All inspections are carried out by registered CIG Inspectors, following strict guidelines and supported by required documentation.
Every inspector follows the Permanent and Operational Documents of the CIG Inspection Scheme, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
CIG Inspectors are required to be independent and free from conflicts of interest, ensuring impartial and reliable factory inspections.
Every inspection respects the Permanent and Operational Documents of the CIG Inspection Scheme, ensuring efficiency and consistency.
When a certification body receives several inspection requests from other certification bodies for the same manufacturing location, it will undertake actions to minimize time, efforts and costs. For example, the certification body performing the inspection can represent other certification bodies during the inspection to avoid additional inspection visits of the same manufacturer.
The certification body performing the inspection will provide the Inspection Report to the requesting certification bodies. The Inspection Report is in the English language, clearly identifying conformances and non-conformances.
The CIG Scheme evolves alongside industry needs and market demands. Two committees oversee improvements:
Manages operational aspects, creates Operational Documents, and defines harmonized requirements.
Guides the strategic direction, adapting inspections to changing market conditions and developing new services.
One inspection by a qualified CIG Inspector can meet the needs of multiple certification bodies.
The CIG structure allows specific national or private requirements to be included easily.
Special inspection requirements can be integrated whenever needed.
Inspection reports can be created in multiple languages for wider accessibility.
New members gain instant access to all Operational Documents and a worldwide network of inspectors.
Independent, third-party testing and certification
Annual factory inspections to ensure consistent production standards
Ongoing monitoring of both products and production
Authorised use of a certification mark logo on certified products
Regular marketplace monitoring
The Initial Factory Inspection is an on-site audit conducted before certification is granted.
Its purpose is to assess whether the manufacturer’s production processes, quality control systems, and testing capabilities are adequate to ensure reliable serial production in accordance with the applicable certification requirements.
During the inspection, the certification body verifies:
• Implementation of quality control procedures
• Adequacy of production processes
• Calibration and proper use of testing equipment
• Control of raw materials and components
• Traceability and record-keeping systems
This inspection confirms that the factory is technically and organizationally prepared for certification.
Factory Surveillance is the ongoing monitoring performed after certification has been issued.
Its purpose is to ensure continued compliance with certified requirements over time.
Surveillance activities may include:
Factory Surveillance ensures that certified products remain consistent with the originally approved design and continue to meet applicable standards.
The Initial Factory Inspection is an on-site audit conducted before certification is granted.
Its purpose is to assess whether the manufacturer’s production processes, quality control systems, and testing capabilities are adequate to ensure reliable serial production in accordance with the applicable certification requirements.
During the inspection, the certification body verifies:
• Implementation of quality control procedures
• Adequacy of production processes
• Calibration and proper use of testing equipment
• Control of raw materials and components
• Traceability and record-keeping systems
This inspection confirms that the factory is technically and organizationally prepared for certification.