ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2008 (data as of )

Transcription

1 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2008 (data as of ) CONTENTS 1. SINCERT members 2. Institutional bodies 3. SINCERT organisation 4. List of SINCERT assessors and experts 5. News and principal features of the year 5.1 General news 5.2 State of SINCERT accreditations 5.3 Summary of economic and financial results 6. Development of accreditation activity 6.1 Quantitative data 6.2 Development of accreditation schemes 7. Relations with stakeholders 7.1 Relations with accredited subjects 7.2 Relations with Public Administration and with various associations 7.3 Relations with enterprises and consumers 8. International collaborations and related activities 9. Cultural, promotional and communication activities 9.1 Cultural activities 9.2 Promotional and communication activities 10. Personnel, organisation and professional resources 11. Start of Accredited Conformity Assessment bodies 13. Balance sheet on 31/12/2008 Page.: 1 of 49

2 LETTER OF THE PRESIDENT FEDERICO GRAZIOLI Dear Members and Friends, April 2009 It is with pleasure that I present the SINCERT annual report of I believe it has been a particularly significant year, in terms both of achievements and from a symbolic point of view, because, following a pattern established in preceding years, it promises a historical transition for the Italian accreditation system. With the full confidence and faith that has been conferred upon me and on the Board of directors, and with the contribution of all of you, we have now reached the goal of a merger with SINAL the National System for the Accreditation of Laboratories and the creation of ACCREDIA. This represents a decisive step towards the unification of the national accreditation system in the field of accreditation and market surveillance as under Regulation number 765 of 2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council, The regulation, which becomes effective from January 1, 2010, recognises the fundamental importance of accreditation, its juridical strength and public usefulness. The regulation ensures that conformity assessment bodies guarantee the high quality of the services needed by producers and consumers. It sets out to be an essential element of control in the chain of the safe commercialisation of products, except where the role of surveillance remains under National Authorities. A considerable amount of work has been done and we will continue to give maximum effort to obtain lasting results, impressing upon the government a strong sense of responsibility in order to reciprocate the will and the acts of appointment that it will assume for the application of the standard EC framework. The basic reference for the Italian accreditation system is the European regulations, which defines National Accreditation body as The sole body in a Member State that performs accreditation with authority derived from the State. The support of some ministries who are especially interested in accreditation represents a clear signal that our activity is of increasing interest to the public. We will therefore strive to undertake accreditation activity also in the mandatory sectors, on the basis of specific tasks and on the formal initiative of competent public administrations, in full respect of the relevant laws and regulations. As regards the sector of testing laboratories in which the accreditation mark SIT is performed by a syndicated service, we have already opened contacts with the aim of establishing an agreement which permits us to meet the deadline of January 1, 2010 as Italy s sole accreditation body. We have great faith in our capacities and professionalism, with a strong track record of credibility, which we foster every day by studying new projects and assessment work. In 2008, this resulted in a qualitative and quantitative increase in terms of assessment activity, planned with precise targets in mind for a growing number of subjects. We are thus looking forward to major challenges, not least those connected to the current market global crisis of which we are very much aware; but this will not in any way influence the role of guarantor which it is our task to perform with rigorous and constant control in the conformity assessment activities. I am convinced that our beliefs and our efforts will be duly rewarded and that ACCREDIA will fully live up to expectations thanks to the work and sense of responsibility of all of you, along with all SINCERT staff and collaborators, as you have shown in the past. Page.: 2 of 49

3 1. SINCERT MEMBERS PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC BODIES AND PUBLIC RESEARCH BODIES CNR Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche National Council of Research Consulta Regionale degli Ordini degli Ingegneri della Lombardia Regional Council of the Orders of Engineers in Lombardy ENEA Ente per le Nuove tecnologie, l Energia e l Ambiente National body of new technologies in energy and the environment INAIL Istituto Nazionale per l Assicurazione contro gli Infortuni sul Lavoro National Institution of insurance against occupational injuries Infrastrutture Lombarde Lombard Infrastructures ISPRA Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale Higher Institute for Protection and Environmental Research Ministero dell Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare Ministry of the Environment and Maritime Protection Ministero delle Comunicazioni* - Ministry of Communication Ministero della Difesa Ministry of Defence Ministero delle Infrastrutture Ministry of Infrastructures Ministero dell Interno Ministry of Internal Affairs Ministero del Lavoro e della Previdenza Sociale Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare Ministero delle Politiche Agricole, Alimentari e Forestali Ministry of Agricultural policy, Food and Forestry Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico Ministry of Economic Development UNIONCAMERE Unione Italiana delle Camere di Commercio, Industria, Artigianato, Agricoltura Union of Italian Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Artisans and Agriculture ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING PRODUCERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES AND OTHER OPERATORS AGIDAE Associazione Gestori Istituti Dipendenti dall Autorità Ecclesiastica Management association of Institutes depending upon Ecclesiastical Authorties AISES Associazione Italiana Segnaletica e Sicurezza - Italian association of Signing and Safety ANCE Associazione Nazionale Costruttori Edili National association of Building Constructors ANIA Associazione Nazionale fra le Imprese Assicuratrici National association of Insurance Operators CASARTIGIANI Confederazione Autonoma Sindacati Artigiani Autonomous Confederation of Artisan Unions CIA Confederazione Italiana Agricoltori Italian Confederation of Agricultural Producers CNA Confederazione Nazionale dell Artigianato e della Piccola e Media Impresa National Confederation of Artisans of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises COLDIRETTI Confederazione Nazionale dei Coltivatori Diretti National Confederation of Direct Agricultural Producers CONFAGRICOLTURA Confederazione Generale dell Agricoltura Italiana Italian General Confederation of Agriculture Page.: 3 of 49

4 CONFAPI Confederazione Italiana della Piccola e Media Industria Italian Confederation of Small and Medium-sized enterprises CONFARTIGIANATO IMPRESE Confederation of Artisan Businesses CONFCOMMERCIO Confederazione Generale del Commercio, del Turismo, dei Servizi, delle Professioni e delle Piccole Medie Imprese The General Confederation of Commerce, Tourism, Services, Professions and of Small and Medium-sized enterprises CONFESERCENTI Confederazione Italiana Esercenti Attività Commerciali, Turistiche e dei Servizi The Italian Confederation of Commercial Traders, Tourism and Services Operators CONFINDUSTRIA Confederazione Generale dell Industria Italiana The General Confederation of Italian Industry CONFINDUSTRIA SERVIZI INNOVATIVI TECNOLOGICI Confederation of Italian Industry Innovative Technological Services FEDERBIO Federazione Italiana Agricoltura Biologica e Biodinamica The Italian Federation of Organic and Biodynamic Agriculture FEDERCASA Federazione Italiana per la casa The Italian Home Federation FEDERCHIMICA The Federation of Italian Chemical Industries FINCO Federazione Industrie, Prodotti, Impianti e Servizi per le Costruzioni The Federation of Industries, Products, Plant and Services for Constructors LEGACOOP Lega Nazionale delle Cooperative e Mutue The National League of Cooperatives and Mutual associations OICE Associazione delle Organizzazioni di ingegneria, di architettura e di consulenza tecnico-economica The association of the Organisations of architecture and tecnoeconomic consultancy ASSOCIATIONS OF ACCREDITED BODIES AIOICI Associazione Italiana Organismi Indipendenti di Certificazione e Ispezione The Italian association of Independent Certification and Assessment bodies ALPI Associazione Laboratori di Prova e Organismi di Certificazione Indipendenti The association of Testing Laboratories and Independent Certfication bodies ASCOTECO Associazione per il Controllo Tecnico delle Costruzioni The association of Technical inspection of Construction FEDERAZIONE CISQ Federazione Certificazione Italiana Sistemi Qualità Aziendali The Federation of Italian Certification of Organisation Quality Systems U.N.O.A. Unione Nazionale Organismi Accreditatati The National Union of Accredited bodies ASSOCIATIONS OF CONSUMERS AND USERS, ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND FROM RISK PROVIDERS OF PUBLIC UTILITIES OTHERS INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION ACU Associazione Consumatori Utenti The Consumers association AIAS Associazione Professionale Italiana Ambiente e Sicurezza The Italian Professional association for the Environment and Safety APCO Associazione Professionale Italiana dei Consulenti di Direzione e Organizzazione The Italian Professional association of Management and Organisation Consultants Page.: 4 of 49

5 ASSOCONSULT Associazione Federativa delle Imprese di Consulenza Direzionale e Organizzativa The Federative association of Management and Organisation Consultancy for Enterprises ASSORECA Associazione tra le Società di Revisione e Consulenza Ambientale - The association of inspection and Environmental Consultancy Companies CON.CERTI Associazione tra Imprese di Consulenza Certificate The association of Certified Consultancy Enterprises Gruppo ENEL ENEL Distribuzione S.p.A. ENEL Group Gruppo Ferrovie dello Stato Trenitalia S.p.A. Italian State Railways The Ministry of Communications has been merged with the Ministry of Economic Development 2. INSTITUTIONAL BODIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS Federico Grazioli President Lorenzo Thione Vicepresident Daniele Colombo Giulio Del Gobbo Luciano Gaiotti Natalia Gil Lopez Manfredo Golfieri Rolando Manfredini Gianrenzo Prati Maria Teresa Ruffo Andrea Vecchia General director Filippo Trifiletti POLICY ADVISORY COMMITTEE Tommaso Campanile President PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, PUBLIC BODIES AND PUBLIC RESEARCH BODIES Michele Candreva Enrico De Micheli Riccardo Deserti Andrea Forni Luigi Gaggeri Antonio Gambardella Fernando Giannoni Massimo Lanza Luigi Mandracchia Vincenzo Monaco Vincenzo Parrini Alessia Piccin Giuseppe Pierri Roberto Vinci Page.: 5 of 49

6 ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING PRODUCERS OF GOODS AND SERVICES AND OTHER OPERATORS Giovanni Anselmi Angelo Artale Tommaso Buffa Tommaso Campanile Giorgio Capoccia Giancarlo Coccia Salvatore Conti Ermanno Coppola Maria Teresa Del Zoppo Gianluca Di Giulio Ettore Isacchini Nicola Massaro Gaetano Paparella Luca Pedrotti Dell Acqua Beniamino Pisano Paolo Salvan Renato Salvo Angelo Spanò Manuela Tasso Luigi Tozzi Silvia Trivini ASSOCIATIONS OF ACCREDITED BODIES Andrea Grandi Giovanni Oliveri Fabio Roversi Angelo Trapanà Rodolfo Trippodo ASSOCIATIONS OF CONSUMERS AND USERS, ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND FROM RISK PROVIDERS OF PUBLIC UTILITIES OTHERS INVOLVED IN ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION Franco Andretta Roberto Bandieri Giancarlo Bianchi Gianluca Cocci Marco Gentilini Antonella Lorenzini Carmine Reda Filippo Salvatori Page.: 6 of 49

7 ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE Carlo Apponi President Giuseppe Bianchi Silvano Bonelli Emilio Gatto Angiolo Geri Marina Masone Massimo Neroni Gennaro Panniello Pier Franco Rivolo Antonio Romeo Ruggero Santini Riccardo Scarsella Antonio Scipioni Paolo Soardo Giuseppe Spada Giordano Zappa BOARD OF AUDITORS Aniello Bosco President Enzo Carmine Delli Quadri Giuseppe Magliacane COLLEGE OF ARBITRATORS Eugenio Antonio Correale President Francesco Cantoni Antonio Oddo COMMISSION OF APPEAL Renato Salvo President Massimo Lanza Nicola Massaro Giuseppe Pierri Carmine Reda Roberto Vinci COMPLIANCE BODY (D.LGS. 231/01) Emanuele Montemarano President Gianni Cavinato Luigi Gaggeri* Emanuele Riva Compliance Officer *Leaving Page.: 7 of 49

