Conformity Assessment Procedure for Payesh Salamat Asia (ISO/IEC 17065 vs Trade Inspection)

Payesh Salamat Asia will implement a comprehensive conformity assessment procedure aligned with ISO/IEC 17065:2012 (requirements for product certification bodies), relevant IAF guidelines, WTO trade facilitation provisions, and UNIDO principles on quality infrastructure. This procedure covers product certification across multiple categories (food, feed, farming, retail, restaurants, fishery, transport/storage, waste/recycling, paper, electrical appliances, construction materials, chemicals, petrochemicals, oil/gas, mining) and clearly differentiates it from trade-related inspections (e.g. Pre-Shipment Inspection). The company is seeking accreditation by the national body, so adherence to international standards of impartiality, competence, transparency, and avoidance of trade barriers is critical​unctad.org​au-nz.ul.com.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Applicant (Client): The manufacturer, producer, or importer applying for certification/inspection. Responsible for providing technical documentation, product samples, access to facilities, and implementing any required corrective actions. For trade inspections, the importer/exporter initiates the request and facilitates access to the shipment.

• Certification Body (Payesh Salamat Asia): Acts as a third-party evaluator. Assigns competent personnel for document review, factory audits, testing coordination, evaluation, and certification decisions. Ensures impartiality (e.g. the decision-maker is independent from those who performed evaluations). Maintains procedures for evaluation, decision, surveillance, and complaint handling per ISO/IEC 17065. Also ensures compliance with IAF guidelines (e.g. IAF MD documents) for consistent application of 17065 requirements.

• Inspection Body (for Trade Inspections): When conducting trade-related pre-shipment inspections (PSI), Payesh Salamat Asia would act under ISO/IEC 17020 principles (inspection body requirements). Inspectors conduct on-site checks of goods against specified criteria. They must be competent and independent of the manufacturer/seller​au-nz.ul.com.

• Technical Experts/Laboratories: Qualified labs (preferably ISO/IEC 17025 accredited) perform sample testing. Experts may be consulted for specific technical judgments. Testing personnel provide evaluation reports of product samples​au-nz.ul.com.

• Certification Decision Committee/Officer: Reviews all evaluation inputs (documents, audit reports, test results) and makes the certification decision. This role is separate from those doing the evaluations to ensure impartiality (required by ISO/IEC 17065).

• Surveillance Auditors/Inspectors: Conduct post-certification surveillance activities – periodic factory audits, sample collection for testing, market surveillance – to verify continued conformity. They have authority to recommend suspension or withdrawal of certification if non-conformities are found​au-nz.ul.com.

• Accreditation Body: Although external to the company, it oversees that the procedure meets ISO/IEC 17065 and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) requirements. Successful accreditation signifies the procedure is competent and internationally recognized, fostering acceptance of the certificates in global trade.

Product Certification Procedure (ISO/IEC 17065 Based)

Product certification is a third-party attestation that a product type conforms to specified standards or regulations on an ongoing basis. The procedure involves a series of steps from application through evaluation to certification decision, followed by surveillance. It is designed to ensure thorough assessment of the product’s technical qualities and the manufacturer’s ability to consistently produce conforming products. ISO/IEC 17065 requires that all these steps are documented and carried out by competent, impartial personnel, and that the process is fair and transparent to clients. Key international guidelines (e.g. ISO/IEC 17067 for certification scheme design, and IAF guidance) are followed to structure the certification scheme (for example, using a Type 5 certification scheme which includes initial testing and periodic surveillance)​bbj.pl.

Main Steps in the Product Certification Process:

Figure: ISO/IEC 17065 Product Certification Process – This flowchart illustrates the end-to-end process for product certification, from application and document review through factory audit, sample testing, evaluation, decision, issuance of a Certificate of Conformity, and subsequent surveillance. The feedback loop indicates that after certification, ongoing audits and testing feed back into the evaluation process to ensure continuous compliance.

