Conformity assessment is the demonstration that specified requirements relating to a product, process, system, person or body are fulfilled” [ISO/IEC 17000:2004]. The choice of conformity assessment scheme should take account of the risks of non-compliance with the applicable specifications. If the risks concern safety or health there is likely to be a greater case for a mandatory conformity assessment scheme whereas if non-compliance with a particular specification results in non-optimal performance then a simpler, less formal and so less expensive, conformity assessment scheme may be more appropriate.
Conformity assessment in the context of voluntary standards aims to give users confidence that a product will meet their requirements It should be of benefit to both users, who can make better choices in purchasing equipment or services, and suppliers, as their products should be more readily accepted in the marketplace. Various organisations have established
certification schemes for particular sectors of the telecommunications industry.