8 3. SINCERT ORGANISATION MEMBERS ASSEMBLY BOARD OF ARBITRATORS BOARD OF AUDITORS COMMISSION OF APPEAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS STEERING AND CONTROL COMMITTEE COMPLIANCE BODY (D.LGS 231/01) PRESIDENT AND VICEPRESIDENT ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE SAFETY, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION GENERAL DIRECTOR CENTRAL SECRETARIAT EXTERNAL RELATIONS, COMMUNICATION AND PUBLICATIONS ADMINISTRATION OFFICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OFFICER TECHNICAL DIRECTOR TECHNICAL SECRETARIAT AND PROGRAMMING Hierarchical Relations Functional Relations INFORMATICS SERVICES TECHNICAL OFFICE ACCREDITATION OFFICERS ASSESSORS & EXPERTS Page.: 8 of 49

9 4. LIST OF SINCERT ASSESSORS AND EXPERTS ASSESSORS EXPERTS 1. Giordano Angle 1. Alberto Andreani 2. Paolo Biacoli ** 2. Giacomo Astengo 3. Riccardo Bianconi ** 3. Fabrizio Benedetti 4. Riccardo Bisagno 4. Ferdinando Bosoni 5. Riccardo Brolli 5. Antonio Maria Enrico Brunori 6. Maurizio Buoncompagni 6. Giovanni Carlo Fiorucci 7. Roberto Camiciottoli ** 7. Gioachino Kratter 8. Giovanni Canepa 8. Ercole Manfredi 9. Giuseppe Canepa ** 9. Marco Nava 10. Angelo Castelluccio * 10. Fabrizio Papa 11. Emilia Catto 11. Evasio Pasini 12. Mauro Cavretti * 12. Alberto Pederneschi 13. Marco Cerri ** 13. Anna Albina Sampò 14. Marco Comboni ** 14. Matteo Sbisà 15. Giacomo Conio 15. Raffaele Scialdoni 16. Giovanni Curli ** 16. Lorenzo Thione 17. Giovanni Di Falco 17. Silvia Trazzi 18. Camillo Franco 18. Bruno Zanoni 19. Francesco Frigerio ** 20. Franco Gattafoni ** 21. Nicola Gigante 22. Moreno Giordani 23. Mariagrazia Lanzanova * 24. Daniela Longo 25. Emilio Magnanti 26. Maurizio Maviglia 27. Aldo Merico 28. Tommaso Miccoli 29. Alberto Musa * 30. Daniele Pernigotti ** Page.: 9 of 49

10 31. Gianluca Qualano * 32. Emanuele Riva * 33. Francesco Santini * 34. Carla Sanz * 35. Alessandro Seno 36. Giuliano Tacchi Venturi 37. Silvia Tramontin 38. Irene Uccello * 39. Claudio Vanossi ** 40. Nobile Verratti ** 41. Giovanni Zotta * SINCERT staff or full-time collaborators ** Professional figures working full-time or mainly for SINCERT Page.: 10 of 49

11 5. NEWS, FACTS AND FIGURES FOR GENERAL NEWS SINCERT MEMBERS In 2008 FEDERCHIMICA and FINCO were admitted as members of the association. Their admission was discussed and approved by the SINCERT Members Assembly of February 21, bringing the total number of SINCERT members to 48. Also in 2008 the qualification as member was transferred from the former body, APAT - the Agency for the Protection of the Environment and for Technical Services, to the new legal body ISPRA the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research. On February 21, 2008, the Members Assembly of SINCERT members approved the new General Regulations enforcing statutory provisions, ST-02 rev.02. The new regulation met the need to satisfy the requirement of impartiality, with the aim of guaranteeing fairness between all the parties involved in SINCERT activities. With the document, an organisational factor was also introduced which ensures that SINCERT conforms with the principles of ISO/IEC 17011:2004 "Conformity assessment - General requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies", the standard regulating the functions of accreditation bodies, answering the need to guarantee fairness between all the parties involved which emerge from the first EA evaluation phase (April 2006). The new General Regulations divide the association into four categories (art. 11), in order to guarantee a balanced representation of the interests of SINCERT members and the integration of respective knowledge, experience and competences. The modification has had a precise aim: the enhancement of internal relations of the association with a view to full sharing of policy and strategic decisions and the activation of the best synergies for the good conduct of SINCERT activities. The new categories are: - Public administrations, Public bodies and Research bodies; - Organisations representing producers of goods and services and other operators; - associations of accredited bodies; - associations of consumers and users, associations for the protection of the environment and from risk providers of public utilities others involved in activities of the association. So as to guarantee that SINCERT adopts its own decisions with respect to fairness between Parties, avoiding the risk of any cases favouring one Party over others, an article was included whereby certain decisions taken by the Steering and Control Committee can be adopted only if approved by all the categories involved, or, failing this, by a two thirds majority of those present. Approval of the document is also closely tied to the new sole National Accreditation body. The objective of the renewal of the SINCERT Statute was based on the logical consequences of unification of the bodies by January 1, Page.: 11 of 49

12 ACCREDITATION REGULATIONS AND MARKET SURVEILLANCE The unification of the Italian accreditation system constitutes a fundamental step towards compliance with EU Regulation n. 765 of 2008, Regulation of the European Parliament and Council for the accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products, published in the Official Gazette of the EU, August 13, 2008 and applicable as from January 1, The Regulation is part of a legislative package which was drawn up under the revision of the New Approach, which also includes Decision 768 (this gives a common framework for the marketing of products) and Regulation 764 (this deals with the application of certain national technical rules to products lawfully marketed in another member State). The new Regulation: - recognises accreditation as the last level of control in the whole quality chain in both voluntary and mandatory sectors; - confers upon accreditation the legal ranking afforded by public authority undertaken in the public interest; - aims to regulate activities within the EU, strengthening rigour, effectiveness, uniformity, transparency and credibility; - endorses the methods preferred for use by Member States for the evaluation and assessment of the competence of the bodies called to evaluate conformity with the requirements of EU Directives and Regulations (notified bodies and Conformity bodies in general) as a basis for the concession of the relative authorisations and notifications by the competent national authorities; - recognises the EA as the official European accreditation infrastructure to which it entrusts the task of guaranteeing the homogeneous and effective performance of European accreditation activities. The fundamental message is that accreditation has been recognised as having a crucial role to play; that it is legally strong and in the public interest in order to ensure Conformity Assessment bodies guarantee the high quality of services they require, and for producers for the marketing of products, except in cases where surveillance remains in the ambit of national authorities. The key point for the accreditation system is that the national accreditation body is defined as The sole body that, in a Member State, performs accreditation with authority derived from the State. The need to unify the Italian accreditation bodies, SINAL, SINCERT and SIT, has thus become of increasing importance. The process began some time ago, also through the intensification of the activities of FIDEA, the Italian Federation of Accreditation bodies, and this necessity has entered its final phase in The merger of SINCERT with SINAL is scheduled to be completed by mid 2009 in order to give full value to respective experience of competences, professionalism and procedures. In brief, the sector of testing laboratories and that of certification and inspection bodies will be integrated in the new structure in a shared vision and with shared management so as to meet EU objectives, but without compromising the expectations and interests of businesses, consumers and other operators with a view to consolidating quality and safety objectives. Page.: 12 of 49

13 GENERAL REGULATIONS The programme of revising the SINCERT General Regulations, begun in 2007, for greater efficiency and effectiveness in accreditation management and continued in 2008 to comply with modifications introduced by the General Regulations enforcing statutory provisions ST-02, rev. 2, regarded the Steering and Control Committee rules of procedure RG-09, revision 01, and the Commission of Appeal Rules of Procedure, also now at revision 01. The revision has begun of the Accreditation Committee Rules of Procedure RG-08, which became necessary for updating the Annex with names and CVs of new members. Also under revision are the Regulations for the Accreditation of Certification bodies and the Regulation for the Accreditation of inspection bodies (RG-01 rev. 02 and RG-03, rev. 02), where certain items are placed in comparison with associations of Accredited bodies. There are very important possibilities of modification regarding the performance at short notice of scheduled and extraordinary surveillance at certified/assessed subjects with bodies that have issued conformity assessment reports. Also of importance is the proposal to increase the volume of surveillance evaluation conformity assessment activity wherever the certification concerns mandatory items (such as the QMS, building sector EA 28); the assessment of closure and of the effectiveness of all findings (NCs and observations) before granting accreditation or extension thereof; the possibility of intervening where there is evidence that the bodies have offered their services at excessively low rates or that they have paid their auditors fees outside market norms. EA AUDIT From March 17 to 19 EA undertook an evaluation of SINCERT to verify the SINCERT s continuing conformity with EA MLA requirements the object of which was to evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions put in place following the findings formalised at the output of the first phase of evaluation in April, The EA Evaluation consisted of an audit at SINCERT and of an observation of a witness audit carried out by SINCERT at the premises of two accredited certification bodies. These involved the quality and environmental management systems and product schemes, in one case, and the inspection scheme in the other. The EA team found that the two audits were conducted in a totally satisfactory manner. The SINCERT audit groups showed high competence and professionalism and were found to be in perfect compliance with the applicable standards. SINCERT showed that it had put properly in place the corrective actions undertaken following the findings formalised at output of the first phase of evaluation in April, The final report was decidedly positive, and the new findings, which consisted of three observations and one comment, were accepted by the Direction as keys for improvement and confirmation of the commitment of the body to fairness and thoroughness in its work, in a spirit of full collaboration with the European body. The report will soon be subjected to the EA MAC committee which will issue a final decision of the confirmation of SINCERT s status as EA MLA signatory. Page.: 13 of 49

14 THE CRIME PREVENTION SYSTEM The process of adjustment to D.Lgs. June 8, 2001, n. 231 has been concluded - Regulation of administrative responsibilities of juridical persons, of organisations and associations also not possessing juridical persons, in compliance with article 11 of the Act of September 29, 2000, n. 300, which, together with other initiatives, moves towards updating and directing SINCERT activities always further towards the qualification of the entire conformity assessment system. With the aim of exonerating SINCERT from any responsibilities in cases where crimes are committed under D.Lgs. 231, a model of organisation, management and control has been developed. In 2007 a risk analysis was conducted and the documents resulting from such were presented in order to integrate the crime prevention system in observance of D.Lgs. 231 with the already existing SINCERT management system in compliance with ISO/IEC In 2008 the Model of organisation for Management and Control RG-11 and the Code of Ethics and Behaviour RG-12 were both adopted. An internal Compliance body was instituted (coming under the Regulation of the Functioning of the Compliance body RG-13) with the task of monitoring compliance, effectiveness and adequacy of the organisational model by all subjects involved in the management and in the activities of the body, including all staff and collaborators and also members of association structures and suppliers. The body, consisting of four members, among whom one President and one Compliance Officer, focused its attention on the definition of rules and the implementations necessary for diffusion of information to all interested parties, of Organisational Model D.Lgs. 231, prepared by SINCERT. The operative phase concerned the analysis of audits conducted for evaluating, above all, adherence to the Code of Ethics and Behaviour, and thus the pertinent procedures and support instructions. The audit covered areas of Privacy, Security, Safety and Administration and it will continue in 2009 in these and other areas including Complaints Management and Direction. All the audits hitherto performed have confirmed SINCERT compliance with the mandatory provisions pursuant to D.Lgs 231, resulting in certain recommendations which have all been taken on board by the SINCERT Direction. INTERNAL SAFETY The adjustment has been made to comply with D.Lgs, April9, 2008, n. 81, Safety Text, fulfilling all the necessary compliances. These are the updating of the risk evaluation document, enquiries in industry regarding the exposure to chemical substances at places of work and technical inspections to evaluate the maintenance of building structures. The internal safety plan was completed after a series of interventions of training for all internal and collaboration staff, with specific initiatives in support of directors and other people with expert knowledge of fire risks and first aid. SINCERT Assessors and Experts have also been given a badge and they have been trained in the use of individual articles of protection. Page.: 14 of 49

