers?", performance-based
auditing and auditor competence. Many of the IAG’s concerns with the credibility of
certification were currently being addressed in the preparation of the draft standard
ISO 17021, which was at DIS stage.
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Outcomes from the Cape Town meeting included proposals to actively engage
customers of accredited CRBs, recommendations for IAF and CASCO to revisit the
rules for use of marks, and for the IAF TC to prepare guidance on ISO 19011. The
IAG had also proposed that the Auditing Practices Group (APG) address
accreditation practices. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-22 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Report on ISO 9001 Advisory
Group- The General Assembly received with appreciation the report on the
ISO 9001 Advisory Group.
6.1.3. Mr Dougherty informed the meeting that the Auditing Practices Group (APG)
had been formed as a result of the recommendation from the ISO 9001 Advisory
Group (IAG) at the IAF General Assembly held in Berlin in September 2002. The
APG was a joint group with ISO/TC 176 and since its formation had held five
meetings, including the Cape Town meeting during the week. To date the APG had
produced some 20 publications which were available from the ISO website and
could be downloaded free of charge. Access could also be gained from the IAF
website. The IAF TC had appointed Dr Lorenzo Thione of SINCERT as the Coconvener representing IAF to replace Mr Dougherty, following his appointment as
the TC Chairman. The ISO/TC 176 Co-chair was Alex Ezrakhovich of SAI Global.
The APG would next meet in Kuala Lumpur in association with ISO/TC 176 and
following that in Taiwan in February with the IAF TC. As a result of a request from
the IAF TC the APG would undertake the development of guidance on good
auditing practices for accreditation, for auditing of CRB competence and for auditing
of integrated management systems. The Members adopted the following resolution
–
IAF Resolution 2004-23 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Report on Auditing Practices
Group- The General Assembly received with appreciation the report on the
Auditing Practices Group.
IAF Resolution 2004-24 – (Agenda Item 6.1) Accreditation Auditing
Practices – The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the
Technical Committee, resolved to recommend that the work program of the
ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group be expanded to include the development
of papers on good auditing practices for accreditation.
6.2. Report of the MLA Committee
6.2.1. Mr Xiao Jianhua, Chairman of the MLA Committee, provided an update to his
report which have been circulated with the papers for the meeting. The Committee
had reviewed the IAF Strategic Directions and had updated the actions
taken/planned for the areas for which they were responsible. The IAF EMS MLA
and Product MLA would both become operational at the MLA signing ceremony on
9 October.
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As a result of the acceptance of the EA and PAC MLAs the number of signatories
would be 34 ABs and 2 regional groups for the IAF QMS MLA, 27 ABs and 2
regional groups for the IAF EMS MLA and 22 ABs and 2 regional groups for the IAF
Product MLA. Xiao congratulated all new MLA members and thanked the regional
groups for their contributions to activating the new MLAs. The Members adopted
the following resolutions –
IAF Resolution 2004-25 – (Agenda Item 6.2) Report from the Chairman of
the MLA Committee - The General Assembly received with appreciation the
report from the Chairman of the MLA Committee (ref IAF 18 – Item 6.2) and
approved the IAF MLA Work Program.
IAF Resolution 2004-26 – (Agenda Item 6.2) New IAF EMS MLA
Signatories – The General Assembly noted that the IAF MLA Group, on the
recommendation of the MLA MC, has agreed that EA, PAC and SANAS
(South Africa) should be admitted to the IAF EMS MLA.
Notes:
1. ANSI-RAB NAP (United States of America) was accepted to join the IAF
EMS MLA at the IAF 17th Annual Meeting in 2003.
2. The members indicated above for acceptance into the IAF EMS MLA
signed the IAF EMS MLA at a ceremony during the IAF-ILAC Gala Dinner
on 9 October 2004.
IAF Resolution 2004-27 – (Agenda Item 6.2) New IAF EMS MLA
Signatories – The General Assembly noted that, as a consequence of EA or
PAC EMS MLA membership, the accreditation body members BELCERT
(Belgium, EA), BMWA (Austria, EA), CAI (Czech Republic, EA), CNAB (China,
PAC), COFRAC (France, EA), DANAK (Denmark, EA), ema (Mexico, PAC),
DAR / TGA (Germany, EA), ENAC (Spain, EA), FINAS (Finland, EA), INAB
(Ireland, EA), JAB (Japan, PAC), JAS-ANZ (Australia & New Zealand, PAC),
KAB (Korea, PAC), KAN (Indonesia, PAC), NA (Norway, EA), NAC (Thailand,
PAC), RvA (Netherlands, EA), SAS (Switzerland, EA), SCC (Canada, PAC),
SINCERT (Italy, EA), SNAS (Slovakia, EA), SWEDAC (Sweden, EA), TAF
(Chinese Taipei, PAC) and UKAS (United Kingdom, EA), have been accepted
for membership in the IAF EMS MLA.
Note: The members indicated above for acceptance into the IAF EMS MLA
signed the IAF EMS MLA at a ceremony during the IAF-ILAC Gala Dinner on
9 October 2004.
IAF Resolution 2004-28 – (Agenda Item 6.2) New IAF Product MLA
Signatories – The General Assembly noted that the IAF MLA Group, on the
recommendation of the MLA MC, has agreed that EA, PAC, SCC (Canada,
PAC), SANAS (South Africa) and ema (Mexico, PAC) should be admitted to
the IAF Product MLA.
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Notes:
1 JAS-ANZ (Australia & New Zealand) was accepted to join the IAF Product
MLA at the IAF 16th Annual Meeting in 2002.
2 The members indicated above for acceptance into the IAF Product MLA
signed the IAF Product MLA at a ceremony during the IAF-ILAC Gala
Dinner on 9 October 2004.
