Acceptance of Client's Testing (ACT)

Acceptance of Client's Testing (ACT), is a unique program in which TÜV SÜD Americaauthorizes a manufacturers facility and staff to perform product safety testing. Test results are then reviewed and approved by TÜV SÜD engineers, allowing proper certification to be applied to the product. This entire process helps organizations drastically reduce their overall product compliance costs while simultaneously accelerating the compliance process by eliminating duplicate testing schemes.

To participate in the TÜV SÜD ACT program, a manufacturer must meet 2 basic requirements:

1. A manufacturer must possess and maintain the capabilities to test their products to relevant safety standards.
2. A Manufacturer must pass a TÜV SÜD Product Service on-site audit of their capabilities, supporting documentation and technical staff. The ACT audit is based on EN 45001 (General Criteria for the Operation of Testing Laboratories) and ISO/EN 17025 (Guide 25).

Alternatively, ISO 9001 registration (with emphasis placed on the requirements of EN 45001 and ISO/EN 17025) can demonstrate competence to meet the ACT requirements. Approved internal programs from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or CSA (Canadian Standards Association) can also prove compliance.

Added Value for an ACT Approved Facility
Significant reductions in testing time and third-party test fees are the most common benefits enjoyed by an authorized ACT facility. An ACT firm schedules product testing internally as needed, without facing added logistical issues from a third-party testing facility. Visits to the manufacturer's facility for witness testing or booking of lab time with an outside third-party test facility can be eliminated. The Act firm enjoys unrestricted product testing leading to the application of the valued TÜV SÜD Mark. In addition, because the ACT firm is acting as an "extended work bench" of TÜV SÜD Product Service, without the use of our test facilities, testing fees are virtually eliminated.

Through the ACT program the "TÜV SÜD Mark philosophy" of maximum safety, quality and product function remains uncompromised, providing confidence that all applicable tests were conducted under the strictest of conditions and with the highest quality.

In addition to testing for product certificates, the ACT approved facility may wish to submit test reports and data to TÜV SÜD Product Service for formal review and endorsement, a sound practice for those products seeking the CE Marking, which require detailed technical files based on the applicable European Union Directives.

Authorization of the ACT facility by TÜV SÜD Product Service may be used in the participating firms' advertising and marketing materials to enhance the reputation of the firm along with the proven quality of the products being tested.

Lastly, the manufacturer's quality control increases while cost decreases by detecting safety and quality issues early on, and having the ability to provide instant feedback to production/engineering.

Additional benefits enjoyed by the ACT firm may include:

• The ability to purchase standards and draft documents at low costs
• The use of existing TÜV SÜD Product Service CB test protocols and report formats
• The scheduling of a single surveillance audit to cover the ACT lab and production facility (when located in the same area)
• The reduced cost and expedient handling of modifications to certified products

Responsibilities of an ACT Firm

• The ACT firm is required to maintain a documented quality system with corresponding procedures, laboratory equipment, trained personnel and related material in a manner consistent with the EN 45001 and ISO/EN 17025 (Guide 25) criteria and specifications. The ACT approved firm must test their products in accordance with published standards and test procedures.
• Test procedures for authorized tests and standards may not be changed without written approval.
• The ACT approved firm must document the test results in an approved format. Verification of this ability is confirmed during the ACT audit and annual re-audits.

For more information, contact us.

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