Problems with accreditation scope of certification bodies (2002,May.4w)

     In Japan I think observation of accreditation scope of certification bodies has become very sever and it has made certification bodies nervous about assessor's qualification for sectors as an assessor are able to have only four sectors.In order to cover the situation certification bodies have become to add so-called adequate specialists to assessments.

But originally ISO9001 makes a distinction between quality management system requirements and product requirements. By means of this distinction, ISO9001 applies to organizations providing products of all generic product categories, and to all product quality characteristics.

As a general tendency, diversification and specialization in all industry have been increasing and an adequate specialist has become difficult to find. Finally a most eligible specialist will be a member of an auditee.

Therefore I think loose applications of the scope are preferable.