Summary :
Certification is the procedure which leads to validation by an independent body of compliance with a company's specifications. This is a conformity assessment of a product, organization or person that will meet certain requirements. This assessment will result in a written assurance.
There are 3 levels of certification: 1) A declaration that you make yourself, 2) a consumer assessment of the conformity of your supplier, 3) conformity is verified then certified by an independent body.
We find certifications in all areas: financial, professional, agri-food, health, environmental, etc.
Here, for our articles, it is about the conformity of products suitable for use and consumption.
The aim of the certifications is to guarantee the quality of the product, its safety and conformity. CE/EU and LFGB certifications are used in Europe, while SGS and CIQ certifications are used more internationally.
CE/EU is a mandatory indication for certain products sold in the European Union (EU), it generally concerns electronic, mechanical and electrical products.
SGS is a certification issued by a Swiss company for a certain number of products such as toys, clothing, food products... it has been tested and verified for their compliance with safety and quality standards suitable for consumption.
CIQ (China Inspection and Quarantine) concerns products exported to China, these are inspected and tested before being exported. It therefore certifies that the product complies with China's quality and safety standards.
LFGB a German guarantee. It tests food products and kitchen utensils suitable for human use. It ensures their food compatibility and their ability to resist heat and chemicals.
EEC appears more frequently these days: this certification is awarded under certain conditions concerning energy saving operations.