Learn more about approval, certification, designation and accreditation. A comprehensive overview of quality assurance and the role of the TÜVs.
Distinction between certification and approval
Certification is the process in 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.
Distinction 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 perform certain tasks under legislation. These tasks typically include the conformity assessment of products or systems. A designated body is chosen based on its demonstrated competence and reliability in a specific area.
Accreditation is a formal procedure that confirms a body is technically competent and capable of reliably carrying out certain tasks. This often concerns the execution of conformity assessments such as testing, inspections and certifications. Accreditations are granted by national or international accreditation bodies that ensure organizations meet internationally agreed standards and requirements.
This distinction is important because designation and accreditation address different aspects of the authority and responsibility of organizations in the regulatory process. While designation represents a specific mandate by a government authority, accreditation refers to a broader recognition of an organization's technical competence, independent of a specific regulatory assignment.
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. TÜVs often act as designated 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 meet the relevant safety and quality standards.
Approval, certification, designation and accreditation are central building blocks of many European regulatory frameworks - from CE marking through CRA to sector-specific requirements. If you want to understand which procedures are relevant for your products or organization, this can be organized in a non-binding discussion.