How is a conformity assessment to essential requirements different from certification?

A  conformity assessment to essential requirements is a mandatory measure required by the provision of law. The provision determines clearly how the assessment should be conducted and confirmed. Depending on the legal requirements, the assessment may be conducted by the manufacturer independently, or with voluntary or mandatory participation of a third party (a notified body).

Certification is always an assessment of conformity of the certification object with a reference document, conducted by an independent third party. Certification may be mandatory – imposed by the law – or voluntary – conducted at the manufacturer’s discretion.

A conformity assessment always concludes with a declaration of conformity to essential requirements. Certification concludes with a certificate. While a certificate is not a declaration of conformity, it may serve as a basis for the manufacturer to issue such declaration. Should this be the case, the certificate should be referred to in the declaration.