The following situation is the case:
A group of independent companies is brought together for the purpose of multi-site product certification (in schemes often called “umbrella” or “group” certification). The scheme includes requirements for a supporting management system and refers to IAF MD 1 for umbrella” or “group” certification purposes.
Given the answer on Question 44.10 where it is confirmed that:
- for group certification (or certification under an umbrella of one organization) that there are no requirements given in the EN ISO/IEC 17065.
- that requirements for certification under an umbrella of one organization must be laid down into a scheme to make this possible .
- that for the requirements for the supporting management system the IAF MD 1 must be referenced to into the scheme.
Given the text as mentioned in IAF MD 1:2023 (1. scope):
This document shall not be used for situations where independent organizations are collected together by another independent organization (e.g. consulting company or an artificial organization) under the umbrella of a single management system.
Does the EA CC agree that so called umbrella or group certification is not possible for independent companies or organizations that have no link other than being brought together for the purpose of umbrella or group/multi-site certification for product certification (not only management system certification) if a scheme includes management system requirements and IAF MD 1 is applicable/referred to in the scheme?
September 2023
Yes, EA CC agrees. To be consistent with the answer to question 44.10 and the requirements of IAF MD 1, umbrella and group certification of such organizations is not eligible.