Frequently Asked Questions

Certification is a third-party attestation (per ISO/IEC 17000) confirming that products, processes, systems, or persons meet specified requirements. Common certifications include:

• Management Systems: ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), ISO 45001 (Safety), ISO 22000 (Food Safety).
• Product Schemes: Kosher, FSSC 22000, GLOBALG.A.P. IFA, Halal SMIIC 1:2019.
• Personnel: ISO/IEC 17024:2012-compliant certifications for auditors and GHG validators.

An accredited body is a conformity assessment body (CAB) that has been independently evaluated to meet ISO/IEC standards (e.g., 17021, 17065, 17024). Accredited bodies like CAS:

• Are recognized for competence and impartiality.
• Can operate in sectors like management systems, products, or personnel certification.
• Include private or government entities (e.g., EGAC, IAF).

An accreditation body (AB) is an authoritative entity that assesses and accredits CABs. Examples include:

• IAF: Oversees management systems, products, and personnel certification.
• ILAC: Manages laboratory and inspection accreditation.
• EGAC/EOS: National accreditation bodies in Egypt.

Accreditation is the independent evaluation of CABs (like CAS) to ensure they meet international standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17021:2015 for management systems). It:

• Builds trust in certifications (e.g., ISO 9001, Halal).
• Is voluntary but critical for global recognition.

Conformity assessment ensures products, services, or systems meet specified standards (e.g., ISO 22003-1:2022 for food safety). It includes:

• Testing, inspection, certification, and validation.
• Key for consumer confidence in complex industries like healthcare or agriculture.

Accredited bodies like CAS:

• Follow strict ISO/IEC standards (e.g., 17024 for personnel, 17065 for products).
• Provide globally recognized certifications (e.g., IAF, EGAC, EOS).
• Reduce risks of non-compliance with regulations or retailer requirements.