1. Application & Technical Documentation Submission: The client submits a formal application for product certification, including detailed technical documentation for the product. This typically comprises product specifications, design drawings, ingredient or material lists, test reports (if any), user manuals, applicable standards, and information on the production process. The certification body reviews the application for completeness and clarity. Objective: define the scope of certification (exact product models or categories) and ensure all necessary information is available for evaluation. Roles: Certification staff receive and log the application; a scheme manager may assign a certification project leader.

   • Reference: ISO/IEC 17065 requires agreement on the certification requirements and scope at the application stage, and that the CB obtain all information needed to conduct an evaluation.

2. Assessment of Technical Documentation: A qualified technical reviewer examines the product’s documentation in detail. This review checks that the product is designed to meet the relevant standards or technical regulations. For example, for an electrical appliance, the documentation is checked against safety standards; for a food product, ingredients and process are checked against food safety standards. Any non-conformities or gaps in the documents (e.g. missing test data, unclear specifications) are identified and communicated to the applicant for correction. Roles: Technical experts or auditors perform the document review; they may use checklists aligned with each product category’s standards. Output: A Document Review Report noting compliance of design and documentation, or listing issues to resolve.

3. Production Process Audit & Risk Analysis: Once the documentation is satisfactory, the certification body conducts an on-site audit of the manufacturer’s production process (also known as a factory inspection or initial assessment). Auditors visit the production facility to verify that the company can consistently manufacture the product according to the required specifications. They evaluate the quality management system, production equipment, worker training, raw material controls, and perform a risk analysis of the production process (identifying points that could affect product conformity). This step implements ISO/IEC 17065 requirements to assess the production and organizational measures ensuring repeatable product quality​bbj.pl. If the manufacturer holds relevant management system certifications (e.g. ISO 9001 or HACCP), the auditors take those into account but still perform an independent assessment.

   • Risk Analysis: Based on the complexity of the product and the inherent risks (e.g. food and chemicals have high health/safety risks, requiring strict control), the auditors determine the level of sampling and testing needed and the stringency of surveillance. A higher-risk product or process may require more sample tests or more frequent follow-up audits.

   • Roles: Lead Auditor (for quality systems) and technical auditors conduct the factory audit. They prepare an Audit Report documenting compliance or any non-conformities found in the production process.

   • Reference: In ISO/IEC 17067 Type 5 schemes, pre-license factory inspection is conducted to verify the manufacturer’s capability to maintain production quality​bbj.pl. UNIDO principles emphasize auditing both technical and organizational aspects to build confidence in consistent compliance​bbj.pl.

4. Sampling and Type Testing: The certification body selects samples of the product for independent testing (known as type testing or initial type examination). Sampling may occur during the factory audit (auditors pick random production samples) or the applicant may be asked to send samples to a designated laboratory. The samples should be representative of the product type seeking certification. They are tested against the relevant standards or technical regulations – for example, electrical safety tests for appliances, microbiological and chemical tests for food products, performance tests for industrial equipment, etc. Testing is ideally done by an accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025) to ensure reliability of results​au-nz.ul.com​au-nz.ul.com. The result is a Test Report detailing whether the product samples met each required parameter.

   • In some cases, previous test reports (from the manufacturer or third parties) might be accepted if they are recent and from accredited labs; however, the certification body must evaluate their validity. If needed, additional tests are conducted.

   • Roles: Lab technicians perform the tests. The certification body coordinates with the lab and may have a technical expert witness critical tests.

   • Outcome: A Type Test Evaluation Report is produced, forming a key input to the certification decision.

5. Evaluation of Findings: At this stage, the certification body evaluates all collected data: technical document review results, audit report, and test reports. A comprehensive evaluation report is compiled, summarizing the evidence of conformity (or non-conformity) for the product. The evaluator (or evaluation team) ensures that all requirements of the applicable standard/regulation are met and that any non-conformities found have been addressed by the applicant. If minor non-conformities were found (either in documentation, audit, or testing), the applicant may have been given a chance to implement corrective actions (e.g. improving a process, changing a component, or re-testing a sample) before final decision. Roles: The certification evaluation team (could be one lead evaluator or a committee) prepares a recommendation: either to grant certification (if requirements are fulfilled) or to deny/defer it (if there are still outstanding issues).

