Declaration of Impartiality

As neutral third parties, certification bodies confirm the quality of products and management systems. Independence and impartiality of the decisions taken are important conditions for this. This is the only way to ensure lasting trust among customers and interested parties.

The management of the European Certification Body (ECB) GmbH commits itself to comply with the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 and DIN EN ISO/IEC 17021-1 for the operation of an impartial and independent certification body. It has established the necessary structures for this within the company and its committees.

It is the responsibility of the management of the ECB to regularly analyse and document possible risks that could jeopardize impartiality. This analysis is regularly made available to a steering committee (Certification Board), which evaluates and confirms it.

The ECB, as an independent body, does not discriminate against any applicant or client. Its services are generally available to all applicants. Billing is in accordance with the valid price list available on the ECB website.

The management of the certification body and its staff undertake to act impartially and not to allow any commercial, financial or other pressure to influence judgement. They further undertake to disclose any situation of which they are aware that might present them or the certification body with a conflict of interest.

To avoid conflicts of interest, the ECB only offers certification and surveillance services, but no consulting or development services. In addition, the certification body blocks all deployed employees from all activities related to previous employers for a defined time period.

By complying with these requirements, the ECB ensures that there is no conflict of interest with regard to the requirements of independence and impartiality.