IAF Resolution 2004-29 – (Agenda Item 6.2) New IAF Product MLA
Signatories – The General Assembly noted that, as a consequence of EA
Product MLA membership, the accreditation body members BELCERT
(Belgium, EA), BMWA (Austria, EA), CAI (Czech Republic, EA), COFRAC
(France, EA), DANAK (Denmark, EA), DAR / DAP, DATech (Germany, EA),
ENAC (Spain, EA), FINAS (Finland, EA), INAB (Ireland, EA), NA (Norway,
EA), RENAR (Romania, EA), RvA (Netherlands, EA), SAS (Switzerland, EA),
SINCERT (Italy, EA), SNAS (Slovakia, EA), SWEDAC (Sweden, EA), and
UKAS (United Kingdom, EA), have been accepted for membership in the IAF
Product MLA.
Note: The members indicated above for acceptance into the IAF Product
MLA signed the IAF Product MLA at a ceremony during the IAF-ILAC Gala
Dinner on 9 October 2004.
IAF Resolution 2004-30 - (Agenda item 6.2) New IAF QMS MLA Signatories
– The General Assembly noted that, as a consequence of EA or PAC QMS
MLA membership, the accreditation body members RENAR (Romania, EA)
and HKAS (Hong Kong, China, PAC), have been accepted for membership in
the IAF QMS MLA.
Note: The members indicated above for acceptance into the IAF QMS MLA
signed the IAF QMS MLA at a ceremony during the IAF-ILAC Gala Dinner on
9 October 2004.
6.2.2. Xiao informed the meeting that in June, with the impending publication of
ISO/IEC 17011, the IAF Executive Committee had formed a Task Group to
coordinate an impact analysis for the new standard. The Task Group had prepared
a survey questionnaire which had been circulated to IAF members during July and
August this year. 28 AB members and one Association member had responded to
the survey with 15 ABs not replying. The questionnaire had asked members to
identify any clauses in the standard which would have an impact for ABs. Of the
responses received 11 members indicated there were no major impacts. In this
respect the Task Group recommended that there was no need for guidance to
ISO/IEC 17011 and that transition should be completed by the beginning of January
2006.
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It was noted that the commitment to ISO/IEC 17011 was an obligation only to MLA
signatories. Mr Drake, the ISO/CASCO Secretary, indicated that CASCO had
formed a group which would provide feedback and interpretations on the meaning
of requirements in ISO/IEC 17011. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-31 – (Agenda Item 6.2) Transition to ISO/IEC 17011 The General Assembly resolved that
- IAF endorses the adoption of ISO/IEC 17011 for IAF use;
- The IAF Accreditation Body Members shall fulfil the requirements of
ISO/IEC 17011 by 1 January 2006;
- The peer evaluations conducted in 2005 by IAF and regional MLA groups
shall be based on ISO/IEC 17011. However, nonconformities shall only
be raised against the corresponding requirements of ISO/IEC Guide 61
as guided by IAF Guidance and other findings against ISO/IEC 17011 will
be raised as concerns;
- The MLA signatories shall be able to demonstrate their compliance with
ISO/IEC 17011 to the regional MLA committees or IAF MLA MC by 1
January 2006;
6.2.3. Xiao referred to IAF Resolution 2003-14 which required that the Guidance on
Cross Frontier Accreditation be implemented by all IAF QMS MLA signatories by 1
May 2004. The IAF Executive Committee had requested that the MLA
Management Committee (MLA MC) conduct a survey to determine, as foreign ABs,
the degree of implementation of the guidance. This was carried out in May and
June 2004 with positive responses from all QMS MLA signatories. A second survey
was conducted in July and August 2004 to obtain additional information from MLA
signatories, as local ABs. The results were analysed by the MLA MC and reported
to the IAF Executive. Following the first survey the Executive had formed the Cross
Frontier Practices Task Group (CFPTG), led by Mr Robert King, to prepare
recommendations on the best practices to be used by ABs to facilitate the
implementation of the guidance. The CFPTG had discussed the results of the
survey and would be recommending a number of actions which would be posted on
the IAF website when finalized. The IAF Co-chair of the Joint Development Support
Committee (JDSC), Ms Verónica Garcia de Solórzano, informed the meeting that
concerns had been raised in the JDSC that the implementation of the Cross Frontier
Policy could create a new barrier to developing ABs. The DSC had requested that
the MLA Committee monitor this to ensure that this possibility did not occur. The
Members adopted the following resolution –
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IAF Resolution 2004-32- (Agenda Item 6.2) Cross Frontier Accreditation The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the MLA Committee,
resolved that the MLA MC, in cooperation with regional MLA groups, shall
evaluate the implementation of the IAF Policy on Cross Frontier Accreditation
by each MLA signatory. The regional MLA groups shall report the progress of
the evaluation/monitoring to the MLA MC for review in June 2005.
6.2.4. Xiao informed the meeting that the current procedure for the investigation
and resolution of complaints had been found to have a number of limitations. The
Procedures Subcommittee had revised the procedure and this had been approved
by ballot which closed in September. It had been agreed that this should now be
published and implemented immediately. The Members adopted the following
resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-33 - (Agenda Item 6.2) Procedure for the
Investigation and Resolution of Complaints – The General Assembly
resolved that the IAF Procedure for the Investigation and Resolution of
Complaints be immediately published and implemented for use.
6.2.5. The IAF-ILAC Joint Working Group on Harmonisation of Peer Evaluation
Processes had finalised the A-Series as follows:
- A1 Requirements for Evaluation of a Regional Group
- A2 Requirements for Evaluation of a Single Accreditation Body
- A3 Key Performance Indicators – A Tool for the Evaluation Process.
