In addition to representing accreditation and certification bodies, CCAA undertakes research projects for various PRC ministries on topics related to standards or certification. The organization works closely with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and its sub-agencies, the Standardization Administration of China (SAC) and Certification and Accreditation Administration of China (CNCA).
During the November 29 meeting, Mr. Yao provided an overview of CCAA, and discussed with ANSI staff areas of potential future cooperation on issues of importance to both organizations' members.
CCAA reported that it is currently undertaking a research project on behalf of the Chinese government to investigate other countries' use and implementation of ISO 26000, Guidance on social responsibility, and other programs. This research will be used as the Chinese government considers the development of a possible Chinese national standard and certification program for social responsibility.
ANSI provided the CCAA delegation with the ANSI Conformity Assessment Policy Committee (CAPC) position paper against certification activities for ISO 26000, as well as other related policy documents. ANSI will continue to monitor these developments. ANSI and CCAA also agreed to further explore opportunities to foster information exchange and dialogue between experts in the U.S. and China on social responsibility standards and certification.
Contact Elise Owen, ANSI director of international development (intl@ansi.org), for further information or to be included in possible future discussions with China on these topics.