NAS Lab Recognized Authorized Signatory Basic Knowledge Summary

Authorization Signatory Validity Period

The validity period for authorized signatories is generally three years in matters of metrological certification, including the CMA certification mark, scope of metrological certification projects, technical and quality responsible persons, authorized signatories, and metrological certification qualification certificates. Similarly, the validity period for laboratories granted recognition is also three years, including the CNAS recognition mark, scope of laboratory recognition projects, technical and quality responsible persons, authorized signatories, and laboratory recognition qualification certificates. After the three-year (week) period expires, a new application is required. Recertification or recognition is granted after re-evaluation and on-site review upon meeting the necessary conditions. Therefore, when there is a change in the authorized signatory, it is advisable to wait until the three-year certification or recognition cycle is over to avoid unnecessary duplication of work. It is recommended to submit two to three additional authorized signatories as "back-ups." Changes to authorized signatories must be reported to the Provincial Quality and Technical Supervision Bureau's Certification Department (with a designated application form) and can only be made after necessary evaluations and record-keeping. The evaluation of authorized signatory changes is conducted during metrological certification reviews, re-examinations, expansion, and supervision reviews.

Authorized Signatory Resignation Process

One, with the departure of the authorized signatory for the laboratory, or other changes, the laboratory is required to undertake the following actions:

1. Notify the CNAS Secretariat in writing within 20 working days; 2. Suspend the authorized signatory's projects in their original authorized domain (if there are multiple authorized signatories in the domain, suspension may not be required); 3. Seek a new qualified authorized signatory and submit an application for the change of authorized signatory to the Recognition Committee (the application form is in Appendix, Form 2-1); 4. CNAS will send personnel to the site to assess the new authorized signatory applicants (phone assessment may also be conducted). 2. In addition to notifying CNAS when an authorized signatory leaves, please report the following situations to CNAS: 1. Change in the laboratory's name; 2. Change in the laboratory's address; 3. Change in the legal status of the laboratory; 4. Change in the laboratory's main policies; 5. Change in the senior management of the laboratory (including resignation, transfer, etc.); 6. Change in the technical staff of the laboratory (including the technical responsible person); 7. Significant changes in the standards, methods, important testing equipment, environment, testing, and calibration scope within the scope of recognition; 8. Other changes that may affect the business activities and system operation within the scope of laboratory recognition.