China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) & ASTA BEAB Sign Historic Agreement

Two of the world's leading certification bodies have signed an agreement that facilitates their co-operation to promote and provide Product Certification Marks and Factory Inspection services on behalf of the other party in their respective countries and regions.

The agreement between the China Quality Certification Centre (CQC) and ASTA BEAB Certification Services was signed at a ceremony in Beijing at the end of June 2005 by Professor Li Huailin the President of CQC and Mr Michael Vint OBE, the Chief Executive of ASTA BEAB.

CQC are the National Certification Body in The People's Republic of China and ASTA BEAB is one of the leading providers of global certification in Europe. Both organisations have an international reputation for providing high quality certification services to manufacturers in the electrotechnical industry sector.

The China Quality Certification Centre is the premier provider of the mandatory CCC Mark in China and provides CQC Mark Product Certification to products not covered by the mandatory requirements, including electrical and automotive parts and components.

The UK-based ASTA BEAB Certification Services provides Product Certification for manufacturers marketing their products in Europe and other regions based upon their world famous ASTA Diamond Mark for electrical transmission and distribution products and the BEAB Approved Mark for domestic electrical products.

Major benefits for the manufacturer

The agreement means that manufacturers in China and Europe can now approach their local certification body to arrange for the testing and certification of products destined for the other party's market. The co-operation will lead to the improved delivery of the certification marks that help the manufacturer to access the Chinese and European markets and helping them to reduce the time to market for their products. The agreement to carry out factory inspections on behalf of each other will also benefit the manufacturer by avoiding duplicate visits and reducing costs.

A partnership of respect and trust

In welcoming the agreement, Professor Li stated that "the agreement demonstrates how both organisations respect the competence and capabilities of the other and shows how they are willing to work together to provide a high quality service and make the certification process easier for the manufacturer".

On behalf of ASTA BEAB, Mr Vint stated that "the agreement was aimed at supporting the growing trade between China and Europe by helping manufacturers to access those important markets through the delivery of improved testing and certification services from two organisations who were expert providers of certification services in their respective countries and regions".

The agreement will also result in an improved exchange of information on matters related to product standards, working procedures, laws and regulations as well as encouraging liaison between each party's accredited test laboratories and local industry associations.