Learn about approval, certification, designation and accreditation. A comprehensive overview of quality assurance and the role of the TÜV.
Difference between certification and approval
Certification is the process by which an independent body (the certification body) confirms that a product, service or system meets certain requirements, usually set out in standards or regulations. This confirmation is typically documented by a certificate.
Approval is a procedure often carried out by a governmental or regulatory authority and required before a product or service can be placed on the market or put into operation. Approval ensures that the product or service complies with legal requirements and often examines safety-critical aspects.
Difference between designation and accreditation
The designation refers to the process in which an organization is selected and authorized by a national government authority or an official body to carry out certain tasks under legislation. These tasks typically include the conformity assessment of products or systems. A notified body is selected because of its proven competence and reliability in a specific area.
Accreditation is a formal procedure that confirms a body is technically competent and capable of reliably performing specific tasks. This often concerns carrying out conformity assessments such as testing, inspections and certifications. Accreditations are granted by national or international accreditation bodies that ensure organizations meet internationally defined standards and requirements.
This distinction is important because designation and accreditation address different aspects of authority and responsibility for organizations within the regulatory process. While designation is a specific appointment by a government authority, accreditation refers to a broader recognition of an organization's technical competence, independent of a specific regulatory mandate.
The role of the TÜVs
In Germany and many other countries, the Technical Inspection Associations (TÜV) play a decisive role in carrying out approval and certification procedures. TÜV organizations often act as notified bodies for a wide range of products and services, including vehicles, medical devices and industrial installations. They provide testing, certifications and technical services to ensure that products and installations comply with the applicable safety and quality standards.