Program for Conformity Assessment System Evaluation: Analysis of Comments on the NIST Proposal

摘要

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) proposed the establishment of a voluntary Conformity Assessment System Evaluation (CASE) program in a Federal Register Notice in March 1992. CASE would enable the Department of Commerce, acting through NIST, to provide assurances to foreign entities that designated U.S. conformity assessment activities satisfy international guidelines. Public comments on the proposal were requested and 173 responses were received. Review and analysis of these comments indicates a desire for NIST to provide recognition of privately operated accreditation programs, although considerable support can also be seen for NIST to provide both accreditation and recognition.