These had been circulated for ballot to both IAF and ILAC Members, closing at the
beginning of October. The documents had been approved by members of both IAF
and ILAC. Xiao explained that the Procedures Subcommittee would now carry out a
gap analysis of the current IAF MLA Policies and Procedures document to determine
what specific IAF MLA information needed to be retained. The MLA Committee had
recommended that the JWG be disbanded as it had now completed its work. Xiao
thanked the Co-chairs and members for their excellent work. The Members adopted
the following resolutions –
IAF Resolution 2004-34 – (Agenda Item 6.2) Joint Working Group on
Harmonization of Evaluation Processes – The General Assembly, acting on
the recommendation of the MLA Committee, resolved that the JWG on
Harmonization of Peer Evaluation Processes has successfully completed the
assigned task for the development of harmonized evaluation requirements and
procedures (A-series documents) and should be disbanded. The meeting
expressed its gratitude to the JWG Co-Chairs and members for their excellent
work.
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IAF Resolution 2004-35 – (Agenda Item 6.2) Harmonised Multi-lateral
Mutual Recognition Arrangement Documents - The General Assembly,
acting on the recommendation of the MLA Committee, resolved that the Aseries documents (A1, A2 and A3) become the main part of the IAF MLA P&P
document and be implemented no later than 1 January 2006, noting that
ISO/IEC 17011 should be considered in the implementation of A3.
Note: The A-series requirements for evaluation will be supplemented by the
remaining already approved and currently agreed specific IAF considerations.
The resulting document will be the IAF P&P Issue 4 version 1 which will be
available by the end of 2004.
6.2.6. Two successful training initiatives had been held during the year, the first
being a two-day workshop in Vancouver in February and the second in conjunction
with the Cape Town meetings. The Training Subcommittee had also met during this
week and had prioritised topics for training. It had been proposed that an annual
training workshop should be held adjacent to the IAF Annual Meetings. These will
be held in conjunction with ILAC if appropriate and will seek involvement from the
regional bodies. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-36 (Agenda Item 6.2) Training of Peer Evaluators The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the MLA Committee,
resolved that IAF propose the establishment of a joint IAF-ILAC Training
Group responsible for an annual joint training activity, based primarily on
shared contributions from all regional bodies with the objective of harmonizing
peer evaluations and to facilitate repeated training within the regions.
6.2.7. Xiao explained that the MLA Committee had also considered ways of
conducting joint MLA activities with ILAC. The MLA Committee had agreed that the
existing structure of subcommittees seemed to work well and should not be
changed. It had been proposed that the respective IAF subcommittees should take
responsibility for relevant joint activities with ILAC when required to do so. The
matter of the development of a future Inspection MLA had also been discussed and
it had been recommended that this work should be delegated to the IAF MLA MC.
It had been proposed that joint processes should be developed between IAF and
ILAC for evaluations of inspection bodies and for decisions on signatories for the
MLA on Inspection. During discussion it was suggested that the draft resolution as
proposed by the MLA Committee did not go as far as the original mandate
established two years ago for a joint decision-making process by the two co-owners
of this joint MLA. In this respect an additional recommendation was added as a
final bullet point to the draft resolution. The Members adopted the following
resolution –
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IAF Resolution 2004-37- (Agenda item 6.2) Inspection MLA- The General
Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the MLA Committee, resolved
that
- the work on the Inspection MLA be delegated to the IAF MLA MC;
- the obligations under the Inspection MLA should be managed by using the
existing MLA structures of IAF and ILAC;
- IAF recommends to ILAC to have joint processes for the IAF MLA MC and
ILAC AMC to consider evaluations with regard to accreditation bodies
accrediting inspection bodies, and to develop a single recommendation for
the IAF MLA Group and the ILAC Arrangement Council;
- IAF recommends to ILAC to have joint processes for the IAF MLA Group
and ILAC Arrangement Council for decisions on signatories for the MLA
on inspection body accreditation;
- Additionally, IAF recommends to ILAC, that in reviewing the performance
of these new joint processes , IAF and ILAC give consideration to
establishing a single joint decision making process to complete the
management structure of the jointly owned Inspection MLA/MRA
Arrangement.
6.2.8. Following the above debate on the management structure for the joint
inspection MLA/MRA, a resolution was received from the meeting floor requesting
that the IAF and ILAC Executive Committees consider the establishment of a
common structure for managing all MLAs and MRAs. The draft resolution
requested that a proposal to this effect be submitted to the 2005 IAF General
Assembly. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-38- (Agenda item 6.2) Joint IAF-ILAC Management of
the MLA-MRA - The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of an
EA Member, resolved that the IAF Executive Committee would seek to work
with the ILAC Executive Committee to deliberate on the establishment of a
common IAF-ILAC structure for the management of the whole scope of their
MLAs and MRAs. A proposal shall be prepared and submitted to the 2005 IAF
General Assembly.
6.2.9. A further resolution was received from the meeting floor concerning an
estimate of the costs involved in maintaining the MLAs by IAF and its MLA
Members and the development of a means for measuring the success of these
programs. It was proposed that this should be undertaken by the MLA Committee
together with the IAF Executive and a report provided to the 2005 General
Assembly. The Members adopted the following resolution –
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IAF Resolution 2004-39- (Agenda item 6.2) Cost of MLAs - The General
Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the ITIC and BDI representatives,
resolved that the IAF MLA Committee, working with the IAF Executive
Committee, shall seek to establish an estimate of the annual operating costs
incurred by the IAF and the MLA Members to operate the various MLAs,
including the QMS MLA, EMS MLA, Inspection MLA, and Product MLA. The
General Assembly resolved that the MLA Committee report back to the
General Assembly no later then the IAF 2005 Annual Meeting.
