A new Federal System of voluntary certification called “Food and Pharmaceuticals Quality and Safety Systems” has been created.
The authorization to act as a certification body within the System
is granted to organizations (prospective certification bodies) seeking certification within the System as a confirmation of their competence and independence.

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Authorization of Certification Bodies within Food and Pharmaceuticals Quality and Safety Systems

Decision on practicality of the authorization process for a particular organization is taken by the Rosstandart Coordinating Board. The decision will be reached based on the following factors:

• Experience;
• Organizational form of business;
• Location;
• Regional industrial structure and other criteria.

A prospective certification body should satisfy the following requirements:

• employ not less than two certified experts;
• have an implemented quality management system;
• possess audit practices and materials;
• possess the required set of regulatory documents;
• have the required infrastructure (equipment, office space, means of communication, etc.)

The rules and processes of authorization are provided in the document called "Certification Body Authorization Procedure and Functions within the System”.