Certifications in procurement

The central role of certifications: A key to quality assurance and partnership

Certifications are essential in today's business world, especially for global companies. They not only confirm compliance with standards and regulatory requirements, but are also key to improving corporate image and credibility. In a globalised economy where supply chains are complex and far-reaching, certifications provide a clear language of quality and safety. They make it possible to build and maintain trust across borders, as they signal to the customer that the procured products meet the highest international standards.

Certifications also provide a standardised basis for assessment. This makes it easier to work with international partners and suppliers by ensuring a common understanding of quality and safety standards. This is crucial for minimising risks in the supply chain and ensuring compliance.

Certifications vary depending on the product type. For customised products in particular, careful selection of the relevant certifications is crucial. It is essential to consider the industry-specific requirements as well as the specific needs and preferences of customers and implement them accordingly.

The fundamental role of certifications in quality and compliance

Certifications are official confirmations issued by recognised institutions to prove that a product or service meets certain standards and requirements. These can relate to quality, safety, environmental compatibility or professional competences. Certifications serve as important guidance for consumers and companies alike by providing transparency and creating trust. They not only ensure compliance with legal requirements, but also help to improve competitiveness and increase customer satisfaction. We can divide them into two categories:

1.Corporate relevance: Compliance with legal regulations and standards is a key element for companies to emphasise their commitment to safety and quality. This not only helps to improve the company's image, but also meets the high expectations of customers and stakeholders. Furthermore, certifications help companies to increase their competitiveness on the market and reduce risks and potential liability claims.

2.Product-related significance: Products that guarantee quality and safety and fulfil industry-specific standards and norms strengthen consumer and customer confidence. This enables access to markets that require specific certifications and serves as proof of commitment to the highest quality and safety standards and to environmental compatibility and sustainability.

Overview and variety of certifications for companies

In the following section, we will take a detailed look at several essential certifications that are important in the procurement industry. Learn what makes each certification unique and how they can improve operational standards and customer satisfaction.

What certifications are there?

• TÜV (North, South, Rhineland): TÜV certification, carried out by independent organisations, confirms compliance with high quality and safety standards. The advantages of this certification include quality assurance, reliable proof to consumers, differentiation potential in competition and international recognition of product quality.

• ISO 9001: An internationally recognised standard for quality management systems focuses on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. This certification helps companies to optimise their processes, which generally leads to better product quality and increased customer satisfaction.

• CE-labelling: Indicates that a product complies with EU-wide safety, health and environmental protection requirements. This self-certification facilitates access to the EU market and signals to customers that the products are safe.

• UL (Underwriters Laboratories): An independent organisation offers safety certifications for products, which generally leads to increased customer satisfaction through independent testing and facilitates access to international markets, particularly in the USA.

• FSC & PEFC: These certifications relate to sustainable forest management and show that products come from responsibly managed forests. They help companies to achieve sustainability goals and increase customer confidence in their environmental efforts.

• CCC (China Compulsory Certification): Required for the sale of certain products in China, this certification ensures that products meet Chinese safety standards, which generally means easier access to the Chinese market for companies.

• SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance): This certification confirms that products and services meet global standards. Certification by SGS generally improves customer confidence and supports companies in complying with international requirements.

• GS (tested safety): A German test mark that confirms high safety standards. This confirmation shows that products have been comprehensively tested for safety risks, which generally gives companies a competitive advantage.

Which certifications are useful for my product?

The recommended certifications for a product are product-specific and cannot be defined in general terms. They depend heavily on whether and which specific standards must be met for the product in question. For this reason, Line Up offers customised consultations to precisely support companies and ensure that their products comply with the relevant and necessary certifications. This customised approach ensures that all product-specific requirements are met and optimal certification strategies are implemented.

Strategic importance and future developments of certifications

Certifications are more than just proof of compliance; they are a key factor in building brand trust and opening up new markets. In the future, certifications could evolve even more towards sustainability, digital security and global compliance standards to meet the growing demands of consumers and the international business community.

In preparation, they can invest in training their employees, invest in innovative technologies to monitor and improve compliance and maintain partnerships with certification bodies. The strategic integration of certification into the business model can not only help companies fulfil current requirements, but also prepare them for future challenges.

If you have general or product-related questions about certifications, please contact one of our experts in our Line Up team.