6. Certification Decision: A person or panel within the certification body – independent of the evaluation activities– reviews the evaluation report and makes the formal certification decision. This step adheres to ISO/IEC 17065’s requirement for impartial decision-making. The decision makers verify that all evaluation steps were properly conducted and that the evidence supports certification. If satisfied, they approve issuance of the Certificate of Conformity. If not, they may request further information or deny certification (with reasons documented). Roles:For example, a Certification Manager or Certification Committee (not involved in the prior audit/testing) convenes to decide. Output: A signed decision record and authorization to issue the certificate.

   • If the decision is negative, the applicant is informed of the areas of non-conformity and possibly guided on how to comply and re-apply. There is also an appeals process per ISO 17065 for the applicant to challenge a decision if needed.

7. Certification Issuance: Upon a positive decision, the certification body issues a Certificate of Conformity (CoC)for the product. This certificate typically includes the product identification, applicable standards met, the name of the manufacturer, certification date and validity period, and any certification mark that the client is authorized to use. For example, a certified product may bear a mark or reference indicating “Certified to Standard X by Payesh Salamat Asia”. The certificate’s validity is often time-limited (e.g. 1–3 years) conditional on ongoing compliance. The certified product is listed in the certification body’s directory of certified products (often publicly accessible), providing transparency to regulators and buyers​au-nz.ul.com​au-nz.ul.com.

8. Surveillance (Ongoing Conformity Monitoring): Unlike one-time inspections, product certification involves continuous surveillance to ensure the product remains conforming over time​bbj.pl​au-nz.ul.com. Payesh Salamat Asia will implement a surveillance plan as part of the certification scheme (aligned with ISO/IEC 17065 and ISO/IEC 17067 Type 5 expectations). Surveillance activities typically include:

   • Periodic Factory Audits: e.g. annual or semi-annual audits of the production facility to verify that quality systems and processes continue to operate effectively and no significant changes have been made that could affect conformity. These are similar to the initial audit but focused on changes and ongoing controls (often called routine inspections)​bbj.pl.

   • Periodic Sampling & Testing: at intervals, samples of the product are taken either from the factory or from the open market and subjected to tests to ensure they still meet standards​bbj.pl. For instance, a random product from a supermarket shelf may be bought and tested (this checks that distributed products remain in compliance and catches any degradation or counterfeit issues).

   • Risk-Based Frequency: The frequency and depth of surveillance is determined by risk analysis. Higher-risk products (e.g. food, medical, electrical safety critical) will have more frequent checks, whereas lower-risk products might have minimal surveillance.

   • Surveillance Records: Surveillance findings are documented in Surveillance Audit Reports and surveillance test reports. If results are satisfactory, the certification is maintained. If issues are found, see next step.

   • Reference: Ongoing surveillance is integral to product certification, creating a feedback loop that ensures the product continues to conform as originally certified​au-nz.ul.com​au-nz.ul.com. According to international best practice, surveillance may involve both factory inspections and sampling from the market, and even auditing the manufacturer’s quality system application​au-nz.ul.com​au-nz.ul.com.

9. Non-Conformance and Corrective Actions: If surveillance detects a non-conformity (for example, a product sample fails a test or the factory audit finds quality controls have lapsed), the certification body takes defined actions. Typically, the client is notified and required to investigate and correct the issue. The certificate can be suspended if the issue is serious – meaning the client must cease claiming certification until problems are resolved. For minor issues, increased surveillance or targeted testing might be done. If the non-conformity is resolved (e.g. product design fixed or process corrected), the certification is reinstated. If not, the certification body may ultimately withdraw (revoke) the certificate​au-nz.ul.com. Such mechanisms ensure that only compliant products remain certified, protecting the integrity of the certification mark and safety of the market.

10. Re-certification (Renewal): As the certificate nears its expiration (or periodically if certificates are indefinite but require periodic full review), a re-certification review is conducted. This often involves a fresh assessment of documentation, possibly new sample testing and a factory audit, similar to the initial evaluation, to renew confidence for another cycle. This ensures the certification remains up-to-date with any changes in standards or in the product.

