1. Train and educate staff in the workings and operation of the system and test the procedures that have been developed. Education and training are key determinants in making sure that people follow procedures. Complete the appropriate documentation, take corrective action seriously and provide timely and accurate information. Some companies supplement training plans by recognizing personal involvement: for example, performance rewards.

2. Arrange for a pre-assessment of the system to be carried out by a suitably qualified person.

3. Consult the list of accredited certification bodies and carry out a supplier audit of them. It is important to establish the scope of the certification body’s approval powers and its fee structure.

4. Apply to the chosen body; in response it will send an information pack. Upon completion of the necessary forms, the certification body will provide a quotation and details of fees. After entering into a contract, the appropriate documentation (including the quality manual) is then sent to the certification body to check compliance against the standard. The body will want to see proof that the quality system has been in effective operation for six months.

5. If the documentation addresses the standard adequately some certification bodies proceed to the on-site assessment for a preliminary review. At this stage. the company is able to make appropriate system modifications and establish corrective action to take account of the assessors initial findings and comments.

6. The formal assessment. involves an in-depth appraisal of the organization’s procedures for compliance with the appropriate part of the standard. This is carried out by a small team of independent assessors appointed by the certification body and under the supervision of a registered lead assessor. The assessors should be familiar with the organization’s field of activity. If the assessors discover a deviation from the

20-SCL-194

• ‘Deemed public companies’ under Companies Act, 1956 on the basis of its average annual turnover criterion raised to Rs. 25 crores (Previously 10 crores).

20-SCL-195

• Companies to disclose in their balance sheet the name of SSI undertakings to whom the company owes a sum exceeding Rs. 1 lakh which is outstanding for more than 30 days.

20-SCL-196

• Tax Audit Forms (reports) form no. 3CA, 3CB and 3CD revised/modified.

104-Taxman-144(st.)

• SSI Units can pay excise duty on monthly basis.

108-ELT-A156,T29

• Factories paying over Rs. 5 crores excise can keep private records.

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US$-Rs.

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7755 (28.05.99)

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4170 (28.06.99)

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7780 (28.06.99)

43.36(28.06.99)

Step wise ……..

Requirements or identify any non-compliance with the documented procedures, a discrepancy report is made.

7. On completion of the assessment, a recommendation is made for registration by the certifying body. The recommendation can be for unqualified registration, qualified registration or for non-registration. Any non compliance with the appropriate part of the standard must be rectified, before approval is given.

8. Once registered the certification bodies have a system of routine surveillance. Frequency varies but is generally twice a year. Visits may be unannounced.

9. Registration usually covers a fixed period of three years, subject to the regular surveillance visits, after which a quality system reassessment is made; the reassessment interval tends to vary with the certification body.

(It may be noted that there is some variation in the structure of the assessment carried out by various certification bodies).