Foreword
In the last few years the field of product safety testing and conformity certification has undergone significant changes. Deregulation has abolished compulsory certification and the global market has increased the demand for certification. Testing and certification have become business activities and a number of profit making companies have decided to enter and invest in this field. Currently, Certification Bodies are facing increased competition among themselves, therefore it is imperative that individuals and organizations who strongly believe in the inherent value of high quality product safety testing and conformity certification be vigilant in taking all the necessary and possible actions to ensure that the achievements of the past decades are not undermined in blind pursuit of profits.
Thanks to the first concrete step initiated by several of the leading Certification Bodies participating in the IECEE-CB Scheme the Certification Management Committee of the IECEE has agreed on the adoption of the following "Code of Ethics".
Code of Ethics applicable to a Product Safety Certification Organization
Overview
A product safety certification organization's reputation for unquestionable integrity is one of its most valuable assets in its relationships with customers, employees, partners, subcontractors, regulators, the communities in which it operates, and national and international members of the safety systems in which it participates. Product safety certification organizations should always conduct all activities to comply with the highest ethical and legal standards and principles.
All employees and individuals representing the organization shall conform to these standards and principles in performing their duties. Ethical principles are not intended to provide specific guidance for every business activity, but rather to provide guidelines. Where an Ethics Code is specific, it should be followed to the letter and where not specific, employees should consider and follow the spirit of the Code.
Violation of an Ethics Code shall be taken seriously by the organization and typically result in a range of disciplinary actions, including immediate termination.
Key Principles
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1. Social Responsibilities
The organization shall conduct its business in a manner that is socially responsible. Safety cannot be compromised! Thoroughness and reliability (i.e., precision testing and accuracy of the laboratory equipment, comprehensive engineering evaluation, etc.) shall be an integral part of certification operations.
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2. Highest Moral, Legal and Ethical Standards
The organization shall conduct its affairs in keeping with the highest moral, legal, and ethical standards - keeping in mind its mandate of testing for public safety. Only high-level scientific and ethical compliance verification is acceptable.
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3. Honesty
Honesty shall not be subject to compromise. Even where laws or safety standards may be permissive, the certification organization shall follow the course of action that will result in maintaining the integrity of the entire certification process. Evaluation and testing of products, follow-up services, or market surveillance shall not be compromised. The requirements and their intent in safety standards shall be fully applied and never compromised.
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4. Conflicts of Interest
Independence of the organization, its employees, and representatives is critical. An employee's position with the organization must never be used, directly or indirectly, for private gain or to obtain favors, or for personal benefits for a family member or for any other person. An employee's actions and relationships must be in such a manner as to avoid even the appearance of compromise in performance of duties.. Employees, representatives, and their family members are not to become involved with clients, vendors, competitors, or others in any manner which might influence company decisions or actions.
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5. Compliance with the Applicable Laws
The organization shall fully comply with all the applicable laws and regulations that govern its operations in the various communities and countries where it carries out its business.
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6. Preservation of Free Enterprise and Fair Competition
As in all industries and businesses, it is important to preserve free enterprise and fair competition among product safety certification organizations. Under antitrust laws, competitors may not hold discussions or enter into arrangements among themselves concerning prices for services or other competitive policies and practices. It is vital that competition does not cause certification organizations to compromise the quality and thoroughness of their product evaluation and testing, follow-up services, and market surveillance.
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