6.3. Report of the Development Support Committee
6.3.1. Ms Verónica Garcia de Solórzano, the IAF Co-Chair of the Joint
Development Support Committee (JDSC), reported that the meeting of the JDSC
had reviewed the results of the Intelligence System for the Accreditation Bodies
Development (ISABD) survey. In May a pre-assessment of DSM (Malaysia) for
EMS had been carried out by evaluators from SCC (Canada) and JAB(Japan). A
format had been developed for obtaining information about the needs on proficiency
testing programs. The JDSC had finalized a travel policy for assessors and/or
technical experts who participated in supporting activities for developing countries,
in order to avoid unexpected expenses. The meeting had also reviewed and
revised the current criteria for IAF funding. It was noted that funding of Registration
Fees for the IAF 18 Annual Meetings had been provided to Indonesia, Mexico and
Thailand. The Chairman informed members that Ms de Solórzano would be
standing down from the Co-Chairmanship of the JDSC following this meeting and
thanked her for her contribution to the significant progress the JDSC had made over
the last three years. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-40 – (Agenda Item 6.3) Development Support
Committee - The General Assembly received with appreciation the report
from the Co-Chair of the Joint Development Support Committee (JDSC),
recognizing the work done by the JDSC in the JCDCMAS, encourages the
continuation of this involvement.
IAF Resolution 2004-41 – (Agenda Item 6.3) Inspection Bodies Survey –
The General Assembly, acting on the recommendation of the JDSC, resolved
that the JWG on Inspection Bodies would conduct a survey on the role of
Proficiency Testing Programs in Inspection Bodies.
IAF Resolution 2004-42 – (Agenda Item 6.3) Implementation of Cross
Frontier Accreditation Policy – The General Assembly, acting on the
recommendation of the JDSC, resolved that the MLA Committee would
monitor the implementation of the IAF Cross Frontier Accreditation Policy to
avoid the possibility of creating a new barrier for developing countries in
achieving the goals of recognition and capacity building, assuring that the
purpose of the Cross Frontier Accreditation Policy will continue to be the
enhancement of the credibility of the accreditation system.
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IAF Open Forum Presentations/Discussions
7.1. IAF Strategic Directions
7.1.1. It was agreed that each of the main committee Chairs had covered how they
intended to meet the objectives of the Strategic Directions in their respective
committee reports.
7.2. Customer Satisfaction Task Group Update
7.2.1. The Convener of the Task Group, Robert King, provided a presentation
covering the first customer satisfaction survey carried out in 2003, the formation of
the Task Group itself and the circulation to the regions earlier in the year of
proposed best practices for comment. Five topics had been identified by the Task
Group viz. that the AB completed the accreditation procedure in a timely manner,
the AB responded quickly to requests for extension to scope, it had open and clear
communications with the CRB, treated the CRB as a valued customer and provided
services that were good value for money. "Best practices" were then developed for
each of these topics. Indications were that these were starting to be implemented
regionally. Additionally some individual ABs were conducting their own customer
satisfaction surveys. The next steps involved continuing to share best practices
with the regions, initiate a dialogue with regional CRB associations and conduct a
further customer satisfaction survey in 2005. Mr King said that this would be
undertaken by using a web portal and the survey questionnaire which IAF had
already paid for. In this respect it was anticipated there would only be a minimal
cost to cover data processing and the results would be free to AB members. A
number of Members commented that the main linkage with CRBs and the market
was at a regional level and the results of the survey would be of much greater value
if the regions were involved in its coordination. This was agreed to and as a
consequence Resolution 2004-10 was amended to indicate the involvement of the
Regional Accreditation Groups.
7.3. Impact Analysis and Transition for ISO/IEC 17011
7.3.1. It was agreed that this had been covered in Agenda Item 6.2 and by
Resolution 2004-31.
7.4. Cross Frontier Accreditation Policy Implementation
7.4.1. It was agreed that this had been covered in Agenda Item 6.2 and by
Resolution 2004-32.
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7.5. Status of MLA Mark Registration and Application
7.5.1. Mr Tom Arnold, the Chairman of the Procedures Subcommittee, explained
that over the last eight months IAF had undertaken a worldwide registration
program for the IAF Logo/MLA Mark. Registration applications had been made in
some 56 countries, primarily using the Madrid and CTM systems (European
Community trademark system). The basic registration covered the oval shape and
the IAF letters, with the option to be able to change the colour and surrounding
words at any time. During this time the general principles for use of the MLA Mark
had been approved and published as IAF ML 2:2004 and a Licensing Agreement
had been developed for the use of the QMS MLA Mark. This covered licences
between IAF and the MLA Signatories and a sublicense agreement for the then
licensed QMS MLA Member and its accredited CRBs. It was understood that since
the release of the Licensing Agreements 9 ABs had been granted licences with one
issuing 16 sublicenses. Mr Arnold said that he would like to be able to contact
various members and seek their assistance if translation of documents was
required.
7.6. Need for MLA for Certification of Persons
7.6.1. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Executive had formed a Task
Group to consider the need for such a MLA. The Executive had received input from
a number of external organisations proposing that IAF develop a Certification of
Persons MLA and the Task Group would now be seeking further views on the value
and benefits this would provide to IAF members and the community. He
understood that the IAF TC had also looked at this matter in parallel and had
formed a Task Group to look at the technical aspects. A number of members were
common to both groups. The Chairman indicated that any other members who
might be interested in participating in either of these groups would be welcome. He
asked for any comments to be forwarded to the Secretary for onward distribution to
the Task Groups. Any recommendations that were prepared would be submitted to
the General Assembly for consideration.