11. Post-Market Surveillance & Complaint Handling: In addition to scheduled surveillance, Payesh Salamat Asia will operate a complaint handling system and monitor the market for any issues with certified products. If customers, users, or regulators file complaints about a certified product (e.g. safety incidents, performance failures), the certification body investigates these promptly. Post-market surveillance may include purchasing products from the market for testing, following up on incident reports, and liaising with regulatory authorities. If a certified product is found to pose a risk or not comply with requirements in service, the certification body can suspend or withdraw the certification and require product recall if necessary​au-nz.ul.com. All complaints and their resolution are recorded as required by ISO/IEC 17065. The aim is to ensure continuous conformity and trust: both the public and regulators can rely on the certification as a mark of ongoing compliance, not just one-time testing.

• UNIDO’s quality infrastructure principles stress the importance of feedback and corrective mechanisms in conformity assessment to maintain confidence in certified products, thereby protecting consumers and facilitating trade​iso.org.

Note: Throughout the certification process, international standards and guidelines are referenced to maintain credibility. ISO/IEC 17065 provides the general requirements, ISO/IEC 17067 gives guidance on setting up the certification scheme (e.g. defining that we use a type 5 scheme with surveillance), IAF MD series (Mandatory Documents) provide specific interpretations (for example, IAF MD** on certifying multi-site operations like retail chains, if applicable, or IAF guidance on product certification sampling). Payesh Salamat Asia’s procedure will also consider WTO TBT Agreement principles – ensuring that the certification requirements are not more trade-restrictive than necessary and are based on international standards where possible, so that foreign producers are not unfairly barred. By obtaining accreditation (which likely involves the national accreditation body’s evaluation of all the above steps), the company’s certificates can be internationally recognized via the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement, meaning other countries’ authorities may accept these certificates, reducing duplicate inspections or testing for exports/imports.

Trade-Related Inspection Procedure (Pre-Shipment Inspection)

In addition to product certification, Payesh Salamat Asia may conduct trade-related inspections, such as Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) for export/import consignments. This service is distinct from product certification: it is typically a one-time inspection of a specific shipment or batch of goods, often required for customs or client acceptance purposes. Trade inspections focus on verifying that the goods actually shipped meet the specified requirements (which could be contractual specs, regulatory standards, or safety/health requirements) and are fit for entry into the destination market. Unlike certification, trade inspection does not result in an ongoing license for the product – it results in an inspection report or certificate for that particular batch. WTO Trade Facilitation rules (WTO TFA, Art. 10.5) have influenced modern PSI practices, aiming to streamline these inspections so they do not unnecessarily delay trade​unctad.org​unctad.org. Below is the procedure for a typical pre-shipment or pre-export inspection:

Figure: Trade/Pre-Shipment Inspection Process – This flowchart shows the steps for a trade-related inspection of a shipment. It begins with an inspection request and defining the applicable criteria, followed by physical inspection and sampling of the goods, testing (if required), evaluation of results, and a decision leading to an inspection certificate or report for that specific batch. Unlike product certification, this process is batch-specific and does not include ongoing surveillance.

1. Inspection Request and Criteria Definition: The process starts when an inspection is requested by a client or mandated by authorities. For example, an importer may request Payesh Salamat Asia to inspect a shipment in the exporting country before it ships (to ensure it meets the purchase order and relevant standards), or an exporterneeds a Certificate of Inspection to satisfy the importing country’s customs requirements. The scope and criteria of the inspection are defined: this includes identifying the applicable standards, technical regulations, or contract specifications the goods must comply with. For instance, if inspecting a food shipment, criteria might include national food safety standards and shelf-life requirements; if inspecting machinery, criteria might include verifying CE marking or specific safety features. Any regulatory documents (import licenses, mandatory standard lists) are obtained. Roles: The inspection coordinator in the company reviews the request, clarifies the inspection criteria with the client and ensures the inspection team understands the requirements.

