Benefits of EFSG multiple certification
EFSG is a key partner for contractors and manufacturers of security and fire protection systems
Independent third-party certification of security and fire protection systems remains the most reliable means of providing compliance with standards and regulations, in contrast self‐certification can lead to doubt and confusion. Independent third-party assures safer and more reliable products and instills confidence within the markets.
When products are distributed on an international level, the certification process often requires multiple formalities and the need to repeat complete testing programmes to meet the requirements of the local certification body, which can hinder efficiency and increase the time to market for producers.
EFSG’s mission is to establish an intelligible framework of cooperation between its members in order to align interpretations and facilitate mutual recognition of the tests performed by any of the associated testing laboratory.
Consequently, procedures for multiple certification are simplified, time efficient and cost-effective. Certification delivered by EFSG members specialising in fire protection and security are recognised all over Europe and increasingly worldwide.
Benefits for manufacturers of fire and security products
EFSG enables manufacturers to obtain multi-country certified products through an independent third party, in a simple and cost-effective manner.
- Certifications issued by some of the most highly recognised organisations in Europe
- Optimised time and effort in the multi-country certification process
- Prevention of redundant testing costs and multiple formalities
- Reduction of the risk of divergent interpretations of standards by different certification bodies and countries
- Provision of a significant market advantage over manufacturers of self-certified products (self-certification is possible for intrusion detection products, security locks and safes)
- Effective combat of counterfeiting and the downgrading of market security requirements
Benefits for prescribers (banks, insurance companies, large corporate specifiers)
Specifiers and contractors who operate in various countries can rely on EFSG members to ensure full compliance with the standards for the fire protection and security products they install.
Key benefits include:
- Homogenisation of the safety and security levels for certified products
- Certifications issued by the most highly recognised organisations in Europe
- Full credibility when dealing with insurance companies and authorities
- Certified products maintain a constant level of compliance over time through factory audit processes and on-going monitoring of product characteristics, that can include testing of commercially purchased products (level 5 certification)
Additional benefits of EFSG multiple certification
For the benefit of all, the safety and security products available on the market - fire protection, intrusion detection, safes and high security locks - need to be in full compliance with the current standards and, more generally, with their intended use.
EFSG members regularly meet with market stakeholders such as regulatory authorities, insurers, specifiers, as well as integrators and end-users, to promote certified products and to alert them about the risks of underqualified products and counterfeits.
The EFSG, through its network of members, is also a recognized key partner for interpreting and improving standards. EFSG allows a multicountry overview of requirements, a laboratory testing experience, and a clear picture of changing market trends and customer needs.
Furthermore, if specific provisions are required for a product to be certified in certain countries, EFSG can integrate the precise requisite within the initial testing and evaluation protocol.
For certification bodies and associated testing laboratories, the process also helps to demonstrate compliance with the general requirements regarding the competence of testing and calibration as prescribed by ISO standard 17025.
The process of Mutual Recognition
Associated Testing Laboratories
Each certification body must nominate an ‘associated testing laboratory’ (ATL), which is recognized and belongs to the EFSG network.
EFSG conducts regular specific audits and exercises for comparing test results between laboratories, in order to verify the homogeneity of results and the common understanding of the test methodologies. Communication between laboratories and certification bodies is ongoing regarding issues of technical interpretation of standards.
Therefore, mutual acknowledgement between laboratories is not achieved in principle, but upon the results from trust acquired through long-term collaborative work, regular audits and total transparency.
EFSG engages with industry
EFSG cooperates with Euralarm, the association of European manufacturers of fire safety and security equipment which accounts for over 5,000 member companies, and also with Eurosafe, the European committee of safe manufacturers.
A joint steering group between EFSG and Euralarm has been established to deal with issues such as:
Fast track methods for handling component shortages
System compatibility and connect ability
Common application form for multiple certification.
Collaboration with Eurosafe involves joint EFSG / Eurosafe quarterly meetings, as well as EFSG’s participating in the Eurosafe Annual General Assembly events.
EFSG’s objective is to establish direct contact with industry representatives and manufacturers of fire safety and security products in order to anticipate market trends, respond to market needs, facilitate the deployment of standards and promote multiple certification.
Monitoring customer satisfaction
EFSG systematically conducts a customer satisfaction survey with manufacturers who carry out multiple certification. The results of these surveys are regularly reviewed during Executive Group meetings and corrective actions are taken where necessary, by implementing processes for continuous improvement.