7.7. Future Annual Meetings
7.7.1. The Chairman explained that the IAF-ILAC Joint Committee for Closer
Cooperation (JCCC) had been considering the annual meeting schedule and
whether this could be improved to provide greater participation and better
opportunities for involvement by more members. At the present time the schedules
which had been developed for Bratislava and Cape Town were very similar and the
timing of meetings depended very much on fitting in with the parallel meetings being
held by ILAC.
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As such the JCCC had asked the IAF and ILAC Vice Chairs to conduct a survey of
all IAF and ILAC members to obtain their feedback on the current arrangements
and to provide an opportunity to submit their preferred options. In particular the
survey focused on finding out what members regarded as the advantages and
disadvantages of having joint meetings. The Chairman said that this uncertainty
was the reason why it had not been possible to accept invitations for future Annual
Meetings and why locations had not been able to be confirmed. Some Members
commented that it was not particularly easy to understand the questions in the
survey and as a result the JDSC had invited the IAF Vice Chair, Elva Nilsen, to
assist with an explanation. It was suggested that if any non-English speaking
members had any difficulties they should contact the IAF Co-Chair of the JDSC,
Verónica Garcia de Solórzano, for assistance. The Chairman urged members to
complete the questionnaire and return it to the Secretary, emphasizing that the
JCCC was seeking the views of all IAF and ILAC members.
7.8. Issues for discussion at the Joint General Assemblies
7.8.1. The Chairman said that the JCCC had proposed the formation of a new joint
management group to be responsible for the preparation of guidance to ISO/IEC
17011, for joint training activities and for undertaking the maintenance of
harmonised procedures. He indicated that this may mean more than one group
was required to do this. Xiao Jianhua said that the MLA Committee had discussed
this and had proposed a different subcommittee or task group to cover each activity
e.g. the Training Subcommittee, the TC Task Group preparing guidance on ISO/IEC
17011. He said that while this may be slightly different from the JCCC proposal it
was possible to work with this structure.
The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-43 – (Agenda Item 7) IAF Open Forum – The General
Assembly received with appreciation the presentations and status reports
provided by Committee Chairmen and Conveners on the IAF Strategic
Directions, Customer Satisfaction Task Group, impact analysis and transition
for ISO/IEC 17011, implementation of the Cross Frontier Accreditation Policy,
status of the IAF MLA Mark registration and applications, the need for a MLA
for Certification of Persons and Future Annual meetings.
8.
8.1.
International Liaisons
ISO
8.1.1. As the ISO report was relevant to both IAF and ILAC it had been agreed that
it would be presented by the ISO/CASCO Secretary, Mr Drake, to the Joint IAFILAC General Assemblies meeting on 10 October.
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8.1.2. The Chairman referred to the correspondence which had taken place
between ISO and IAF in August concerning unacceptable certification practices. Mr
Drake in noting that the letters had been circulated to the IAF membership, said that
the IAF response had been both helpful and informative and the ISO Council had
received it with appreciation. He indicated that the use of management system
marks on products and continuing references to the obsolete ISO 9001:1994
standard were of concern to ISO and it was timely to take collective action to correct
these unsatisfactory market practices. ISO did receive information on the activities
of some CRBs whose practices under foreign ABs were less than acceptable, but
he felt that the implementation of the Cross Frontier Accreditation Policy should help
to improve this situation. ISO, in its letter to IAF, had avoided providing written
examples as it did not feel its role was to be an international policeman in this
matter. However ISO would do all it could to support IAF in this regard. In addition
it would endeavour to make the standards sufficiently rigorous wherever necessary.
In discussion it was agreed that it was important to work together as both
organisations had responsibilities to the community, IAF could play a role in policing
accredited certification but would not carry any weight in the unaccredited area, it
was difficult to deal in generalities, and while specific examples were difficult to
obtain, if this was possible they should be submitted to the IAF-ILAC-ISO JWG.
The resolution of such instances might provide a useful lead to others. In
conclusion it was agreed that ISO and IAF should attempt to work more
cooperatively on these matters in the interests of improving the image and integrity
of conformity assessment and of establishing good long-term harmonious relations.
8.1.3. Dr Nigel Croft, the ISO/TC 176 liaison representative to IAF, presented the
ISO/TC 176 report on behalf of the ISO/TC 176 Committee. One of the key items in
the ISO/TC 176 long-term strategic plan for 2000 to 2010 was to "support the
integrity of TC 176 products when used in conformity assessment". Dr Croft drew
attention to the ISO/TC 176 Working Group on Interpretations (WGI) which had
processed over 40 requests for interpretations on ISO 9001. Interpretations which
had been balloted and approved by ISO/TC 176 were now available on their
website. To enhance cooperation with both ISO/CASCO and IAF, ISO/TC 176 had
formed a Conformity Assessment Liaison Group (CALG). A number of initiatives
had been taken to promote collaboration on conformity assessment and these
included ISO/TC 176’s active participation in the ISO 9001 Advisory Group (IAG),
distribution of a Communiqué to encourage similar initiatives at local and regional
levels, as well as the intention to hold an open Forum to provide feedback at the
next ISO/TC 176 Plenary in Kuala Lumpur in November.
8.1.4. The report on CASCO activities was presented by the CASCO Secretary, Mr
Drake, to the Joint IAF-ILAC General Assemblies meeting.