2. Document Verification: Before the physical inspection, the inspection team reviews relevant documents for the shipment. This may include commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of analysis provided by the manufacturer, existing test reports, and licenses. The aim is to verify the product’s identity and declared values. For government-mandated PSI, a key aspect is checking the invoice value and customs tariff classification to prevent mis-declaration (one original purpose of PSI programs is to avoid customs duty evasion​famisourcing.com​famisourcing.com). The inspectors ensure the documentation matches the actual shipment (e.g. quantities, batch numbers, descriptions) and identify any discrepancies to focus on during physical inspection.

3. Physical Inspection and Sampling: An inspector (or team of inspectors) performs the on-site inspection of the goods. This usually takes place at the warehouse, port, or factory where the goods are packed for shipment (often in the exporting country). The inspector checks:

   • Quantity and Identification: counting boxes or units, verifying container numbers, weights, and dimensions against the packing list. Ensuring no shortage or excess.

   • Product Condition and Packaging: examining the packaging integrity, labeling (e.g. expiration dates on food, safety markings on electronics), and the general condition of the products. Any damage or non-conformity is noted.

   • Conformity to Standards: performing on-site tests or visual assessment as applicable. For example, checking labels for compliance (like ingredients listing, language, hazard symbols), basic functional checks (powering on a device), or sampling products for lab testing.

   • Sampling: If laboratory testing is required, the inspector takes sample specimens according to a sampling plan (could be random sampling or risk-based targeting of certain units). Samples are sealed and sent to a lab. The sampling follows international sampling standards or client instructions to ensure representativeness.

   • Roles: The Inspector is the key role here (must meet ISO/IEC 17020 competence criteria for inspectors). They may use inspection checklists tailored to the product type. They also take photographs and record observations as evidence.

   • Output: The inspector prepares an Inspection Visit Report noting findings (e.g. “1000 units inspected, packaging OK, labels comply with standard X, samples drawn for testing”).

4. Laboratory Testing (if required): For many PSIs, especially those related to quality or safety, a subset of samples is tested in a lab. This could be a full test against a standard (for example, testing food samples for bacterial contamination or verifying the chemical composition of a product) or specific critical tests (e.g. testing a few electrical units for grounding continuity). If the importing country mandates certain tests (like for textiles, checking azo-dyes; for toys, checking for phthalates), those are performed. Testing is done in an independent lab, and results are forwarded to the inspector or directly to the certification body. In some cases, if testing would take too long and delay shipment, a risk-based decision might be made to ship under an inspection certificate with a condition, or to fast-track tests.

   • Roles: Lab analysts perform tests; the inspection coordinator monitors test progress since shipment clearance may depend on results.

   • Output: Test Results (pass/fail for each parameter) are documented and attached to the inspection file.

5. Evaluation and Inspection Decision: The inspection body evaluates all findings from the physical inspection and test results against the acceptance criteria. Essentially, this is a judgment: do the goods conform to the requirements and thus qualify for a clean report? If all checks are satisfactory (quantity correct, documents accurate, product meets standards/tests), the decision is to issue a certificate of inspection (or clean report of findings). If there are non-conformities, the decision might be to reject the shipment or withhold the certificate. Sometimes minor issues can be corrected (re-labeling products, replacing a few defective units) and the inspector can re-verify before making a final decision.

   • Importantly, in government-mandated PSI programs, failing to get a clean inspection certificate can mean the goods will be denied entry or subject to penalties at customs. So, the inspection decision is critical for trade. The inspection body must ensure the decision is based on objective evidence and consistent criteria, as per ISO/IEC 17020 procedures.

   • Roles: A Reviewing Inspector or Manager (not the one who did the inspection, if possible, for impartiality) reviews the inspection dossier. They decide whether to issue the certificate. In practice, for urgency, often the field inspector themselves prepares a draft certificate if everything is in order, which a supervisor quickly reviews and approves.

