Durham

Product Certification in Australia generally refers to products that are manufactured and tested to demonstrate compliance with an Australian or International standard.

To gain a licence from Benchmark enabling a company to “Mark” products as compliant, the company must submit its production and management systems to bi-annual audits by Benchmark or its authorised agents.

Product Certification is based on products passing the applicable Australian or International Standards. Products such as access covers and frames are initially selected by QAS and sent to a third-party independent certified laboratory for testing and approval.

Ongoing testing of the products is then conducted by the manufacturer using certified equipment, trained personnel and QAS approved testing procedures. Bi-annual audits by QAS verify compliance of testing procedures, certified equipment and personnel.

To manage the scheme QAS have produced the 'Product Conformance Scheme' (PCS).This document is similar in nature to ISO AS/NZS 9002, with added features.

The PCP concentrates on product compliance with a recognised Standard and the quality management systems that control the ongoing manufacture of the product.

The PCP includes requirements for:

1. Product compliance.
   • Compliance of the product with Australian, National or International Standards' or other published specifications.
2. Quality Plan.
   • Elements of AS/NZS ISO 9001.
3. Licence.
   • The right to use the Certified Product Conformance Mark.