When obtaining a calibration certificate from a third-party lab in China, you might notice the CNAS emblem. This piece aims to delve into what CNAS represents.
The China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment, or CNAS, is the official accreditation body endorsed by the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA). Operating under the “Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Certification and Accreditation,” CNAS manages the accreditation of certification bodies, laboratories, inspection entities, and other related organizations.
CNAS Historical Background
CNAS was officially launched on March 31, 2006, following the merger of two previous bodies: the China National Accreditation Service for Certification Bodies (CNAB) and the China National Accreditation Service for Laboratories (CNAL).
Initially, CNAB was established in July 2002, equipped with the government’s approval to oversee accreditation for various management systems and product certifications. It was a conglomerate of several committees responsible for quality system certification, product certification, import/export accreditation, and environmental management.
Similarly, CNAL, founded in July 2002, was tasked with the accreditation of laboratories and inspection bodies under strict governmental guidelines. It combined former committees focusing on laboratory accreditation and entry-exit inspection and quarantine laboratory accreditation.
Structural Framework
The structural organization of CNAS includes a General Committee, Executive Committee, and specialized committees for certification bodies, laboratories, inspection entities, assessments, complaints, end users, and a secretariat. The CNCA committee comprises government representatives, conformity assessment bodies, service recipients, assessment users, professional groups, and technical experts.
Objectives and Responsibilities
The primary goal of CNAS is to enhance the capabilities of conformity assessment organizations, enabling them to deliver services equitably, scientifically, and accurately according to standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Establishing a national accreditation system adhering to Chinese laws, international protocols, and guidelines for conformity assessment bodies.
- Overseeing domestic and international accreditation applications and regulating accredited bodies.
- Guiding the use of accreditation logos and monitoring compliance.
- Conducting training and management of accreditation personnel.
- Offering technical support to assessment bodies and disseminating information about accredited entities.
- Engaging in international accreditation activities and forming cooperation agreements.
- Handling grievances and complaints tied to accreditation.
- Executing tasks assigned by governmental bodies.
- Engaging in other accreditation initiatives.
The CNAS Secretariat operates within the China National Accreditation Center, part of the State Administration of Market Supervision and Administration, focusing solely on accreditation tasks to maintain impartiality.
Global Recognition
CNAS is a significant player in global accreditation, actively participating in international mutual recognition systems. It holds full membership in notable organizations such as the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), and Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC). This international integration underscores CNAS’s pivotal role in the global arena.
