T0618 Product certification Scheme Review

Product Certification Scheme Review

National Highways is looking to set up a contract for provision of engineering consultancy and technical services needed for review of Product Certification Schemes and subsequent implementation of recommendations. Key Concerns and/or Issues are around:

• Lack of Transparency and Oversight: National Highways does not have visibility into the testing methods and criteria used by certification bodies like the British Board of Agrément (BBA) and BSI Assurance. This raises concerns about the reliability of their certifications and whether they meet end-user requirements.
• Resource Constraints: The increasing number of certification bodies, coupled with limited resources, makes it difficult to maintain effective oversight. This increases the risk of overlooking critical issues or inconsistencies in product testing and certification.
• Verification of Product Compliance: There is uncertainty about whether tier one contractors are effectively verifying product compliance with specified standards.
• Client Influence: The potential conflict of interest between certification bodies and product manufacturers can compromise impartiality and public safety. There is a perception that certification bodies prioritise the interests of product manufacturers, their clients, over public safety and regulatory compliance. Instances like the Grenfell Fire tragedy highlight the potential consequences of such bias.