There is a growing trend that calls for the simplification of the European Organisation for Conformity Assessment standards. Specifically, people want the testing and certification procedures simplified to be a friendlier more cost effective model of certification.
A complex problem exists when single companies have many different roles and offer many different services. The standards one company may undergo are numerous if they fall into a cross sectional business model such as a testing organization. These companies can be held to standards under the inspection bodies, testing labs, product certification requirements, GLP-laboratories and the list continues. Each of these governing bodies require different standards and different procedures to arrive at the agreed upon point in which the company meets the ability to claim certification.
Opponents of the status quo complain the current system may have been formulated by a single body with their own particular agenda. One theory that has been put forth to counter this perceived pitfall is to bring a broad group of people together who represent many different industries to develop a single standard for all industries. The theory is that if any particular person has an agenda, he or she will be outweighed by the myriad of other industry leaders who will balk at any discussions leading to further red tape and testing that will not reap benefits for the cross section of industries represented.
Another identified concern is the perception that standards need revision, while there is a recognition that all standards fluctuate over time, consumer needs, and technological advances. The European Organisation for Conformity Assessment has carefully crafted standards that offer a unique and quality starting point. All constructive comments appear to be welcome on how to further development of the standards tested under the framework. At this point there is clear evidence of open correspondence efforts on the part of the conformity assessment overseeing body.