Monthly Highlights

There are very positive changes to IMS audits in times of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Since the middle of November we have received the confirmation from the German Accreditation Body DAkkS and the IAF regarding the new requirements for remote audits in times of Corona:

• Certification audits: 100% remote audits are possible on the basis of a risk assessment – part of our waiver process A00F600(e). For organizations that are classified in high risk scopes, the remote portion is limited to a maximum of 70%.
• Surveillance audits: If it is not possible to conduct a surveillance audit in 2020 and the surveillance audit is postponed to 2021, no suspension of the certificate with effect from 01.01.2021 is required.
• Recertification audits: IAF allows the recertification date to be extended up to six months. If that six months may not provide sufficient opportunities to conclude recertification audits, the recertification decision must be made not later than 12 months after the expiry date of the original certificate. If the recertification decision is made after the 6-month extension of the certificate, the new certificate will be issued without a gap of the validity.

Contact: Dr. Ortrun Janson-Mundel 

OBS System Certification’s Certification Days are usually an annual international meeting for exchanging experiences and networking. At the invitation of TÜV NORD CERT certification body, quality managers from the international locations as well as from the operational units meet – usually each time at a different location in the world. This year the Certification Days had to be held without physical presence. Nevertheless, with a focus on the most important changes, nearly 80 quality managers and colleagues joint remotely on November 9^th and took part in exchanges and discussions on a range of topics, of which the handling of certification procedures during the pandemic situation was, of course, a key issue.
Contact: Dr. Klaus Oberste Lehn

The testing of protective masks has brought us a large turnover in the last months. In addition to the Bundesministerium für Gesundheit BMG (translated: Federal Ministry of Health), we have worked with 150 other customers. Three test benches at DMT are still operational, and are being operated as required by BMG (currently increasingly for replenishment of masks or requested inspections). Less and less mask testing is being carried out in logistics centers. Currently there are only six logistics centers left in which the remaining deliveries are being inspected. Until mid-June, masks from China were tested solely in the DMT laboratory, after the arrival of large quantities. Since July, these laboratory tests have also been carried out directly in China, before shipping. For this purpose, the Ministry has procured three additional test benches, which are operated by TN Hangzhou in Shanghai and Guangzhou at partner organizations. Following customer complaints to the BMG about defective masks, we have received an additional order to test some masks a second time (re-delivered masks and additional tests according to other standards). Following the successful ZLS assessment of the EU regulation "Personal Protective Equipment" (EU/2016/425) in October, masks can now be fully tested and afterwards certified (as opposed to the above-mentioned short tests). TÜV NORD CERT will become a Notified Body for Personal Protective Equipment. This is an important milestone on the way to appointment as a "Notified Body". Only as such can we carry out comprehensive respirator certifications. The testing takes place in DMT laboratories, with certification and production monitoring by TÜV NORD CERT. The ZLS assessment was also a success thanks to our digital capabilities: It took place both remotely and on site. Using our IT tools, it was possible to connect the home offices of TÜV NORD employees, the Essen LM101 conference room, the office and laboratory locations of TÜV NORD CERT and DMT (Dortmund and Essen) as well as the ZLS (Munich) to ensure smooth, integrated work flows.
Contact: Dr. Klaus Oberste Lehn, Matthias Böttcher, Dr. Dirk Renschen

TÜV USA was an exhibitor at the virtual live Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) Convergence in September 2020. One of RAPS’ goals is to actively support professionals in the regulatory field. When the COVID-19 pandemic made it impossible for so many people to congregate, the organizers took a different approach to previous years. This year, all the convergence activities, including the educational sessions and booths, were virtual. Instead of shaking hands and speaking face to face, visitors and professionals conversed via video chat, and the educational programs were broadcasted for live streaming. Exhibitors had a video link where visitors could log in to talk with a virtual representative. Pamphlets and flyers were replaced with PDFs and short videos. Overall, attending this event virtually was a great experience. TÜV USA’s booth gained roughly 400 views and 100 new leads.
Contact: TÜV USA / Bradley Chen

Schnellecke Logistics is an internationally active provider of logistics services, especially for the automotive industry. We conduct a worldwide certification according to IATF 16949, VDA 6.1, VDA 6.2, ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001. The order value is 422,349 Euro.             
Contact: D-CH / Steffen Nölck

TÜV NORD CERT has been commissioned by VOSS Automotive for certification according to IATF 16949, ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50001. VOSS Automotive is a global partner of manufacturers of commercial vehicles and passenger cars as well as agricultural and construction machinery. Order value is 285,000 Euro.
Contact: D-CH / Michael Lotz and Stephan Rademacher

TÜV NORD Greater China has signed a contract for an ASPICE assessment at Shanghai Fengtian Electronic. ASPICE (Automotive Software Process Improvement and Capability dEtermination) is a variant of the international standard ISO/IEC 15504, the purpose of which is to evaluate the performance of the development processes of ECU suppliers in the automotive industry. Shanghai Fengtian Electronic specializes in R&D, production and sales of electronic automobile parts. Order value is 170,000 Euro.
Contact: TÜV NORD Greater China / Coco Guo and Wang Peng

TÜV NORD CERT has acquired a major order at Siemens AG, Smart Infrastructure segment, for certification according to ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, 50001 and 27001. Smart Infrastructure offers energy systems and building technology and intelligently combines them to increase efficiency and sustainability. The current focus of the certification is on locations in Germany and the USA. At the same time, talks have been initiated with Siemens Corporate Purchasing to agree on a global framework agreement for certification services, which will provide access to other Siemens companies. Order value is 152,952 Euro.
Contact: International Sales & D-CH / Dr. Gerhard Dreier, Heiko Sepulveda Barriga, Alexander Engel 

TÜV USA has concluded a contract with ChargePoint, the world's largest network of electric vehicle charging stations in North America and Europe. The contract covers ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 27001 certification. Order value is 144,340 US-Dollar.         
Contact: TÜV USA / Jennifer Piazza

TÜV NORD CERT has concluded a framework agreement with Schunk Group for IMS-Certification. It starts in 2020 with the first two contracts for one of the group companies. Schunk is a German company working in materials technology and mechanical engineering. It is represented in 29 countries with more than 60 operating companies. The order value starts at about 100,000 Euro and it is expected to rise.       
Contact: D-CH / Michael Lotz and Stephan Rademacher

BP Oil, as a European based fuel supplier, must comply with the EU Fuel Quality Directive, which means that they must reduce the carbon footprint of the fuel which they supply in Europe by six percent. TÜV NORD CERT has been engaged by BP Oil to validate an oil and gas emissions reduction project according to the Upstream Emission Reduction Ordinance. The credits will be used for compliance in Germany. Order value is 49,000 Euro.
Contact: Central Europe North / Sustainability / Susanne Günzerodt