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National Accreditation Focal Point

National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP)

 

SSB as NAFP:
The Suriname Standards Bureau (SSB) is the National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) of Suriname. A NAFP is characterized by its core function: facilitating internationally recognized accreditation for laboratories, certification and inspection bodies. To fulfill this function, NAFPs act as a national administrative link between potential clients and established accreditation bodies and are typically responsible for the management, coordination, and marketing of accreditation services. However, their type, scope of activities, and technical expertise can vary considerably, ranging from a formal, administrative point of contact to an independent NAFP office with substantial technical in-house expertise.

Level NAFP of SSB:
The National Accreditation Focal Point (NAFP) was developed by the CARICOM Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ). The bureau is a level one NAFP. This means that the Agency is the formal accreditation point that only provides administrative support for the accreditation process. The Agency's responsibility at this level is to receive accreditation applications, provide information materials, inform the partner accreditation body, and participate in the ceremony by presenting the certificate.

What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a procedure in which an authoritative authority grants formal recognition that an agency or person is authorized to perform specific tasks. Accreditation determines the technical competence and integrity of organizations providing conformity assessment services such as testing, certification, inspection, and calibration. These services can be provided based on international standards. Accreditation can therefore be used to verify compliance with a standard. It is an impartial and objective process carried out by third parties; it provides the most transparent and the most accepted route to delivering credible and reliable conformity assessment results.

Benefits of Accreditation:

For Businesses:

  1. Enhanced Credibility and Reputation: Third-party endorsement of competence and standards adherence.
  2. Competitive Advantage: Distinguishes business from competitors.
  3. Market Access: Opens doors to regulated markets and international trade.
  4. Risk Management: Helps identify and mitigate operational risks.
  5. Efficiency and Cost Savings: Streamlines processes and implements best practices.
  6. Customer Trust and Satisfaction: Consistently meets customer expectations.
  7. Staff Competence: Ensures high levels of staff training and morale.

For Consumers:

  1. Quality and Safety Assurance: Ensures products/services meet high standards.
  2. Informed Decision-Making: Trust in accredited businesses' standards.
  3. Reliability: Consistent and dependable services/products.
  4. Conflict Resolution: Basis for fair resolution of disputes.
  5. Value for Money: Confidence in receiving good quality.

 

Overall Benefits:

  1. Standardization: Consistent and recognized practices.
  2. Continuous Improvement: Encourages ongoing quality enhancement.
  3. Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet legal requirements, protecting consumers.
  4. Economic Growth: Builds trust, facilitating smoother transactions and market confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions, please contact our National Accreditation Focal Point:
Telephone number: 499928/ 499929
Email: quality@ssb.sr

Role of Accreditation

1. Ensuring Quality and Competence:

  • Validation: Verifies that organizations meet industry standards.
  • Improvement: Promotes ongoing enhancement of processes and quality.

 

2. Promoting Trust and Confidence:

  • Consumer Trust: Ensures safety, quality, and reliability.
  • Credibility: Enhances an organization's reputation.

 

3. Facilitating Market Access and Trade:

  • Market Entry: Opens doors to domestic and international markets.
  • Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements.

 

4. Supporting Risk Management:

  • Risk Mitigation: Ensures adherence to guidelines to reduce risks.
  • Consistency: Promotes uniform quality and safety standards.

 

5. Encouraging Best Practices:

  • Benchmarking: Provides performance benchmarks.
  • Efficiency: Drives adoption of best practices and innovation.

 

6. Enhancing Economic Growth:

  • Economic Development: Builds trust in trade and commerce, contributing to growth.