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8.2. IATCA
8.2.1. Mr Iain Muir, the Vice Chairman of IATCA, presented a report on recent
developments and future directions. These included a proposed change in name to
International Personnel Certification Association (IPC), the registration and transfer
of its Secretariat to Greece and changes in its structure and governance. Full
membership of IPC would be available only to personnel certification bodies
accredited by IAF and to an IPC approved scheme. Associate members would
consist of associations of organisations concerned with personnel certification and
training, while observer membership would be available on a non-voting basis to
organisations or associations which had an interest in personnel certification. Mr
Muir said that IPC would support an IAF MLA for ISO 17024. IPC intended to be
represented at relevant international forums including ISO/CASCO and IAF and in
this respect proposed applying to IAF for association membership once its
restructuring was completed. It was intended that all IPC members would have to
be accredited to ISO/IEC 17024 by an IAF member by September 2006. Mr Muir
indicated that there were quite a number of challenges being faced by IPC and
support from IAF would be appreciated. The Chairman said that IAF would
welcome the membership application from IPC and would also welcome its input on
the need for a MLA.
8.3. Telecommunications Industry, QuEST Forum
8.3.1. The report on the QuEST Forum activities, which was circulated prior to the
meeting as GA18_83, was received with appreciation by the General Assembly.
8.4. Aerospace Industry
8.4.1. The report from Randy Dougherty, the IAF liaison representative, on the
International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) activities, which was circulated prior
to the meeting as GA18_84, was received with appreciation by the General
Assembly.
8.5. Food Industry
8.5.1. The Chairman said that the food industry had approached IAF some years
previously and had requested a tool which could be used for food accreditation.
They had asked IAF to provide a product MLA for GFSI (Global Food Safety
Initiative). The food safety sector scheme accreditation had in fact been a pilot for
the Product MLA which had now become operational.
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8.6. UNFCCC
8.6.1. Mr Kai-Uwe Schmidt of UNFCCC provided an update report on recent
developments. Eight new applications had been received since the last IAF
General Assembly, bringing to a total of 26 applications under scrutiny. In MarchApril 4 companies had been accredited as meeting the requirements of the
UNFCCC’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Mr Schmidt said that the Board
welcomed applications from assessors with auditor experience from any region. If
developing countries were interested in becoming involved they would be welcomed
but unfortunately there was no funding support available. Mr Drake, the
ISO/CASCO Secretary, informed members that last year ISO/TC 207 and
ISO/CASCO had started the preparation of a new international standard for the
verification of greenhouse gases. He understood that the UNFCCC was aware of
this work and hoped that it might be used as a basis for validation of ABs. The
Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-44 – (Agenda Item 8) Liaison Reports to IAF – The
General Assembly received with appreciation the following liaison reports:
- ISO/IEC report presented on behalf of the Secretary General of ISO;
- ISO/TC 176 report presented on behalf of the Chairman of ISO/TC 176 (ref
GA18_811);
- ISO/IEC CASCO report presented on behalf of the Chairman of ISO/IEC
CASCO;
- IATCA report presented on behalf of the Chairman of IATCA (ref GA18_82A
& B);
- QuEST Forum report presented on behalf of the Chairman of the QuEST
Forum (ref GA18_83);
- IAQG report presented on behalf of the Chairman of IAQG (ref GA18_84);
and
- UNFCCC report presented on behalf of the Chairman of UNFCCC.
8.7. UNIDO
8.7.1. The Chairman referred to the joint MoU with UNIDO and ILAC, which
proposed closer cooperation with both organisations. No comments were received
on the MoU.
Secretarial Note - The Joint IAF-ILAC-UNIDO MoU was signed at a ceremony at the
commencement of the Joint IAF-ILAC General Assemblies meeting on 10 October
2004.
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8.8. Accreditation in other Industry Sectors
8.8.1. No further reports on accreditation in other industry sectors were presented
to the General Assembly.
8.9. Other Liaisons
8.9.1. No further liaison reports were presented to the General Assembly.
9.
Election of Directors
9.1.1. The Chairman informed the meeting that the term of office of the Vice Chair,
Ms Elva Nilsen, had concluded at this General Assembly. In accordance with the
IAF Bylaws nominations had been sought for the position of Vice Chair. Ms Nilsen
had indicated she would be prepared to serve for a further three-year term as Vice
Chair. No other nominations had been received and it gave him great pleasure to
announce that Ms Nilsen (SCC) had been elected unopposed as Vice Chair for a
three-year period. The Chairman explained that the term of office of the IAF
Director, Ms Verónica Garcia de Solórzano (ema), representing Accreditation Body
Members located in low and medium income economies, as designated by the
World Bank, had also concluded at this General Assembly. The Secretary informed
the meeting that nominations for this position had been requested with only one
nomination being received, from Mr Girdhar Gyani (NABCB). In accordance with
the IAF Bylaws an election was therefore not required. The Members adopted the
following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-45 – (Agenda Item 9) Election of Directors - The
General Assembly congratulated the following Directors on their election:
Ms Elva Nilsen (SCC) elected unopposed as Vice Chair for a three year term
ending at the 2007 Annual Meeting.
Mr Girdhar Gyani (NABCB) elected unopposed as Director representing
Accreditation Body Members located in a low and medium income economy,
as designated by the World Bank, for a three year term ending at the 2007
Annual Meeting.
Notes:
1. Dr Thomas Facklam (DAR) will complete his term as Chairman, ending at
the 2006 Annual Meeting.
2. Mr Anthony Craven (JAS-ANZ) elected as Director representing
Accreditation Body Members located in a high income economy, as
designated by the World Bank, for a three year term ending at the 2006
Annual Meeting.
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3. Mr Dale Misczynski (ITIC) will complete his term as Director representing
the Industry and User Association Members, ending at the 2005 Annual
Meeting.
4. Mr Sandy Sutherland (IIOC) will complete his term as Director
representing Certification/Registration Body Association Members, ending
at the 2005 Annual Meeting.
10.
Other Business
10.1.1. The Secretary reported that there had been no submissions received from
Members and no other matters for discussion had been raised.