15 COLLABORATION WITH INSTITUTIONS In September 2008 a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the CNCU The National Council of Consumers by the SINCERT President (in his role as President of the CNCU) and by the Ministry of Economic Development. The primary objective is to promote confidence in the products and services in compliance with national and international technical standards in matters concerning quality and safety which have received accreditation audit. Under the MoU, the two bodies have begun to operate, with the involvement of all public and private stakeholders in the interests of co-operation between legislation and voluntary standards and between notification and voluntary accreditation, developing initiatives joining information and training with members of consumer associations. In 2009 plans have been made for discussion events which will be open to the public, such as congresses, workshops and forums. These will enhance synergies of the respective flows of communication as instruments for the exchange of knowledge. The objective has high priority both for the institutions and for the consumers, complying with the requirements of the Consumer Code (D.Lgs. 206/05 articles 136 et seq.), into which the institutional law of the CNCU (L. 281/98) has been incorporated. An important point regards SINCERT s commitment to continue to follow, with all necessary vigour, feedbacks pointing out irregularity or inadequacy in its own work and in accredited subjects, highlighting audit results and the adoption of corrective actions where necessary. In order to further this drive, a section for feedbacks and complaints has been introduced on the website. Collaboration with UNI has continued on the basis of the MoU signed in December, This strengthened relations with the Italian system for standardization, represented also by the Committee of Assessors and Experts. The activity of analysis of SINCERT Technical Regulations also took place, to highlight contents which could become standards, comparing them and integrating them with UNI documents which already cover the topic. The revision has also begun of such Regulations, taking care of the emerging market trends. A linked programme of information/training has also begun. It regards the entire socio-economic context of reference (conformity assessment operators as well as enterprises, institutions and consumers), and it is fully discussed in the paragraph Promotional and communications activities. OTHER SALIENT FACTS In 2008 the Commission of Appeal dealt with three appeals, all of which were promptly and carefully handled. This confirmed the decisions taken by the Accreditation Committee, demonstrating the transparency of decision-making processes which guarantee to all interested parties that non-conformities are rigorously brought to light and, where necessary, corrected. The Commission also initiated the examination of two other complaints which were received at the end of With a view to optimising coordinated activities of the FIDEA federation and with a view to strengthening relations with Public Administrations, a SINCERT office was opened in Rome, at the offices of SINAL. Page.: 15 of 49

16 5.2 STATE OF SINCERT ACCREDITATIONS Accreditation activities are summarised as follows. ACCREDITATION OF CERTIFICATION AND INSPECTION BODIES The number of operative certification and inspection bodies holding SINCERT accreditation passed from 125 (December 31, 2007) to 129 an increase of 3%. The total number of body accreditations passes from 226 (December 31, 2007) to 238, an increase of 5%. Nine new Subjects have been accredited: ANAS Spa, Autostrade per l Italia, (Italian motorways) C.C.Q.A.A., CERTIEURO Srl, ENAMA, GCS Srl, ICOVER Srl, MERCURIO Ingegneria Spa e S.C. AllCERT SYSTEMS Srl after two accreditations revoked ERGOCERT Srl e ISRANDT-ISRACERT Division, after two accreditation renounces PMIcert Srl e O.T.A. Srl and the merger of two Certification bodies in one accredited Subject. The breakdown of accreditations on December 31, 2008 is reported below, along with last year s figures. Accreditation scheme QMS EMS OHSMS ISMS FMS PRD PRS ISP EPD QMS - Quality Management System (ISO 9001) EMS Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) OHSMS Occupational Health and Safety Management System ( [BS] OHSAS 18001) ISMS Information Security Management System (ISO 27001) FMS Food Management System (ISO 22000) PRD - Products/Services PRS - Personnel ISP inspection EPD Environmental Product Declaration (UNI ISO 14025) The number of management systems certifications (productive sites), issued under SINCERT accreditation at is distributed as follows: - QMS (ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008): QMS (other quality standards: AVSQ MIA, EN 9100:2005, ISO 13485:2004, ISO 3834:2006, etc.): EMS (ISO 14001:2004): OHSMS (OHSAS 18001:1999 and OHSAS 18001:2007): ISMS (ISO 27001:2005): 235 Page.: 16 of 49

17 The total number of management systems (productive site) certifications, accredited by SINCERT, at , stood at over 134,200 Some 50,000 of these are products (devices and consumption goods, long-lasting and shortlasting), with a steady and significant increase in the agriculture and food production sector. For a few years now, some service certification schemes, such as training services, compliance services and relations with organisations have all been accredited. inspection activities under SINCERT accreditation are constantly on the rise. Accreditation scopes cover numerous sectors, amongst which: - buildings; including project audits for verification and technical compliance audits during construction for the granting of ten-year insurance policies; - food and agriculture products and processes; - industrial products and processes; - plastic materials; - fuel distribution services; - hotel and restaurant services; - public transport services; - rail infrastructures; - road infrastructures. Many professional figures also come under SINCERT accreditation, including management systems auditors, project planners, consultants and management systems officers (about 1,400) who operate in the quality sector, as well as other figures who are active in specific sectors tied to construction and quality assurance processes, welders welding operators, professional welders, non destructive testing personnel, cathodic protection personnel, etc. or new professional figures in the health sector. All this for a total of over 80,000 certified people. The growth, of around 3%, in management systems certification, reflects a slowdown with respect to (when the growth was of 10%) and compared with previous years. This reflects a pause in growth or even a decline in a market which is in some areas saturated, and it also reflects the global financial crisis which has cut deeply into the economy. The difficulties created by this situation for many organisations can have consequences on the volume of activity of the competent certification and inspection bodies. However, this will not have any negative influence upon methods and operative practices which SINCERT will continue to control, confident in the system which guarantees a role for the system of conformity assessment. The Accreditation body also confirms its consolidated financial solidity. RECOGNITION OF BODIES OPERATING UNDER ACCREDITATION OF OTHER EA MLA ACCREDITATION (QMS SCHEME, BUILDING SECTOR EA 28) The activity has continued of recognition of bodies operating under other EA MLA accreditations for the issuing of QMSs in building sector EA 28, pursuant to the Decision of the Authority for the supervision of Public Contracts for works, services and supplies Public Contracts N. 11/2003 of May 14, 2003 and successive amendments. Page.: 17 of 49

18 The state of recognition of these bodies is published in a SINCERT list which is regularly updated and published on the website LS-08, List of Certification bodies recognized by SINCERT for the issuing certificates of Certification of conformity to the Standard ISO 9001:2000 (SINCERT document RT-05), for use within the qualification system of building firms (sector EA 28), according to of the Decision of the Authority for the supervision of Public Contracts for works, services and supplies N.11/2003 of 14 May The list can be consulted in interactive form in the section Lists and Data Banks on the website, through the database of foreign bodies recognised for sector EA 28. At December 31, 2008, under SINCERT accreditation in sector EA 28 (full or with limitations) there are 56 bodies, an increase of two for the same period of Operating under foreign bodies accreditation, signatories to the EA MLA Agreements and recognised by SINCERT: - 15 bodies (an increase of 4 on 2007) through direct agreement, - 25 bodies (one more than 2007) through Agreement Protocols stipulated with the respective accreditation bodies, for a total of 40 recognised bodies, representing an increase of 14%. These recognitions commit SINCERT to an initial conformity assessment under the requirements of the Technical Regulations applicable in a diligent and constant evaluation activity, through on-site and witness audits. Altogether, the number of bodies operating under SINCERT accreditation for sector EA 28 corresponds to 96 subjects (of which 56 accredited bodies), which is 7 more than the same period of 2007, constituting a total increase of almost 8%. 5.3 SUMMARY OF ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL RESULTS The Balance at closes with a positive result before taxation, equivalent to circa 517,000 (4,5% above the results for 2007 for reasons given below) and with a post-tax result of circa which is 20% above the 2007 result. Thanks to new legislation which has reduced the fiscal load, the taxable income, despite the gross increase, has gone down by some 41,000. The most important features of economic and financial management can be summarised as follows: Profit and Loss Statement see also the statement attached to this Report: - As per the current tariffs, the revenue for accreditation activity, revenue for accreditation activity (excluding assessors expenses) increased by about 5.25%, with an increase of 4.75% for revenue from registration inscription rights (related to the turnover of accredited Subjects) and of 5.75% for evaluation activities (examination of documents, on-site and witness audits and applications for new accreditation). It is important to notice that SINCERT s tariffs have not altered for some years (the last, and relatively minor changes were made in 2002, when the Euro was introduced). The situation regarding revenue from registration inscription rights reveals a steady slowdown in the rate of increase: from a 13% rise in 2005 to an 8% rise in 2006 and a 7.7% rise in This figure is more stable with respect to the figure related to assessment activity: %; this confirms the effort made in 2008 in terms of audits of accredited subjects, Page.: 18 of 49

19 especially in scheduled and extraordinary surveillance. The trend of revenues indicates, moreover, that the turnover of accredited bodies maintained a positive growth rate, despite the market saturation of management systems. - Proceeds from project development posted a considerable growth compared with 2007: + 24,000, following the agreement of technical collaboration with the Irish accreditation body for which a SINCERT officer has been working in Ireland starting from October The total value of production has grown by about 6%. - Production costs have increased as per expectations, at a rate of 6.5%, in line with association income. The greatest differences have occurred in the increase in personnel expenses following the formal appointment of a General Director and the reduction of expenses due to institutional bodies, as well as the reduction of expenses paid for international activities undertaken with regard to EA. As in previous years, personnel expenses include a bonus which is equivalent to one month s salary. Balance (see also the Balance Analysis Schedules): - Credits for organisations are greater than debts, these being debts of suppliers, fiscal debts, debts owed to welfare organisations and others; - Financial resources are ample. The body has indeed considerably improved revenue across the board. The increase in liquidity in the associations bank account stands at 802,202 and this is also is due to the non-renewal of investments after their expiry; this has lead to a greater belief in retaining finances in bank accounts, for which conditions are more advantageous. This policy is a result of the global financial crisis which has led to a reduction of revenue from state equity; - Reserve capital, together with available capital, amounting to 2,197,902 constitute a credible guarantee of the association s financial strength. This is clearly crucial for the autonomy and independence of the body and in matters concerning the creation of a Sole Italian accreditation body and all projects thereby connected. Page.: 19 of 49

