A Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) that is accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) will carry one of the SAC accreditation marks. Accredited reports or certificates issued by the CAB will bear the SAC mark along with the accreditation number.
SAC’s accreditation schemes and registration programmes:
SAC also organises training courses relating to accreditation, such as scheme-specific conformity requirements, technical and management skillsets, and updates on international requirements.
For more information on SAC accreditation schemes, click here.
As there may be other activities or services offered by CABs that may not be accredited by SAC, ensure that the specific scope of activity conducted is covered under SAC’s accreditation programme. CABs are only allowed to issue SAC-accredited reports for tests, calibrations, inspections or accredited certificates within their respective scope of accreditation.
To search for a suitable SAC-accredited CAB for your business needs, click here.
There have been instances whereby businesses’ procurement documents specify for both consultancy (e.g. training, pre-audit preparation) and conformity assessment services (e.g. audit and certification of a quality management systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 14001) to be provided by the same service provider. Such a practice contravene international practices as there may be potential conflicts of interest, as consultants, having trained and advised a company, would be in a difficult position to not certify the company even if it does not meet the certification requirements.
Although calling one tender for both consultancy and certification services may appear more efficient, it may jeopardise the appointed certification body’s accreditation status. This in turn means that the procurer’s certification may be deemed invalid.
The correct manner will be to specify consultancy and training services, and audit and certification services as two distinct scopes if both are to be covered in the same procurement request. Different service providers can thus bid for specific services.