11.
Review of Resolutions
11.1.1. The draft Resolutions were reviewed by the meeting. Comments were
expressed with regard to draft Resolutions 2004-05, 2004-09, 2004-10, 2004-20,
2004-31, 2004-35, 2004-36, 2004-37, 2004-38, 2004-39, 2004-41 and 2004-47. As
a result of discussions these were amended to the satisfaction of the members
present and approved.
Secretarial Note: The resolutions recorded in these minutes are the final approved
Resolutions.
11.1.2. The Chairman confirmed with the Secretary that a draft Communiqué
would be prepared and circulated to members for information as soon as possible
after the meeting.
12.
Future Annual Meetings
12.1. 2005 Annual Meeting, Auckland, New Zealand
12.1.1. The Chairman said that as previously advised an invitation had been
received from International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ) for the 2005 Annual
Meetings of both IAF and ILAC to be held in Auckland, New Zealand. This invitation
had been accepted some years ago. In order to enable IANZ to go ahead and
make appropriate arrangements the JCCC had proposed that the meeting schedule
as used in Bratislava and Cape Town be continued in Auckland, except for minor
modifications where required. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-46 – (Agenda Item 12.2) Invitation for the 2005
Annual Meeting - The General Assembly accepted with appreciation the
invitation by IANZ to hold the 2005 Annual Meeting in Auckland, New Zealand,
from September 11 to 21, 2005, in association with the ILAC General
Assembly.
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12.2. Future Annual Meetings
12.2.1. The Chairman reminded Members, as indicated earlier, that the JCCC was
undertaking a full review of members’ views as to what they wanted from future
Annual Meetings. As such it had not been possible to confirm the acceptance of a
number of invitations which had already been received. Ms de Solórzano informed
the meeting that her organisation, ema, was one of these invitations and they
understood the difficulty being faced by the JCCC. Ms de Solórzano said that ema
would be happy to host a joint IAF-ILAC Annual Meeting in 2006, if it was decided to
continue holding Joint Annual Meetings. However, if this was not the case, ema
would still be happy to host an IAF only Annual Meeting. The Chairman asked the
meeting if there were any objections to accepting the invitation from ema on this
basis, and none were forthcoming. It was agreed that the 2006 Annual Meeting for
IAF, whether joint or not with ILAC, would be held at a venue and time to be advised
by ema. The Chairman thanked Ms de Solórzano for her understanding in this
regard. The Secretary said that when the decision was made as to the format of
future Annual Meetings he would be able to respond to the written invitations which
had already been received, but would do so in the order of receipt. Dr Riahy of IAS
said that his organisation would be pleased to host an IAF Annual Meeting at any
time in the future. The Chairman thanked IAS for its kind invitation and emphasized
that this and other invitations would be considered in the order in which they were
received. The Members adopted the following resolution –
IAF Resolution 2004-47 – (Agenda Item 12.2) Invitations for Future IAF
Annual Meetings - The Annual Meeting, noting that it had accepted the
following invitation:
IANZ invitation to hold the 2005 Annual Meeting in Auckland, New Zealand in
September 2005, in association with the ILAC General Assembly;
invites other members to offer to host the Annual Meetings of IAF and ILAC in
years after 2005.
13.
Close
13.1.1. The Chairman, on behalf of all IAF Members, thanked SANAS, the hosts
for the 2004 Annual Meetings. Not only had the meeting arrangements been
excellent and the staff extremely helpful, but the social functions which had been
provided had been very enjoyable. He thanked the SANAS Organizing Committee
for all the hard work which had gone to making the meeting such a success, in
particular expressing special appreciation to Sean MacCurtain.
13.1.2. The Chairman thanked all delegates for their continuing efforts and input in
making this a most productive meeting.
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13.1.3. The Chairman wished all delegates a safe journey home and closed the
meeting.
End of minutes of IAF 18 – October 2004
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Annex 1
IAF 18 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETING – CAPE TOWN OCTOBER 2004
List of Participants
Name
Organisation
Anthony Craven
JAS-ANZ (Australia)
Gunter Friers
BMWA (Austria)
Norbert Mueller
BMWA (Austria)
Bruno Buts
BELAC (Belgium)
Orlando Bandeira
INMETRO (Brazil)
Elizabeth Cavalcanti
INMETRO (Brazil)
Marcia de Barros
INMETRO (Brazil)
Heliane Fonseca
INMETRO (Brazil)
Gilles Beland
CEA (Canada)
Joan Brough-Kerrebyn
SCC (Canada)
Elva Nilsen
SCC (Canada) and IAF Vice
Chairman
Ana Maria Coro
INN (Chile)
Yue Chen
CNAB (China)
Xiao Jianhua
CNAB (China) and PAC Chairman
Xiaohong Liu
CNAB (China)
Hongjan Mu
CNAB (China)
Jing Wu
CNAB (China)
Sheng Chun Zhang
CNAB (China)
Badal Milan
