Standardization News

New Program Houses Registry of Product Conformity to Standard Test Methods

Suppliers can now show evidence of conformance to ASTM International test methods by using the new ASTM Supplier's Declaration of Conformity program.

Responding to increasing requests from suppliers and their customers, ASTM International has developed a new program - Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. Launched in April, this latest offering is an outgrowth of ASTM's certification programs.

Supplier's Declaration of Conformity provides manufacturers, purchasers and consumers with a useful and needed tool. A major benefit to suppliers will be the evidence that they can offer their customers regarding their conformance to ASTM test methods. Product test results will be registered with ASTM, and supporting documentation will show the supplier's registration and acceptance by an independent third party.

Sponsored and administered by ASTM International, the new program is available to any supplier, manufacturer, distributor or private brand owner. In a typical scenario, suppliers having products tested to ASTM test methods will register specific information regarding their product, accredited labs and the ASTM test method. Once accepted by ASTM, the supplier can provide the documentation or request ASTM to provide documentation to their customers.

"Quality, safety and precision are the hallmarks of ASTM test methods. Documentation supporting conformance to ASTM test methods will reinforce a supplier's credibility as well as enhance regulatory, marketing and sales efforts," explains Kenneth Pearson, ASTM senior vice president, operations.

ASTM's Supplier's Declaration of Conformity program conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17050-1 and 17050-2, Conformity Assessment-Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. The new ASTM program applies to ASTM test methods; it does not apply to ASTM specifications.

For more information on the program, contact Timothy Brooke, ASTM vice president, certification, training and proficiency testing (phone: 610-832-9729).