What are the benefits of the CIG scheme
for Certification Bodies
Why become a CIG Member
The CIG Inspection Scheme offers Certification Bodies a globally recognised, harmonised framework for factory inspections, built on more than 30 years of proven practice and international trust.
The CIG Inspection Scheme is an ETICS-harmonised system that ensures mutual acceptance of inspection activities among its 26 current members, with growing recognition worldwide.
- More than 30 years of proven best practices, validated by over 26 well-established Certification Bodies
- Origins dating back to the CCA Scheme established in 1973
- Recognised as a de facto standard in Europe and increasingly adopted internationally
Factory Inspection Reports and processes used globally by international organizations
New members join a strong, cooperative network built on consistency, transparency, and professional credibility.
CIG membership enables Certification Bodies to operate confidently across borders.
- Access to a worldwide network of registered CIG Inspectors
- Registered inspectors available in almost all regions of the world
- Bilingual reporting options for smoother communication and documentation
- This global capability allows members to serve manufacturers wherever production takes place.
The CIG Scheme significantly reduces operational complexity and resource demands.
- Lower costs through reduced travel time, shorter on-site inspections, and streamlined preparation
- Immediate access to a complete, ready-to-use set of operational documents and procedures
- No need for individual bilateral inspection contracts between Certification Bodies
- Subcontracted inspections managed entirely within the harmonized CIG processes
Members can perform inspections for other CIG members, offering cost-effective services to their clients while strengthening relationships with manufacturers.
CIG provides consistency without sacrificing individual certification needs.
- Harmonised Operational Documents covering training, qualification, maintenance, experience exchange, and authorization
- Supports System 5 Certification Schemes according to EN ISO/IEC 17067
- Identical core procedures for all members, ensuring mutual recognition
- Flexibility to integrate specific scheme requirements such as sample selection, labeling, sealing, and more
- Scope extended beyond electrical products to include areas such as gas appliances and mechanical systems
CIG membership is not static. It evolves through collaboration.
- Regular expert-level meetings and experience exchange
- Collaborative training sessions and shared technical development
- Active participation in the ongoing improvement of scheme processes
- Invitation to contribute to expert meetings of OSM-FIP
The CIG Inspection Scheme is now open to Certification Bodies globally, continuing to strengthen its position as the international benchmark for coordinated factory inspections.
Reduce duplicate visits and optimize inspection processes, saving time, travel, and internal resources
Mutual acceptance among 27 European members and open to global Certification Bodies, ensuring inspections are valid internationally.
All inspections follow clear, harmonized Operational Documents for consistency, transparency, and professional quality.
Committees share best practices and develop new services, keeping the CIG Scheme up-to-date with market needs.