20 6. DEVELOPMENT OF ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES 6.1 DATA AND FIGURES As described in paragraph 5.2, SINCERT accreditations have shown a steady upward trend throughout 2008, posting stronger rises than ever before. The table shows the main data related to assessment activities performed by SINCERT in year year Assessment activities Number of on-site audits Number of witness audits Number of document audits Total On-site audits (in man-days) Accreditation Surveillance Supplementary ,5 Extraordinary 2 8 Witness audits (in man-days) Accreditation 67 66,5 Surveillance 594,5 611 Extension 168,5 156 Supplementary 31 29,5 Extraordinary 24 8 Document Audits (in man-days) ,5 Total assessment activities (in man-days) As can be seen, in 2008 assessment activity was greater than it was in 2007, showing a 6% rise in audit numbers and a corresponding 4.2% rise in the total of man-days for assessment. Compared with 2007, on-site audits were the most numerous up by 9.8%, with a corresponding rise in man-days taken up by audit activity which was up by 11%. The highest number of audits were on-site first accreditation audits, up by 16%, but the greatest percentage rise came from accreditation surveillance audits which increased by 17.5%. There was, however, a considerable decline in on-site supplementary audits (down 35%) to be set against a surge of extraordinary audits resulting from feedbacks and complaints which were up by 300% Page.: 20 of 49

21 Concerning the number of witness audits, the figure grew by 3% along with a slight reduction in the corresponding number of man-days, which was down 1.6%. Witness audit activity showing an increase in man-days for surveillance audits was up 3%; special audits were down 66 %, supplementary audits showed a 5% decline while witness extension audits were also down, by 8%. Setting aside the above results, 115 files were presented to the Accreditation Committee, 40% of which were for existing accreditation extensions; 38% for accreditation renewal of certification/assessment bodies and 16% for new accreditations. To this figure must be added about 100 files for the transition to new editions of standards for bodies providing audits and certification using different schemes (UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17021:2006, BS OHSAS ; ISO/IEC 27006:2007) and numerous files regarding ownership transfer of accreditation to new bodies. For activities related to sanctions, (suspensions and withdrawals from accreditation), see 7.1 Relations with accredited subjects. 6.2 THE DEVELOPMENT OF ACCREDITATION SCHEMES On September 15, 2008, the two-year transition period expired for the application of standard ISO/IEC as fixed by EA/IAF/ISO, Conformity assessment Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems, which defines requirements for bodies carrying out certification of management systems (QMS, EMS, OHSAS, ISMS, FMS, etc.), with a view to the definitive substitution of ISO/IEC Guide 62, (EN 45012) and the ISO/IEC Guide 66. The transitory period was one of intense work for the SINCERT technical staff who were planning and performing audits under the new standard and inserting them into the process of accreditation, surveillance and renewal of management system certification bodies starting from June At the deadline, adjustment to ISO/IEC 17021:2006 had been positively concluded for 71 management system certification bodies out of a total of 75. For three bodies (one of which was already suspended) the Accreditation Committee decided on a suspension of 6 months. The result reflected the commitment shown by all the bodies. A new method of presenting files has been introduced into the Accreditation Committee. It is an experiment which began with the March session and became fully adopted thereafter. This was also done with a view to the harmonisation of procedures with SINAL for the sole accreditation body. Individual members of the Committee are selected as reference persons for schemes and/or sectors and they perform a role of person of reference for the files. It has proved to be a useful step both in terms of speeding up the examination of the many files put before the Committee and also for dealing better with single critical aspects by means of a comparative analysis conducted by SINCERT staff (Technical Director or Accreditation Officer). Monitoring the performance of SINCERT assessors has continued. It began in 2007 with a three-year plan for revising reports in terms of clarity and adequacy of findings (annual audit). Page.: 21 of 49

22 Research and development activity to improve accreditation schemes, for the introduction of new schemes and the improvement of existing ones continues to be undertaken by the SINCERT Working Groups. The involvement of all interested parties, represented in a fair and balanced manner, guarantees the impartiality of their work and the constant perception of the needs of the frameworks of reference. It is therefore clear that Working Groups perform a crucial task in responding to quality requests coming from stakeholders and the market with ever-increasing effectiveness. Working Groups include as experts in the object scheme and are co-ordinated, in general, by a SINCERT technical officer. They are normally open to one member for each conformity assessment body subjects accredited in the scheme or those who have applied for accreditation, and to representatives of interested parties who have specific competences regarding the scheme and who represent general economic and common interests. The documents of the Working Group are regularly updated in special sections for this on SINCERT s website. QMS SCHEME QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (ISO 9001:2000) The scheme for the accreditation of certifications of the quality management system as under ISO standard 9001:2000 (and ISO 9001:2008) covers 33% of accreditations granted, with 75 certification bodies operating for the granting of the corresponding conformity assessments. The number is the same as it was in 2007, given that for new accreditations there was the same number of withdrawals and suspensions. The most important novelty regards the ISO and IAF rules for the transition from certification standard ISO 9001:2000 to standard ISO 9001:2008. The international ISO standard was published on November 15, 2008 to be adopted as UNI EN ISO 9001:2008 on November 26, SINCERT complied with the ISO and IAF rules which were agreed in an implementation plan to ensure the smooth process of implementation of accredited certifications, as in ISO/IAF communication Implementation of accredited certification to ISO 9001:2008 and document ISO/TC176/SC 2/N836 Implementation Guidance for ISO 9001:2008, both to be found on SINCERT s website. In particular, SINCERT has already begun to check the implementation of the specific adjustments during the performance of on-site compliance audits as a part of the plan for the maintenance of the QMS accreditation scheme. Following the results of the above process, during 2009 SINCERT will update all relevant accreditation documents (Certificates and Annexes) with the new reference to standard ISO 9001:2008. The transition period expires November 15, 2010, from which date onwards ISO 9001:2000 certifications will no longer be valid. With the aim of optimising processes which the bodies must follow, SINCERT, autonomously and in collaboration with UNI, has embarked on a formation plan of training sessions, including preparation of the relevant documents, (see Cultural Activities). Page.: 22 of 49

23 Work carried out by the Group Medical Devices has been concluded. In March, 2008, this led to the revision of Technical Regulation RT-20, Rules for the accreditation of QMS certification bodies for the sector of medical devices, now in its second revision. The modifications regard the updating of reference standards applicable to the certification of such systems, today defined in the single standard ISO 13485:2004. In particular, the new regulation took into consideration the recommendations expressed in the EA that quality management system certifications in conformity with standard ISO 13485:2004 cannot be granted to organisations selling medical devices. Work has continued on the forum of analysis with the associations of Accredited Subjects, begun in 2007 to study the situation of the QMS certifications regarding the suppliers of the large organisations: big enterprises, industrial groups and public utilities (transport, telecommunications, energy etc). The meetings have been formally codified as Working Groups. They have led to a better understanding of critical factors which potentially influence the use of products and services which have been certified by these large organisations. They have special needs which are determined by the nature of the service they offer, by the high volume of purchase activity, by the complexities of suppliers selection and the ability to control the actual chain of supply which necessarily reflects a high degree of faith in their suppliers, also because the market authorities impose strict controls on all details of the services they perform. The intention is not to define an ad hoc accreditation scheme but rather to analyse in depth various cases of inadequacy and thereby to reinforce the value and credibility of ISO 9001 certifications because they are commonly used by such organisations. EMS SCHEME ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ISO 14001) The scheme is in constant growth and currently covers 16% of all ongoing SINCERT accreditations, with 36 operative bodies an increase of two on The Working Group Environment met regularly, and, with the contribution of representatives of the Parties involved in the environmental question, it is always involved in the discussion of problems related to the certification scheme, studying critical cases, occasionally commissioned by the SINCERT accreditation committee, and the preparation of support documents for assessment activities. From the beginning of the year the Technical Regulation RT-09 became applicable: Rules for the accreditation of bodies operating EMS certifications published in December 2007 in revision 3 which updates the part Rules for certification under UNI EN ISO in sector EA 36 with reference to Public Administrations with territorial competences. In 2008 SINCERT began a process of scope verification of certificates ISO 14001:2004 granted by Public Administrations with territorial competences (Local government, Provincial authorities, park management authorities etc.) certified by accreditation bodies. The process aims to ascertain if there are any certificates in violation of the RT-09 rules, 12.9 (no activity can be excluded from the application filed of the EMS certificate, with the sole exception of certain types of public administration. With the intention of drawing attention to the role of Public in its relations with the accreditation system, a study group was instituted within the Environment working group, also resulting from the increasing involvement of local authorities in environmental certification for territory management. Page.: 23 of 49

24 Collaboration is moving in the same direction with the Open Group of TANDEM, at whose study group SINCERT takes part. Planned by the Department of Safety and the Environment of the Province of Bologna for discussion, information and increasing awareness of the governmental structures in themes of sustainability, particularly in terms of environment management systems, it has led to the preparation of documents of importance to Public Administrations and to the publication of a book, with a contribution from SINCERT, entitled Quality and the land. Environment certification of governmental structures. Similar activities have been set up with CARTESIO, an Italian Regional Authorities network. This collaboration is dedicated to environmental themes, with particular reference to art. 30 of law 133/08, dealing with the simplification of administrative controls for certified organisations. Another collaboration exists with the consortiums COMIECO and POLIECO to emphasise to accredited bodies the importance that their certified organisations correctly fulfil their registration obligations to the consortiums. OHSAS SCHEME OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (OHSAS and BS OHSAS 18001) The scheme, recently introduced, has shown significant prospects for development. On December 31, 2008, it covered 4% of accreditations and corresponding certifications and steadily increasing by over 11% per year. From July, 2008, the first certifications began to be registered under the new standard BS OHSAS 18001:2007 Occupational health and safety management systems Requirements, published on July 1, 2007 and coming into force July 1, Following the two-year transition, during which OHSAS 18001:1999 remains valid, for the OHSAS scheme, SINCERT accredited bodies will have to have completed their transition of OHSAS certifications to the new standard. The first meeting with UNI have taken place; these are part of the programme of technical activities of the Memorandum of Understanding, to verify if preliminary conditions exist for a revision of RT-12 Rules for the accreditation of Certification bodies operating OHSAS, currently at revision 1 0f There is a new scheme introduced by the government which could prove to be very interesting regarding occupational health and safety; it resulted in the DLgs of April 9, 2008 n.2, the Text on Occupational Health and Safety, in implementation of the article of L 3, August 2007 n Referring to article 30, subsection 5: During initial application, company organisational models defined in conformity with the UNI-INAIL guidance for an occupational health and safety management system, as of September 28, 2001, or else with the British Standard OHSAS 18001:2007, are presumed to be in conformity with the requirements as per the current article fort the corresponding parties ( ). Regarding this, the models of company organisation in conformity with BS OHSAS 18001:2007, if correctly applied, are legally binding to people with the administrative responsibility (as per legislative decree of June 8, 2001, n. 231). Page.: 24 of 49