6. Issuance of Inspection Certificate/Report: If the outcome is positive, the Inspection Certificate (IC) is issued. This document typically states that a certain quantity of goods (identified by invoice, container, etc.) has been inspected and found to meet the specified criteria. It may include details like the shipment’s value (for customs), standards against which inspection was done, and reference the accompanying test report. This certificate is provided to the importer and exporter and often to the customs authorities of the importing country to facilitate clearance. If the outcome was negative (goods did not conform), usually a Discrepancy Report or Non-Conformity Report is issued instead, detailing why the shipment was not cleared (e.g. “Product failed to meet standard XYZ in testing” or “Short shipment of 50 units, not as declared”). The client can then decide on rework, sorting, or other remedies and possibly request a re-inspection.

   • Roles: The certificate is signed by an authorized person in the inspection body (following ISO 17020’s requirement for authorized signatories). The reports are then forwarded to relevant parties.

   • Note: Each inspection certificate is unique to that batch; it is not a license for future batches. The next shipment of the same product would require a new inspection request unless some arrangement (like a product registration scheme) exists.

7. Follow-up (if applicable): In trade inspection, there isn’t a surveillance regime as in product certification. However, if Payesh Salamat Asia performs repeated inspections for the same product or client, internally they will track results to identify if a manufacturer frequently fails criteria. They might then advise the client or adjust the inspection intensity (for example, if a certain supplier has a history of problems, do 100% inspection of units or require pre-testing before scheduling inspection). This is more of a service quality measure than a formal step. Additionally, feedback may be provided: if an imported product was found substandard, the information might be shared with the national regulators for market surveillance purposes.

Integration with WTO Trade Facilitation: Modern trade-related inspections should be mindful of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Article 10.5 of the TFA specifically discourages countries from requiring PSI for customs classification or valuation purposes​unctad.org, because it’s seen as an unnecessary barrier. In practice, this means Payesh Salamat Asia’s PSI services will mostly focus on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance aspects (e.g. SPS measures), rather than duplication of customs valuation checks (those should be handled by customs through risk management instead of PSI). The procedure will ensure transparency and timeliness – e.g. using risk-based sampling so low-risk shipments aren’t delayed, providing electronic reports to customs to speed up clearance. WTO also encourages acceptance of results from foreign accredited agencies, so if a product already has a valid certificate of conformity from an accredited body in the exporting country, the inspection process might be streamlined or omitted. This approach aligns with UNIDO principles of trade facilitation, where the goal is to avoid redundant inspections and rely on trusted conformity assessment results to ease the flow of goods​unctad.org.

Comparison: Product Certification vs Trade Inspection

While both product certification and trade-related inspection are forms of conformity assessment, they differ in scope, depth, and implications. The following points summarize the differences and the complementary roles they play:

• Purpose and Scope: Product certification aims to provide confidence that a product type consistently meets specified standards over time. It is an ongoing attestation tied to the product and its manufacturing process. In contrast, Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a one-time evaluation of a specific shipment or batch of goods, often for customs or buyer requirements, to ensure that particular consignment meets requirements​famisourcing.com​famisourcing.com. Certification is product-oriented (and producer-oriented), whereas PSI is shipment-oriented.

• Applicable Standards & Accreditation: Product certification is conducted by a Certification Body accredited to ISO/IEC 17065, following defined certification schemes (possibly referencing ISO 17067 types) and often allows use of a mark of conformity. Trade inspections are usually done by Inspection Bodies (accredited to ISO/IEC 17020) or mandated agents; they follow inspection procedures rather than certification schemes. The criteria used in certification are typically formal standards or technical regulations. In PSI, the criteria might include not only standards but also commercial requirements (correct quantity, no damage, etc.). Both rely on ISO/IEC 17025 accredited labs for testing as needed.

• Depth of Assessment: Certification involves a comprehensive assessment: in-depth document review, factory audits, management system evaluation, product testing, and surveillance​bbj.pl​bbj.pl. It assesses the manufacturer’s capability and the product design. PSI, however, is generally a surface-level check of goods: inspectors verify visible conformity and may do limited testing. PSI does not audit the manufacturer’s entire quality system – it assumes a snapshot approach. Thus, certification provides a higher level of confidence (and often allows products to carry a mark), whereas PSI provides a point-in-time assurance (useful for detecting shipping errors or obvious defects, but not a guarantee of future production quality).

