MSC Assessments in 2012: Increased Scrutiny on Chinese Chain of Custody
In 2011 the ASI MSC auditor team conducted about 80 assessments in 20 countries (see figure). Based on a review of these assessments, taking into account MSC certification body performance in 2011, the ASI MSC assessment team has finalized the 2012 assessment plan. While the basal sampling rate remains unchanged, an ongoing focus will be placed on witnessing more ‘risk-prone’ certification body activities. These activities include new types of audits, operating in new countries or languages or when new auditors are employed. The basal sampling is further adjusted to reflect certification body’s size of operation. In total about 100 regular assessments are scheduled for the 25 MSC certification bodies in 2012, reflecting the growth in numbers and program size. However, additional assessments are expected in response to ASI’s follow-up of major nonconformities and/or complaints.
In addition, ASI will periodically review the ongoing adequacy of our basal sampling rate, commencing in 2012 with an increased frequency of MSC Chain of Custody (CoC) witness assessments in China over a limited period. The sample size for CoC witness assessments is currently 1% of all CoC certificates, and will be increased to 5% during the period of enhanced sampling effort. At the end of this period the results will be analysed and used to determine whether ASI’s basal sample size requires revision. Additional accreditation costs incurred by certification bodies affected by this enhanced sampling program will be borne by the MSC.
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