25 ISMS SCHEME INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ISO/IEC 27001) The ISMS accreditation scheme has posted a moderate but steady rise, with a new accreditation in 2008 and covering 3% of all current SINCERT accreditations. Certifications under standard ISO/IEC 27001:2005 have shown a sharp increase of 59% compared with the situation on 31 December, 2007 although the total remains relatively small: 235 certified sites. This also reflects the high quality of the work of the accredited certification bodies. It also reflects the awareness of organisations involved in security, especially information security, a feature which needs to be strengthened in the management system of organisation risks. September 15, 2008, saw the conclusion of the transition to ISO/IEC 27006:2007 Information technology - Security techniques - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of information security management systems specifically dedicated to the accreditation process of certification bodies operating in the field of information security. In accordance with EA dispositions, accreditation certification to ISO/IEC 27001, which beforehand was under EA7/03 EA Guidelines for the Accreditation of bodies operating certification/registration of Information Security Management Systems must be conducted in compliance with ISO/IEC in association with ISO/IEC 27006, with the same transitional period. FMS FOOD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ISO 22000) This is a recent scheme but it has grown steadily to stand now at 2% of all accreditations, with 7 accredited bodies for certifications under ISO 22000:2005 Food safety management systems Requirements for any organisation in the food chain, two more than in Currently there are 50 FMS certifications in different areas: foodstuffs, catering, fresh products of animal origin, long-life products and chemical and organic products for the food industry. The classification does not correspond to EA sectors, but to a categorisation defined in the technical specification ISO TS 22003:2007 Food safety management systems - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of food safety management systems, published in 2007, which today constitutes the reference standard for the award of such accreditations. ITSMS SCHEME INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ISO 2000) The ITSMS accreditation scheme was activated at the end of 2008 on the basis of a series of accreditation requirements prepared by the Working Group ITSM Information Technology Service Management, at which all interested parties participated, and in particular UNINFO (the UNI federated body for standards in the information technology sector and the application of such, and itsmf Italia (information technology Services Management Forum Italia). The Working Group is involved in the drawing up of a document of specific Guidance with the aim of giving a clear definition of the application of reference standards. The preparation of the document is supervised by UNINFO and itsmf Italia with the collaboration of SINCERT. The draft of the guidance will be presented to UNINFO for formal approval and following this it will be sent to UNI to start the publication process. Page.: 25 of 49

26 PRD SCHEME PRODUCTS The scheme is in constant growth and now covers 20% of existing accreditations with 48 operative Subjects two more than the previous year. With reference to service certification, in 2008, rev. 4 of Technical Regulation RT-13 was issued, Rules for the accreditation of bodies performing certifications of the service for Professional Courses and examinations for those working in the sector of electrical and/or gas appliances and system : The field of application of the document is a very specific certification of a service certification which is covered by the creation of professional courses and examinations for the qualification of technical personnel working on electricity systems of High (HT), Medium (MT) and Low (LT) Tension and/or building and maintenance workers of gas supply networks. The Working Group Energy Certification of Buildings, is in its early operative phases, in coordination with ENEA and UNIONECAMERE (the Union of the Chambers of Commerce), for the accreditation of bodies granting product certifications related to uses of energy in construction. The objective is to define an accreditation scheme which contains a basic requirement for mandatory energy certification (obtained in accordance with local rules) and further developments concerning the voluntary saving of energy along with the evaluation of the real interests of building organisations for such certification. The D.Lgs 192/05 and the successive 311/06, in the implementation of Directive 2002/91/CE related to energy performance of buildings, have both effectively introduced into Italy the obligation of energy certification for new buildings and for major reconstruction works. Certifications will therefore cover energy saving aspects which, assuring the presence of the relevant mandatory certifications, permit the achievement of further energy savings (and other improvements). The revision is continuing of rev. 3 of TR-16, Rules for the accreditation of bodies granting conformity declarations for agricultural products and processes and animal foodstuffs using organic methods as under EU Regulation n. 834/2007 and successive modifications and amendments with the contribution of all interested parties involved in the Working Group Organic Agriculture. In November 2008, the MIPAAF formally confirmed on the basis of the new Regulation related to organic production and labelling of organic products, applicable from January 1, 2008 and in substitution of Regulation EEC 2092/91 that control bodies operating in organic agriculture shall be accredited to the most recent version of European standard EN or ISO Guide 65. Consequently, the authorisation of control bodies not accredited by SINCERT on December 31, 2008, has been suspended or withdrawn by the Ministry. Collaboration also continues with standardisation bodies for defining a standard concerning minimum requirements for drafting a contract announcement of competitive tender for out of home meals. Page.: 26 of 49

27 PRS SCHEME PERSONNEL The scheme represents 5% of current accreditations, held by 10 bodies. Prospects for development of the scheme are highly promising, taking into consideration the fact that, along with the certification of professional figures operating in the quality sector, or indeed other figures operating in specific sectors tied to the processes of construction and quality assurance, demand is rising in non-traditional sectors of conformity assessment. In 2008 the study began of a new accreditation scheme (active from the start of 2009) for certified Industrial Hygienist and certified Industrial Hygiene Technician. This is a position which takes on the responsibility for identifying, checking and evaluating in the interests of prevention and, where necessary, correction of chemical, physical and biological problems, including ergonomic and organisational factors in the workplace and outside factors which can have an adverse effect on health and well-being of both workers and others with respect to the principles of professional ethics. Work has continued on the new revision of Regulation RT-15 Rules for the accreditation of personnel certification bodies as per standards ISO/IEC 17024:2003 and ISO 19011:2002, currently under revision 1. ISP SCHEME INSPECTION The accreditation scheme continues to grow significantly, with a steady annual rise (four more accreditations and 16% of the SINCERT total compared with 2007). There have been two new SINCERT accreditations relating to Type B inspection bodies. The new Regulation for the implementation of the Code of Public Tenders provides for the empowerment of verification services of projects also to subjects who are, by definition, involved in the planning, realisation, supply, installation, use, maintenance of objects subjected to inspection or of similar objects in competition.., that is Type B and C inspection bodies, as well as subjects covered by art. 90, subsection 1 of the D.Lgs 163/06: self-employed persons, professional organisations, engineering organisations and groups and consortiums of such. A Decree was issued on April 30, 2008, number 119, by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Technical Regulation for the accreditation of Type B inspection bodies as per standard UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17020, article 28, subsection 4 of annex XX1 to the legislative decree of April 12, 2006, number 163, and successive modifications and amendments. The work was undertaken by the Central Technical Office for Public Works. Unfortunately the government decree is in conflict with European Regulation 765/2008, which is the basis of the definition of the Sole National Accreditation body. EDP SCHEME ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (UNI ISO 14025) The EDP scheme verification and confirmation of environmental product declarations (or Environmental Product Declaration), has been applied by the bodies for some years, if not on a large scale (1% of the total number of existing accreditations, three certification bodies). Page.: 27 of 49

28 New elements regard extensions, thus increasing the PCRs (Product Category Rules) included in the relative accreditation scopes which currently cover various categories of products and services: refuse collection; products for construction; ball bearings; low tension switches; glass fibre products used for extra strength; cement; concrete; packaging machines; thermoplastic materials; bottle corks; logistics services for caterers of meals; wooden tables; low consumption local electricity and heat generators; milk and milk-based products; still mineral water; fertilisers; office desks. Regulated under standard UNI ISO 14025:2006 which regards product approach for environmental quality and which is complementary to the EMS scheme, the environmental product declaration is technically a document which contains objective information, demonstrable and credible, regarding the environmental impact of a product (or service), from cradle to grave ; from conception and planning, through manufacture and use, to its end and its disposal. It is based on the life cycle assessment of the product. The scheme has undergone a major international revision process with the launch of the International EDP System which has led to a change of distribution in terms of Economies and Products. In particular a new product category classification has been introduced, based on the CPC (Central Product Classification) model used for adopting the PCRs in a hierarchical structure based on a modular approach. February 29, 2008, also saw the publication of the General Programme instructions for Environmental product declarations, EPD, which, as from March 1, 2009, shall be the reference document for the EDP scheme, substituting the MSR 1999:2. Page.: 28 of 49

29 7. RELATIONS WITH STAKEHOLDERS 7.1 RELATIONS WITH ACCREDITED BODIES SINCERT s principal stakeholders are the certification and inspection bodies, represented by the following associations: AIOICI, ALPI, ASCOTECO, CISQ and U.N.O.A.. The accredited subjects are involved in SINCERT s activities with differing degrees of participation, intervening, on one hand in the life of the association through representation in the related structure, and on the other hand, benefiting from SINCERT s accreditation service. They are therefore committed to respect the fixed rules of the RG-01 Regulations for the accreditation of certification bodies and RG-03 Regulations for the accreditation of inspection bodies. The bodies take part in SINCERT Working Groups involved in research, study and analysis of schemes and matters regarding accreditation and they participate in training programmes, refresher courses and various meeting to divulge the culture of quality as receivers, collaborators or organisers; these activities always take place within the ambit of the collaboration among actors in the conformity assessment system. Relations with management systems certification bodies have grown considerably in importance in the light of standard ISO/IEC17021 which contains among its principles the fact that being impartial, and being perceived to be impartial, is necessary for a certification body to deliver certification that provide confidence. SINCERT staff have conducted a detailed study of the theme of conflict of interest, in order to define the factors which constitute unacceptable situations of conflict of interest and are in violation of the principle of impartiality with regard to the bodies. The necessity emerged to formalise certain criteria which define with greater clarity the limitations of regularity of behaviour of the bodies and thus the points at which sanctions are deserved. The matter is being carefully followed by the Steering and Control Committee in order to verify consent and define modes of application with the ultimate aim of obtaining the best qualification of certifications and inspection reports issued under accreditation. SINCERT has begun a survey of accreditation processes through the analysis of the performances of the accredited bodies. With a view to constantly improving the efficiency and effectiveness of assessment activities carried out under SINCERT accreditation, an in-depth analysis was undertaken of a series of indicators concerning the work done by certification and inspection bodies. This includes: granted certificates, total invoicing under accreditation, man days for audit, internal employees except auditors, certified sites. The system was activated through the website so as to automate the filling of data by the bodies (currently at 2006 and 2007), thereby increasing accessibility for the annual survey. The data are analysed for risk evaluation, especially as regards invoicing and the man-days used by the accredited bodies, and the data are used for statistical processing in a full and anonymous form which also helps understand market needs. The analysis of potential risks connected to the activities of each accredited body was initiated with a sample of bodies and it will be completed for all subjects by the end of Page.: 29 of 49

30 It will then be applied to the planning of surveillance activities (ordinary, supplementary and extraordinary audits) so that in 2010 more precise and better targeted actions will be guaranteed. The Central Secretariat and Programming has been reinforced in this regard, also in order to strengthen and improve witness audits. In conformity with RG-01 Regulations for the accreditation of certification bodies, it is possible to apply major or minor sanctions to accredited bodies judged not to be in full compliance. These are then published on the SINCERT website and signalled on the Register of Accredited bodies and elsewhere if deemed necessary. In 2008 accreditation was withdrawn from two bodies which failed to meet the suspension deadline governing the relative accreditations for the issue of product and personnel certifications. Two other bodies renounced to accreditation, one for the issue of quality management system certifications and the other for environment management system certifications. A total of six sanctions were also inflicted, four major and two minor, on management system certification bodies. As regards bodies operating under other EA MLA accreditations for the QMS scheme in building sector EA 28, three subjects had their recognition suspended, while the recognition of one body was first suspended and then re-instated after corrective action was duly taken. In 2008 SINCERT continued its collaboration with foreign accreditation bodies in surveillance activities of foreign bodies accredited in Italy and Italian bodies accredited by foreign Accreditation bodies. 7.2 RELATIONS WITH PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND WITH VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS In the light of EC Regulation 765/08, SINCERT has made every possible effort to be regarded as a credible collaborator and thus partner with the Public Administration, promoting the application of the principles of harmonisation between legislation and voluntary technical standardisation, between notification and voluntary accreditation. In 2008, both through ad hoc meetings and formal ones, in the ambit of the statutory activities of institutional bodies, relations were enhanced with representatives of various category associations and Public Administrations. This is to increase their involvement in the definition of SINCERT strategies in the light of collaboration between conformity assessment instruments and the functions of the Public Administration in accordance with Reg. (CE) 765/2008. Similarly, relations with the Ministry of Economic Development continued in order to increase Government awareness of the function performed by accreditation and of the government s responsibilities for the Italian structure of conformity assessment. In 2009 it is expected that there will be a growth in the mandatory sector under the surveillance of Public Administration authorities. Page.: 30 of 49