• Outcome and Validity: A Certificate of Conformity (Product Certification) usually has a multi-year validity(with surveillance conditions) and can often be used for multiple shipments or marketplace access as long as valid. It signifies the product type is approved. On the other hand, a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate or report is only valid for that shipment – each new batch must be inspected anew unless waived. Certified products might bypass routine inspection at import if authorities recognize the certificate, thereby facilitating trade, whereas uncertified products often undergo PSI or testing at the border.

• Post-Certification Surveillance vs. Post-Shipment: Product certification requires surveillance – ongoing audits and sample tests to maintain the certificate​bbj.pl​au-nz.ul.com. The certification body actively monitors compliance and can suspend the certificate if issues arise​au-nz.ul.com. Trade inspection has no such follow-up by the inspection agency once the goods are delivered; any issues found after import (e.g. in the market) are handled by market surveillance authorities or through product recalls by regulators, not by the PSI provider. In essence, certification is a proactive, preventive approach, while inspection is more reactive for each delivery.

• Trade Facilitation Considerations: Relying on product certifications can streamline customs clearance – if an importer presents a recognized CoC for a product, customs might reduce inspections. WTO agreements encourage acceptance of international certificates to avoid duplicate testing/inspections as long as confidence is maintained​unctad.org. In contrast, mandatory PSI for every shipment has been criticized as a trade barrier causing delays and costs​unctad.org. WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement explicitly advises against requiring PSI for customs valuation/classification and encourages minimizing other PSIs​unctad.org. Therefore, countries are shifting to risk-based border controls and trusting accredited certifications. Payesh Salamat Asia’s accredited product certificates will support this by being credible and readily verifiable. PSI services, when needed, will be performed efficiently and transparently to not unduly hinder trade.

• Regulatory Acceptance: Product certification (especially if accredited and part of schemes like the IECEE CB scheme or others) can be mutually recognized in different jurisdictions, aided by bilateral agreements or the IAF MLA – meaning one certification can open access to multiple markets. PSI reports, however, are usually specific to a country’s import requirement and are not internationally recognized beyond that context (each country that requires PSI has its own approved agencies and format). Thus, certification is a more powerful tool for global market access, while PSI is a localized requirement for certain trade corridors (often used by countries that do not yet have robust domestic conformity assessment regimes and need an external check​famisourcing.com).

• Use Case: When to use Certification vs Inspection? Manufacturers or exporters aiming for broad market access and long-term assurance should pursue product certification – especially in regulated sectors (food safety, electronics safety, etc.) or to use quality marks. Importers dealing with occasional shipments from new or uncertified sources may use PSI as a due diligence tool to avoid receiving non-compliant or fraudulent goods. In some scenarios, both are used: e.g. an imported product might be certified to a standard and still subject to a quick pre-shipment check for quantity/damage. Payesh Salamat Asia will tailor its services to the client’s needs: guiding them to full product certification for sustained compliance, versus providing inspection services as a trade facilitation measure when certification is not in place.

In conclusion, the conformity assessment procedure for Payesh Salamat Asia ensures that product certification activities are robust, thorough, and internationally aligned, instilling confidence that certified products from the listed sectors meet all technical and safety requirements on an ongoing basis. Simultaneously, the procedure delineates how trade-related inspections are conducted in a professional, standardized manner without duplicating the depth of certification, thereby supporting national trade facilitation goals. This dual approach – rigorous product certification vs. targeted shipment inspection – allows the company to support both manufacturers (in improving and certifying product quality) and regulators/customs (in efficiently filtering out non-compliant shipments) in accordance with ISO, IAF, WTO, and UNIDO frameworks and principles.​unctad.org​au-nz.ul.com

Sources: International standards (ISO/IEC 17065, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17067), IAF guidelines, WTO TFA (2017) Article 10.5​unctad.org and WTO PSI Agreement, UNIDO Quality Infrastructure guidance​iso.org, and industry best practices in conformity assessment​bbj.pl​au-nz.ul.com.