Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity(SDoC) and Standardization

Michel de VecchisDirector, StandardizationTelecom Product Division

Cables & Components Sector

I.T. Symposium, Geneva, 16th July 1999.

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SDoC and Standardization

• Reduction of Technical Barriers to Trade

– One Standard : the International Standard– One Test : the Mutual Recognition Agreement– Simple and reliable certification : the Supplier’s

Declaration of Conformity

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One Standard

• Use of International Standards every time it is possible (ISO, IEC, ITU)

– International Standards are the only ones which are recognized globally

– They result from world-wide consensus– They normally offer the best available

technology

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One Standard (2)

• International Standards are not used similarly everywhere; they have different acceptance levels:

– recommendations only in some countries– mandatory for application in Europe

(consequence of Vienna and Dresden agreements)

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One Standard (3)

• International Standards are sometimes not applied :

– ISO Metric System

• A common status is needed to avoid distortions

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One Test

• One shot testing with mutual recognition agreements is the most efficient way to achieve a global circulation of products

– Multiple testing does not add value to a product– Multiple testing adds costs

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One Test (2)

• Fair and non-discriminatory implementation of mutual recognition agreements is needed

– Non recognition of accreditation bodies of the other party will jeopardize the concept

– Global circulation of products is not possible if everybody does not accept the same rules

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SDoC

• Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity

– Must be reliable to create confidence– Liability of the manufacturer : normally always

valid, but not the same everywhere– Black sheep should be easily eliminated

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SDoC (2)

• What is a reliable SDoC ?

– Must be the same for similar products when issued by two manufacturers A and B in two countries X and Y, whatever A, B, X, Y are

– Consequently, detailed conditions are linked to the status of the market

• The sector approach is necessary

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SDoC (3)

• How to insure a fair and safe use of SDoC ?

– Manufacturer liability needs to be harmonized world-wide

– False SDoCs should be severely punished

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SDoC (4)

• In summary what should be done to create good SDoC’s ?

– Requirements should be defined sector by sector, based on market status

– Manufacturer liability should be harmonized world-wide

– Market surveillance should be insured to detect black sheep