31 This is the direction currently being taken by MIPAAF, which formally communicated in November 2008 that, in the application of the EU Regulation on organic production, number 834/2007, from January 1, 2009, certification bodies for organic agriculture which have not applied for or been granted accreditation, shall not issue certifications. SINCERT is also working with the Ministry about how to proceed towards the accreditation of bodies which carry out control in the fields of DOP and IGP production (as per EU Regulation 510/06) and STG production (as per EU Regulation 509/06). With regard to relations with the Authority for the Supervision of Public Contracts, a project has been prepared for a database which permits access by users to the list of organisations certified by the bodies and recognised by SINCERT for the issuing certificates of conformity to the Standard ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 9001:2008 (document SINCERT RT-05), for use within the qualification system of construction enterpries (sector EA 28), according to the Decision of Authority for the Supervision of Public Contracts N.11/2003 of 14 May The Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and the National Institute of Insurance against Occupational Injuries are involved in projects and activities related to the accreditation scheme of bodies which issue occupational health and safety management system certifications. SINCERT has a long tradition of operating in the sector of voluntary accreditation (used by conformity assessment operators voluntarily seeking, among other things, market rating), but the operative resources made available by the conformity assessment system work better with Public Administration competence activities because they fulfil her needs as Public Administration: - client (administrative function), when is choosing a supplier, having to ascertain the quality of its work, goods, products and services for purchase; - supplier (technical function) especially regarding public services for the general public, businesses and other organisations, when undertaking institutional functions: Education, Public Works, Health, Social Welfare, Justice etc. - regulator (political function), setting down standards, regulations, procedures, in its fields of reference: mandatory and regulated. In this matter, the Public Administration has already got the certifications granted under accreditation as a fundamental resource of guaranteeing, signalling the accredited certification as a requirement for access to the procurement procedures, participation in competitive tenders, the granting of funds, the simplification of burdens on organisations, the reduction of welfare burdens etc. Another novelty in certification as a resource of administrative simplification, is article 30 Simplification of administrative controls on organisations subject to certification of Legislative Decree n. 112, June 25, 2008 Urgent provisions for economic development, simplification, competitiveness and stabilisation of public finances and equality of taxation. The standard has yet to complete its course but it states an important principle, tending to favour certified organisations which are the object of administrative controls. Also to be born in mind is the D.Lgs n. 163 of April 12, 2006, Code of public contracts for works, services and supplies as per directives 2004/17/CE and 2004/18/CE (single text on Tenders), which says, in article 43, Standards of Guarantee of Quality : If presentation is Page.: 31 of 49

32 requested of certificates issued by independent bodies to attest compliance by the economic operator under specific standards in matters related to quality guarantee, the contracting authorities refer to quality insurance systems based on the pertinent European standards and certificates from bodies in compliance with European standards related to certification (..). In particular, the accreditation of OHSMS schemes (BS OHSAS 18001) and EMS (ISO 14001) poses some specific criticalities with respect to QMS (ISO 9001 and related standards) for the wide margin of obligation of sectors. Also of considerable importance are the contents of D.Lgs. June 8, 2001 n.231, Administrative responsibilities of private corporations, of organisations and associations for contraventions committed in the interests or for the benefit bodies by physical persons who have institutional, administrative or direction roles, as well as physical persons who carry out, also de facto, management and control. The models of organisation conforming to BS OHSAS 18001:2007, if correctly applied, are valid beyond the administrative responsibilities of private juridical persons (as per the above Decree), as under D.Lgs 9 April, 2008 n.81, article RELATIONS WITH ENTERPRISES AND CONSUMERS With regard to relations with consumers, in September, 2008, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the CNCU The National Council of Consumers. In the ambit of the activities planned by the MoU, the two associations prepared a training plan specially for consumer association members and SINCERT has begun a study of the presence of consumer representatives within accredited bodies structures and of the institutional bodies of accreditation subjects and of standardisation organisations, in order to work out a roadmap of how to proceed. The final objectives of the MoU are quite important vis-à-vis the final users, as they must meet the requirements of Consumer Code (D.Lgs. 205/05 art. 136 et seq.) Among the other signed commitments under the agreement, there is the determination of SINCERT to continue to follow up market feedbacks and complaints, utilizing the effective procedure Management of complaints, protests and feedbacks which, since 2008, can be done online. A mask has been created on the SINCERT website, open for all users, for posting feedbacks and complaints and these can also be sent directly to SINCERT where they will be handled rapidly and efficiently. In 2008, 151 feedbacks and complaints were dealt with; of these, about 60 were closed at December 31. The majority of the complaints were concluded with a satisfactory result: 61% by certified organisations (of which two cases with an intervention by the Certification body involved) and 34% by the competent bodies; SINCERT dealt (directly or indirectly) with 5% of the cases. 2% of feedbacks/complaints were anonymous and dealt with separately notwithstanding the policy of complaints management and after an audit. Most feedbacks and complaints were made by private citizens (42%), organisations (7%), Public Administrations (4%) and bodies (2%), while the others were made by organisations directly involved in association activities Page.: 32 of 49

33 (SINCERT itself, members of institutional bodies, assessors etc). This is an indication of the constant and careful activity of monitoring the system of offer and utilisation of certified goods and services and of the criticality of the process of management of feedbacks and complaints always undertaken by SINCERT. Complaints considered valid have caused various actions concerning bodies involved, and this has led in certain cases to a careful control of certified organisations to evaluate the correct application of the management system and, where necessary, the adoption of corrective actions. In particular, in 2008, some feedbacks made it necessary to plan supplementary audits at the competent bodies, while other feedbacks were handled by the certification bodies during on-site surveillance audits. SINCERT closed most of the complaints in on-site audits during which the audit team supervises the proper management and closure of complaints and feedbacks. Page.: 33 of 49

34 8. INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION AND RELATED ACTIVITY In 2008 SINCERT steadily increased its international activity, also in view of the future role of the Sole National Accreditation body. SINCERT is a member of the International associations of cooperation, IAF and EA and is a signatory to all related International Agreements MLA/MRA. SINCERT took part at the EA General Assembly at Tallin (Estonia) in May and at Estoril (Portugal) in November with the presence of the General Director, the Technical Director and also the vice-president in his capacity as EA President. The vice-president also chaired the meetings of the EA Executive Committee and spoke at the meetings of the EA Advisory Board in October. SINCERT s vice-president, who is also a Board Member of the IAF representing the industrialised countries, participated at the IAF General Assembly and at the joint IAF-ILAC Assembly in Stockholm in October. SINCERT also participated in the work of the IAF s Technical Committee s joint ISO/IAF Working Groups Audit Practices and Accreditation Audit Practices and in the IAF Task Force Re-engineering of accreditation process. After two years of work, the TF drew up an action plan linked with ISO to plan interventions short, medium and long term for improving the credibility of certifications. The SINCERT Technical Director participated at the meetings of the EA MAC Council and at the EA Certification and inspection Committees, and other SINCERT officers regularly participate at Publications and Communication and Environment Committee meetings. They also take part in the various EA Working Groups, in particular in the group for the improvement of the competence of EA Assessors and the Combined audits group, which, in October 2008, published the important document EA-7/05 EA Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17021:2006 for Combined Audits and they take part in the Certification Committee on Food Group. The Technical Director took part in EA Working Group meetings for defining criteria for the training and qualification of EA Assessors and Lead Assessors. Their job is to evaluate new accreditation bodies which have requested to participate in the multilateral EA/MLA agreements and in the periodical re-evaluation of all signatory bodies. Several training sessions took place in 2008, the first of which was held in Lisbon in November and it was dedicated to Team Leaders. The Technical Director, in his capacity as EA Team Leader and a SINCERT assessor, in his capacity as Team Member, carried out a number of peer assessments in 2008 on behalf of EA. SINCERT Technical office staff also took part in meetings of the EMAS Committee meetings and of the Working Group Food. Always in the cause of developing and improving initial contacts, in December 2008 SINCERT received a visit from an accreditation body of the Asia-Pacific region: the Australian and New Zealand body JAS-ANZ. Apart from providing a broad detailed overview of SINCERT s activities, the discussions involved selection and training of body accreditation assessors and Cross Frontier activities in order to set out possible benchmarking activities for the future. The visit was very helpful for the bodies to improve their knowledge of each other s methods and for promoting a more cohesive approach to accreditation within the IAF ambit. Page.: 34 of 49

35 SINCERT carries out regular peer assessment activity, as required by the EA MLA agreements. In 2008, SINCERT performed audits together with foreign accreditation bodies which included bodies from America (ANAB), Brazil (INMETRO), Greece (ESYD), UK (UKAS), Russia (GOST) and Romania (RENAR). Cross Frontier audits also took place in 2008, involving UKAS, the Irish body (INAB), the Maltese (NAB), Spanish (ENAC) and others. An agreement has been reached with the Irish accreditation body INAB whereby SINCERT provides support for technical accreditation activities. Emanuele Riva, Compliance Officer, starting in October 2008 and continuing for one year, will undertake assessment activities and collaborate in the development of new accreditation schemes. SINCERT personnel took part in a twinning project with Poland, coordinated by MIPAAF, consisting of a seminar concerning the accreditation of certification bodies based on standard UNI CEI EN Page.: 35 of 49

36 9. CULTURAL PROMOTIONAL AND COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES CULTURAL ACTIVITIES Agreements were also reached in 2008 for SINCERT to participate at conventions, meetings, congresses and other events organised by associations involved in different stages of accreditation, certification and standardisation. The intention is to study technical questions and also to increase general awareness concerning matters of quality and safety. Also in 2008, SINCERT personnel held highly specialised courses in topics such as information security, quality in the food and agriculture sector and project validation. These were held as part of Masters and other courses at universities including Milan, Florence and Bologna. The partnership was renewed with the Centre of Quality and Environment Studies of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Padova. Together with SINAL and SIT, also in view of the planning of activities for the creation of the Sole National Accreditation body and to strengthen relations with Public Administrations, a convention was organised to take place in Rome on June 12, called Accreditation, certification and Public Administration: rules, methods and strategies. The convention was held to coincide with International Accreditation Day of IAF and ILAC, and time was dedicated to a discussion of accreditation activity connected with standardisation and assessment activity and the Public Administration system, to focus attention on the opportunities opened by the interaction between conformity assessment resources and the functions of regulation and surveillance used by Public Administrations. The new EU legislation governing accreditation, market surveillance and product control, due to be approved by the European Council, was presented by Jacques McMillan, head of the unit Regulatory approach for the free movement of goods of the EU Directorate General Enterprise and Industry. UNI was an important collaborator in the initiative and with this association a programme of training and informing was begun in 2008 for professionals and also for public and private organisations representatives, as part of the activities agreed upon in the MoU. A number of publications have also been an important part of increasing public awareness of SINCERT s activities. The first edition of the SINCERT newsletter appeared in November It is a monthly publication for everyone involved in SINCERT activities from statutory bodies to accredited organisations to internal staff and assessors and experts, not forgetting others who will be interested. PROMOTIONAL AND COMMUNICATION ACTIVITIES Press office activities have continued and there have been more initiatives than ever in The aims are to work with greater effectiveness, strengthening relations already in place and building new relations with both specialist and general titles, to give clarity and importance to the role of the association and to draw attention to the economic and social relevance of certified goods and services. We would like to point out, in particular, the special dossier focused on certification published in November with Sole 24Ore, financial daily newspaper, of a special report on Certifications. Page.: 36 of 49

