The basis on which ASCB operates
Prospective applicants, accredited bodies and the buyers who rely on accredited certificates are entitled to a clear statement of the basis on which ASCB operates. The following is ASCB's published position, from ASL(G)32, ASCB Authority, International Guidance.
The authority under which Accreditation Service for Certifying Bodies LLC (ASCB) operates arises solely from the contractual relationship between ASCB and the organizations that engage its accreditation services.
ASCB operates as an independent, non-governmental accreditation body. It is not established, appointed, licensed, or endorsed by any national government, statutory authority, or intergovernmental organization, unless expressly stated in writing by ASCB. No statutory, legislative, or governmental authority is implied or claimed beyond that which ASCB holds under private commercial law.
Using ASCB accreditation
Organizations accredited by ASCB provide certification and other conformity assessment services to public and private sector clients worldwide. The recognition and acceptance of accreditation varies by jurisdiction, sector, regulatory framework and procurement scheme, and ASCB does not determine how accreditation is recognized for statutory, regulatory or contractual purposes outside the scope of its accreditation activities.
Confirming acceptability for your purpose
It is the responsibility of each applicant and ASCB-accredited body, and of their own clients and contracting authorities, to confirm that ASCB accreditation is acceptable for its intended purpose and complies with any applicable local, national or sector-specific requirements. ASCB recommends seeking confirmation from the relevant regulatory bodies, scheme owners or contracting authorities in the jurisdictions where services are to be delivered, before relying on ASCB accreditation for statutory, regulatory or procurement purposes. It is the same check a prudent buyer performs on any accreditation, and performing it before applying is better than discovering a constraint afterwards.
ASCB has operated internationally for more than 30 years, providing standards-based accreditation grounded in ISO/IEC requirements. The full guidance, ASL(G)32, is available on request, and ASCB's position on membership of international cooperation bodies is set out in International affiliations.