CAI (Czech Republic)
Jiri Ruzicka
CAI (Czech Republic)
Vagn Andersen
DANAK (Denmark)
Jasper Hoy
DANAK (Denmark)
Leena Tikkanen
FINAS (Finland)
Daniel Pierre
COFRAC (France) and EA
Chairman
Patrick Reposeur
COFRAC (France)
Gunther Beer
BDI (Germany)
Kuut Ziegler
DAP (Germany)
Monika Wloka
DAR (Germany)
Thomas Facklam
DAR/TGA (Germany) and IAF
Chairman
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Organisation
Hans-Ulrich Mittmann
DAR (Germany)
Josef Peters
TUV Rheinland (Germany)
Tommy Fung
HKAS (Hong Kong, China)
Wang Wah Wong
HKAS (Hong Kong, China)
Rozsa Ring
NAT (Hungary)
Sunarya
KAN (Indonesia)
Suprapto
KAN (Indonesia)
Venkataram Balakrishnan
NABCB (India)
Girdhar Gyani
NABCB (India)
Mehdi Hadavi
IAS (Iran)
Behrooz Riahy
IAS (Iran)
Tom Dempsey
NAB (Ireland)
Lorenzo Thione
SINCERT (Italy)
Shinichi Iguchi
JAB (Japan)
Yuichiro Isu
JAB (Japan)
Tetsuro Kawaberi
JAB (Japan)
Takeo Iwamoto
JACB (Japan)
Haru Uchida
JACB (Japan)
Takao Ogawa
JACB (Japan)
Noboru Inaba
JASC (Japan)
Fuchigami Yoshihiro
JASC (Japan)
Shereen Al-Abbadi
JISM (Jordan)
Halaseh Lina
JISM (Jordan)
Ola Zawati
JISM (Jordan)
Woo-Ki Baek
KAB (Korea)
Yang Whan Jeong
KAS (Korea)
Gyung Ihm Rhyu
KAS (Korea)
Mah Lok Abdullah
DSM (Malaysia)
Shaharul Sadri Alwi
DSM (Malaysia)
Veronica Garcia de Solorzano
ema (Mexico)
Retha Du Randt
MED (New Zealand)
1Jos Leferink
RVA (Netherlands)
Gro Rodland
NA (Norway)
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Organisation
Abdul Rashid Khan
PNAC (Pakistan)
Ismat Gul Khattak
PNAC (Pakistan)
Karol Hauptmann
PCA (Poland)
Daniela-Elana Clejanu
RENAR (Romania)
Ion Hohan
RENAR (Romania)
Kwei Fern Chang
SAC (Singapore)
Kim Chua Phua
SAC (Singapore)
Marian Weidlich
SNAS (Slovakia)
Bostjan Godec
SA (Slovenia)
Gideon Amakali
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Davlin Chokazinga
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Henson Dlamini
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Robin Gopee
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Dennis Juta
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Riundja Ali Kaakunga
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Viki Mbuya Kanama
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Francis Karani
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Motjoka Makara
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Charles Malata-Chirwa
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Cyprian Mokhoro
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Keeper Morgan
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Gracious Mudenda
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Maureen Mutasa
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Beatriz Mutabazi
SADCA Chair (Southern Africa)
Nteema Muzandu
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Dominic Mwakangale
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Carmo Adriano Dos Santos
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Gabriella Rebello Da Silva
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Teodora Lourenco Silva
SADCA (Southern Africa)
Marie Chilcott
SANAS (South Africa)
Wendy De Cruz
SANAS (South Africa)
Ron Josias
SANAS (South Africa)
Josef Kalas
SANAS (South Africa)
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Organisation
Sean MacCurtain
SANAS (South Africa)
Elsie Meintjies
SANAS (South Africa)
John Peart
SANAS (South Africa)
Monica Peart
SANAS (South Africa)
Paulo Pereira
SANAS (South Africa)
Dieter Tillwick
SANAS (South Africa)
Anna-Marie Lotter
Department of Trade and Industry
(South Africa)
Elsabe Steyn
Department of Trade and Industry
(South Africa)
Ignacio Pina
ENAC (Spain)
Beatriz Rivera
ENAC (Spain)
Lars Ettarp
SWEDAC (Sweden)
Hans-Eric Holmqvist
SWEDAC (Sweden)
Peter Kronvall
SWEDAC (Sweden)
Katarina Wenell
SWEDAC (Sweden)
Hanspeter Ischi
SAS (Switzerland)
Jean-Pierre Jaunin
SAS (Switzerland)
Meng Tsung Chen
TAF (Chinese Taipei)
Vivi Hsiek
TAF (Chinese Taipei)
Yuh-Guang Jin
TAF (Chinese Taipei)
Nigel Jou
TAF (Chinese Taipei)
1Wanji Yang
TAF (Chinese Taipei)
Kittiphong Jalitthikul
NAC (Thailand)
Prasong Prayongpetch
NAC (Thailand)
Atakan Basturk
TUKAK (Turkey)
Emre Sezer
TUKAK (Turkey)
Hoang Duong
VICAS (Vietnam)
Tat Thang Ho
VICAS (Vietnam)
Sandy Sutherland
IIOC (United Kingdom)
Philip Shaw
UKAS (United Kingdom)
Paul Stennett
UKAS (United Kingdom)
Graham Talbot
UKAS (United Kingdom)
Randy Dougherty
ANSI-RAB NAP (USA)
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Organisation
Lane Hallenbeck
ANSI-RAB NAP (USA)
Robert King
ANSI-RAB NAP (USA)
Scott Richter
ANSI-RAB NAP (USA)
Thomas Arnold
IAAR (USA)
Iain Muir
IATCA
Roger Brockway
IFIA (World)
Graeme Drake
ISO (World)
Nigel Croft
ISO/TC 176
Alfred Malina
ITIC (USA)
Dale Misczynski
ITIC (USA)
Hans Buser
IQNet(World)
Alex Ezrakhovich
IQNet (World)
Belinda Mort
PAC Secretary
Abdou Seyni
UEMOA
Kai-Uwe Barani Schmidt
UNFCCC
Beer Budoo
UNIDO
Otto Loesener
UNIDO
John Owen
IAF Secretary
Apologies –
Jules De Windt
BELCERT (Belgium)
Ri Kwang Ho
NAA (North Korea)
Cirila Botor
BPS (Philippines)
Lubomir Sutek
SNAS (Slovakia)
Henri Pierre Salle
IAAR (USA)
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