37 As regards working with partners and sponsorship, SINCERT has supported the international conference Eurachem Proficiency testing in analytical chemistry, microbiology and laboratory medicine, organised by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Higher Institute for Health), together with SINAL and SIT, all within FIDEA. Also, the Apertamente event launched by Federalimentare; the Settimana della Qualità organised by AICQ Associazione Italiana Cultura Qualità (The Italian association for Culture and Quality) ; the Qualyservices conference in Cremona s Qualyfood Fair and other initiatives. The advertising campaign has moved forward with reasonable coverage in the main technical/professional and sectoral newspapers and in the specialised dailies. It is also laid out in a traditional chart (the campaign launched in 2007 Quality. Mission Possible ) and expressed in the publication of ad hoc advertisements. And, more specifically, an ongoing relationship of collaboration has been forged with the magazines of the agriculture departments of the regions of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna. Together with UNI, the information campaign regarding the standard ISO 9001:2008 has produced an electronic brochure entitled Quality Management Systems and distributed a video in which SINCERT, UNI and the quality associations and enterprise confederations illustrated their positions and opinions on the impact and applications of the new standard. The contents were made available to all initiative partners via their websites. The SINCERT website s potential has been further extended with the implementation of new functions and services, destined for multiple categories of recipients. The Complaints and Feedback section has been created in the public area of the website. This has vastly increased the flexibility of the procedure for SINCERT to manage centrally complaints and feedback and has, most importantly, created a window of communication with all types of user, including the end consumer. The new system signals into account the body s undertaking to function accurately (assessing, and, if needs be, sanctioning non-conformities) and to discharge its duties as guarantor. The database of bodies with management systems certified under SINCERT accreditation has been implemented, with the option to download registers previously available only on Cd-Rom. Two new dedicated sections were added in 2008 to the reserved area of the site. The Accreditation Committee section was planned exclusively for the members of the Accreditation Committee, in order to publish electronically the files to be discussed in meetings. In addition, the data bank of organisations certified in relation to standard ISO for food management system, FMS scheme, is in its implementation phase. The website has also hosted the launch of a survey to determine levels of satisfaction of accredited bodies with the accreditation service provided by SINCERT in 2008, evaluating the association s performance around a series of parameters which attain to technical activities, administrative management and the image it broadcasts. Page.: 37 of 49

38 10. PERSONNEL, ORGANISATION AND PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES In 2008, SINCERT staff have had to face some absences due to maternity leave. The personnel situation returned to normal between September and December Administration Office staff numbers were boosted by the assumption of a new employee on an open-ended contract. In response to growing operations objectives, the Technical Office has been strengthened by the addition of a new resource dedicated to the management of accreditation practices. The manager of the Central Secretariat, who resigned on 31st December 2007, has been replaced. SINCERT personnel have followed individual training programmes planned with the Direction. The staff training programme for 2009 has also been prepared, in order efficiently to fulfil requirements to update the skills of individual professionals. As at , SINCERT personnel comprises: 1 Filippo TRIFILETTI General Director 2 Alberto MUSA Technical Director 3 Lea ABBASCIÀ Administration Office Manager 4 Anna Lisa ABBASCIÀ Administration Office 5 Ornella PILEGGI Administration Office 6 Carmen SURIANO Administration Office 7 Cristina FANCHETTI External Relations, Communications and Publications Manager 8 Francesca NIZZERO External Relations Office 9 Valentina SPADA External Relations Office 10 Rossella BOSSI Central Secretariat 11 Emanuela GALANTI Central Secretariat 12 Alessandra ZACCHETTI Audit Planning and Technical Secretariat Manager 13 Sara VITALI Audit Planning and Technical Secretariat 14 Maria Grazia LANZANOVA Management System Manager and Accreditation Officer 15 Francesco SANTINI Food Sector Coordinator and Accreditation Officer 16 Angelo CASTELLUCCIO Accreditation Officer 17 Ilaria DOZZO Accreditation Officer 18 Gianluca QUALANO Accreditation Officer 19 Emanuele RIVA Accreditation Officer and Compliance Officer D.Lgs 231/01 20 Carla SANZ Accreditation Officer 21 Irene UCCELLO Accreditation Officer and Safety Manager 22 Nello PALOMBA Informatics Services A. Castelluccio, M. Lanzanova, A. Musa, G. Qualano, E. Riva, F. Santini, C. Sanz, I. Uccello also operate as SINCERT assessors. Page.: 38 of 49

39 Up to , the following staff members took part in SINCERT activities full time: Valter BIANCHI Informatics Services Coordination Consultant Riccardo BIANCONI Information Security Consultant and Lead Assessor Mauro CAVRETTI Alberto PEDERNESCHI Anna Grazia PIRRO Accreditation Officer and Lead Assessor Standardization, Management System and Internal Auditing Consultant Assistant to the President Lavazzi.it Srl. are subcontracted to manage the informatics network, to administer the server and develop support applications for the SINCERT website. In April 2008, the SINCERT External Relations and Communications function was transferred from the office at Via Saccardo 1 to the main office. The SINCERT archive, previously held at the same offices, was handed over to be managed by an external archive services company. These actions were taken to cut costs and to maximise efficiency and fluidity between the various offices. In the field of informatics, 2008 saw the completion of the programme aimed at strengthening the management of information services which was launched in 2007, with the sourcing of a new server, the purchase of a new printer and the upgrading of our software. The SINCERT information system, based on File Maker software, has been implemented with the addition of new functions. Statistical analysis has been automated in the following areas: internal activities, total findings, evaluation of the workload of compliance officers, checking monthly data from accredited and recognised bodies. On an administrative level, the procedure for invoicing fees for registration of Certification and inspection bodies has been computerised. In addition, professional resources and procedures have been altered to meet the security requirements laid down in the Document planning for security of information, updated on 27 th March 2008, to safeguard the privacy of all interested parties, to conform with D. Legs. 196/03. Page.: 39 of 49

40 11. START OF 2009 In the first two months of current year (January and February 2009), institutional work for the Sole Italian Accreditation body has made good progress, with the launch of the last phases of a merger agreement with SINAL. At the same time, a series of meetings has been initiated between the operations functions of the two associations to discuss harmonising the management of finances, administration, informatics, human resources, etc. Discussion has moved forward with SIT/INRIM about the proposal that the accreditation structure of the testing laboratories be part of or collaborate with the new association. The SINCERT Compliance body met to discuss the schedule of activities for 2009, which includes the nomination of a new member, the conclusion of the audit around the Organisational Model D. Lgs 231 adopted by SINCERT, which will concern the activities of the Administration, the Direction, the management of complaints and privacy, the evaluation and management of changes to make to the model itself after the Regulation (CE) no. 765/2008 has come into force and the planning and implementation of new compliance activities. With regard to accreditation, four new bodes have been registered, taking the number of subjects operating with SINCERT accreditation from 129 to 133: ICFP Istituto Certificazione figure della prevenzione (PRS scheme); ISRAND-ISRACERT Division ( PRS scheme); Piramid (ISP); Roma Metropolitane (ISP scheme). The total number of schemes held by accredited bodies of certification and inspection as at 28th February 2009 is 244 (from 238). An informal meeting of the Steering and Control Committee has been authorised to go ahead with the creation of the SINCERT Working Group Conflict of interests, required by the Committee itself, to follow up the implications of the core principle of impartiality set by the standard ISO/IEC 17021:2006 Conformity assessment Requirements for bodies audit and certification of management systems, which defines the accreditation requirements for bodies implementing the certification of management systems. In the schedule of activities envisaged by the SINCERT-UNI Memorandum of Understanding, a first meeting of the UNI Constructions Working Group has taken place. This was to draw up a new standard concerning the technical auditing of construction projects in progress. ANIA, ASCOTECO and other interested Parties also take part in this meeting, and work is under way to revise RT-09 (currently revision 03) ( Prescriptions for the accreditation of bodies conducting the certification of environmental management systems SGA) in order to identify the regulatory content. As regards training, on the 30th of January, a meeting was organised with UNI to study the new text of standard ISO 9001:2008, focussing on the divergence from ISO 9001:2000 and on aspects of the management of the transition, with specific reference to SINCERT assessors and accredited bodies and those awaiting accreditation in the scheme. SINCERT has launched 2009 s collaboration with EA in the area of association meetings, by organising the EA Executive Committee in Milan on January 29 and 30. Still in the field of international relations, SINCERT has begun to take part in the IAF End Users Task Force which is currently preparing a survey of a wide panel of international end users (direct and indirect clients of certification activities). Page.: 40 of 49

41 The feedback can be used to plan the compliance activities of bodies, to optimise the wording of the certifications on a large scale, since they have passed the million mark worldwide. The initiative is among those planned by the ISO/IAF Action Plan 2008, as one of the operations signalled by the IAF Re-engineering Group aimed at improving the efficiency of accreditation and the quality of accredited certifications. Page.: 41 of 49

42 12. ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION AND INSPECTION BODIES 3A - PARCO TECNOLOGICO AGROALIMENTARE DELL UMBRIA S.C.A R.L. 091A QMS 054B PRD ACAE 070B PRD ACCERTA S.P.A. 068A QMS 028D EMS AGIQUALITAS S.R.L. 085A QMS AGROQUALITÀ S.P.A. - CERTIFICAZIONE DELLA QUALITÀ 060A QMS 034D EMS 074B PRD AICQ-SICEV - ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA PER LA QUALITÀ - SISTEMA AICQ-SICEV 019C PRS ANAS S.P.A. 042E ISP ANCCP S.R.L. - AGENZIA NAZIONALE CERTIFICAZIONE COMPONENTI E PRODOTTI 036A QMS ANCIS - ASSOCIAZIONE NAZIONALE PER LA CERTIFICAZIONE E LA QUALITÀ DELLE IMPRESE DI SERVIZI 024D 028A EMS QMS ASACERT S.R.L. 088A QMS 016D EMS ASSAM AGENZIA SERVIZI SETTORE AGROALIMENTARE DELLE MARCHE - CENTRO OPERATIVO AUTORITÀ PUBBLICA DI CONTROLLO (APC) AUTOSTRADE PER L ITALIA S.P.A. - DIREZIONE OPERATIVA SVILUPPO RETE - CONTROLLI TECNICO PROGETTUALI (ASPI-DOSR-CTP) 041E 086B 045E ISP PRD ISP BIOAGRICERT S.R.L. 050B PRD BIOS S.R.L. - CONTROLLO E CERTIFICAZIONE PRODUZIONI BIOLOGICHE 056B PRD BTP ITALIA S.R.L. 010E ISP BUREAU VERITAS ITALIA S.P.A. 009A QMS 008D 008F 003I EMS SCR FMS 009B PRD 006E ISP BUREAU VERITAS SCIRO S.P.A. 083B PRD 036E ISP C.C.Q.A.A. - CONSORZIO CONTROLLO QUALITÀ ALTO ADIGE 089B PRD C.D.Q. ITALIA S.R.L. 070A QMS Page.: 42 of 49

43 078B PRD CCPB S.R.L 043B PRD CEPAS - ORGANISMO DI CERTIFICAZIONE DEL PERSONALE 031C PRS CERMET SOC. CONS. A R.L. - CERTIFICAZIONE E RICERCA PER LA QUALITÀ 007A QMS 010D 013F 006G 004I 069B EMS SCR ISMS FMS PRD CERSA S.R.L. - ISTITUTO PER LA CERTIFICAZIONE DELLE AZIENDE DI SERVIZIO 022A QMS CERTIEURO S.R.L. 100A QMS CERTIFICATION BUREAU S.R.L. 070C 037E PRS ISP CERTIQUALITY S.R.L. - ISTITUTO DI CERTIFICAZIONE DELLA QUALITÀ 008A QMS 001D 002F 007G 006I EMS SCR ISMS FMS 008B PRD EPD 003H CERTITALIA S.R.L. 092A QMS CERTITEX S.R.L. - CERTIFICAZIONE TESSILE ABBIGLIAMENTO 016A QMS EMS 017D CERTO S.U.R.L. - CERTIFICAZIONI TORINESI 026A QMS EMS 004D 026B PRD CERTY CEQ S.R.L. 093A QMS CESI S.P.A. - CENTRO ELETTROTECNICO SPERIMENTALE ITALIANO GIACINTO MOTTA S.P.A. - AREA TECNICA CERTIFICAZIONE 018B PRD CHECK FRUIT S.R.L. 035A QMS 024E ISP CICPND - CENTRO ITALIANO DI CERTIFICAZIONE PER LE PROVE NON DISTRUTTIVE E PER I PROCESSI INDUSTRIALI 035B 064A PRD QMS CISQ - CERT S.P.A. 037A QMS 012C PRS 027D EMS Page.: 43 of 49

44 CMI ITALY S.R.L. 098A QMS CNIM S.R.L. - COMITATO NAZIONALE ITALIANO PER LA MANUTENZIONE 025A QMS CODEX S.R.L. 068B PRD CONTECO S.P.A. - ORGANISMO DI CONTROLLO PER LA CERTIFICAZIONE DELLA QUALITÀ DELLE COSTRUZIONI, SICUREZZA URBANISTICA E AMBIENTE CORFILCARNI G.C.C. - GRUPPO DI CONTROLLO E CERTIFICAZIONE DEL CONSORZIO DI RICERCA FILIERA CARNI 003E 087B ISP PRD CSI S.P.A. - SISTEMA CSI-CERT 032A QMS EMS 032D 032B PRD CSQA CERTIFICAZIONI S.R.L. 014A QMS 009D 005I 014B EMS FMS PRD 038E ISP DASA RÄGISTER S.P.A. 052A QMS 030D EMS DI.QU. S.P.A. 073A QMS DNV ITALIA S.R.L. - DET NORSKE VERITAS ITALIA 003A QMS 003D 004F 002G 001I EMS SCR ISMS FMS 003B PRD E.L.T.I. S.R.L. 078A QMS E.P.C. S.R.L. - EUROPEAN PROJECT CERTIFICATION S.R.L. 027E ISP ECEPA (ENTE CERTIFICAZIONE PRODOTTI AGROALIMENTARI) 075B PRD ECO S.P.A. - EUROPEAN CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION 067A QMS ECOCERT ITALIA S.R.L. 080B PRD ELOT - HELLENIC ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION 038A QMS 013D EMS ENAMA 088B PRD FAC - FEDERAZIONE DELLE ASSOCIAZIONI PER LA CERTIFICAZIONE - FEDERERAZIONE DELLE ASSOCIAZIONI PER LA CERTIFICAZIONE 071C PRS FIDELIO S.P.A. 014E ISP FONDAZIONE EDMUND MACH - A.Q.A. CERTIFICAZIONI 065A QMS 079B PRD Page.: 44 of 49

45 GCS S.R.L. 101A QMS 090B PRD I.C. ITALIANA CONTROLLI S.R.L. 033E ISP I.CE.C. - ISTITUTO DI CERTIFICAZIONE DELLA QUALITÀ PER L'INDUSTRIA CONCIARIA 034A QMS 019D EMS 034B PRD I.Q.M. S.R.L. - ISPEZIONI E MONITORAGGI PER LA QUALITÀ 016E ISP ICB QUALITY 075A QMS ICEA CONSORZIO - ISTITUTO PER LA CERTIFICAZIONE ETICA ED AMBIENTALE 040B PRD ICIC - ISTITUTO DI CERTIFICAZIONE QUALITÀ IMPRESE E SERVIZI PER LE COSTRUZIONI 030A QMS 022D EMS 010F SCR ICILA S.R.L. 013A QMS EMS 011D 084B PRD ICIM S.P.A. 004A QMS ICMQ S.P.A. - ISTITUTO CERTIFICAZIONE E MARCHIO QUALITÀ PER PRODOTTI E SERVIZI PER LE COSTRUZIONI 005D 006F 008G 004B 011A EMS SCR ISMS PRD QMS 012D EMS 007F SCR EPD 002H 011B PRD 007E ISP ICOVER S.R.L. - ISTITUTO COLLAUDI, VERIFICHE E RICERCHE 044E ISP ICPREV S.R.L. - ISTITUTO DI CERTIFICAZIONE PER LA PREVENZIONE 067C PRS IGQ - ISTITUTO ITALIANO DI GARANZIA DELLA QUALITÀ 001A QMS 015D EMS 011F SCR 001B PRD IIS - ISTITUTO ITALIANO DELLA SALDATURA 021A QMS 033D 021B EMS PRD 021C PRS IMQ S.P.A. 005A QMS Page.: 45 of 49

46 006D EMS 005F SCR 003G ISMS 007I FMS 005B PRD INARCHECK S.P.A. 015E ISP INCA - ISTITUTO NAZIONALE PER LE CONSERVE ALIMENTARI 028E ISP IS.E.CERT ISTITUTO EUROPEO DI CERTIFICAZIONE S.R.L. 089A QMS IS.ME.CERT - ISTITUTO MEDITERRANEO DI CERTIFICAZIONE AGROALIMENTARE 062A QMS ISTITUTO DI RICERCHE E COLLAUDI M. MASINI S.R.L. 047A QMS ISTITUTO GIORDANO S.P.A. 057A QMS 082B PRD ISTITUTO ITALIANO DEI PLASTICI S.R.L. 006A QMS 014D 006B 004E EMS PRD ISP ISTITUTO MEDITERRANEO DI CERTIFICAZIONE S.R.L. 087A QMS 042B PRD ISTITUTO MERIDIANA S.R.L. 076A QMS ITALCERT S.R.L. 023A QMS 020D EMS ITALFERR S.P.A. - U.O. VALIDAZIONE PROGETTI 035E ISP ITALSOCOTEC S.P.A. 008E ISP KERI - KOREAN ELECTROTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE 071B PRD KHC - KNOW HOW CERTIFICATION S.R.L. UNIPERSONALE 068C PRS KIWA ITALIA S.P.A. 045A QMS 077B PRD LLOYD'S REGISTER QUALITY ASSURANCE ITALY S.R.L. 039A QMS 026D EMS 004G ISMS M.E.C. S.P.A. - MARCONI ENGINEERING CERTIFYING 094A QMS MERCURIO INGEGNERIA S.P.A. 043E ISP MODULO UNO S.P.A. 030E ISP MOODY INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION S.R.L. 044A QMS Page.: 46 of 49

47 MSCERT- MARKETING SOLUTION CERT S.R.L. 096A QMS NEXOS S.R.L. - CONTROLLI, ISPEZIONI E CERTIFICAZIONI 085B PRD NO GAP CONTROLS S.R.L. 005E ISP ODIS S.R.L. 029E ISP PERRY JOHNSON REGISTRARS, INC. 072A QMS 023D EMS PLC S.R.L. 059A QMS PROGE.CO-VAL S.R.L. 017E ISP PROGETTO COSTRUZIONE QUALITÀ - P.C.Q. S.R.L. 012E ISP PROMOCERT S.R.L. 071A QMS PROTOS S.P.A. 034E ISP Q.C.B. ITALIA S.R.L. 084A QMS 031D EMS Q GEST S.R.L. 090A QMS QC&I INTERNATIONAL SERVICES S.A.S. 061B PRD QUALITAL - ISTITUTO DI CERTIFICAZIONE INDUSTRIALE DELL'ALLUMINIO 079A QMS 010B PRD QUALITALIA CONTROLLO TECNICO S.R.L. 021E ISP QUASER CERTIFICAZIONI S.R.L. 020A QMS RETE FERROVIARIA ITALIANA S.P.A. - DIREZIONE TECNICA STRUTTURA ORGANIZZATIVA INGEGNERIA CIVILE (RFI DIN ICI) 072B 040E PRD ISP RINA INDUSTRY S.P.A. 011E ISP RINA S.P.A. 002A QMS 002D 003F 001G 002B EMS SCR ISMS PRD 066C PRS 001H EPD S.C. ALL CERT SYSTEMS S.R.L. 102A QMS 037D EMS S.C. CERTROM S.R.L. 095A QMS 036D EMS S.I.C.I.V. S.R.L. - SOCIETÀ ITALIANA CERTIFICAZIONI, ISPEZIONI, VALIDAZIONI 080A QMS Page.: 47 of 49

48 023E ISP SGS ITALIA S.P.A. 015A QMS EMS 007D 001F SCR 002I FMS 015B PRD 002E ISP SICI - SOCIETÀ ITALIANA DI CERTIFICAZIONE S.R.L. 063A QMS STAR QUALITY SERVICES ITALIA S.R.L. 086A QMS SUOLO E SALUTE S.R.L. 035D EMS 051B PRD TALENTO CONSULTING S.R.L. 018E ISP TEC EUROLAB S.R.L. PRS 069C TECNOPROVE S.R.L. 099A QMS TEST-ST. PETERSBURG COMPANY LIMITED 097A QMS TÜV ITALIA S.R.L. 049A QMS EMS 018D 009F SCR ISMS 005G 081B PRD TÜV RHEINLAND ITALIA S.R.L. 083A QMS UNAVIACERT S.R.L. 024A QMS 029D EMS UNITEKNA S.R.L. 022E ISP UNITER S.R.L. 027A QMS VALCOM S.R.L. VALIDA S.R.L. VALORITALIA S.C.A.R.L VIGLIENZONE ADRIATICA S.P.A. - REPARTO CONTROLLI XPETORIA S.R.L. 021D 025E 026E 077A 073B 031E 039E EMS ISP ISP QMS PRD ISP ISP Page.: 48 of 49

49 13. BALANCE SHEET ON 31 DECEMBER 2008 BALANCE SHEET ASSETS DIFFERENZA PAYMENTS DUE FROM MEMBERS INTANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS CREDIT IN CURRENT ACCOUNTING PERIOD CREDIT AFTER CURRENT ACCOUNTING PERIOD NON FIXED ASSETS LIQUID ASSETS ACCRUED ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES EQUITY SEVERANCE PAY DEBIT IN CURRENT ACCOUNTING PERIOD ACCRUED EXPENSES TOTAL LIABILITIES PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT REVENUE DIRECT COSTS OPERATING PROFIT NET FINANCIAL INCOME EXTRAORDINARY INCOME AND EXPENDITURE PROFIT BEFORE TAXES TAXES PROFIT AFTER TAX Page.: 49 of 49