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In the AF MR system, Scheme Owners play a vital part in defining the requirements and criteria for various certification or assessment programs. Their schemes span multiple fields—quality management, product safety, environmental compliance, personnel competency, and beyond. Recognised Scheme Owners work in tandem with accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) and Accreditation Bodies (ABs), ensuring the schemes they develop and oversee maintain rigor, consistency, and global acceptance within the AF MR network.
Defined Scheme Criteria
The Scheme Owner must have a clearly documented set of requirements, rules, or technical specifications for the scheme(s) in question.
These rules should align with relevant international norms (e.g., ISO standards) and incorporate robust quality and impartiality measures.
Operational Integrity
The organization behind the scheme should demonstrate transparent governance structures, clear responsibility delineation, and ethical management of the scheme.
Documented procedures for updating or refining the scheme (in response to market changes or new standards) are essential.
Commitment to AF MR’s Purpose
Prospective Scheme Owners must actively support the AF MR mission of fostering mutual recognition, facilitating global market acceptance, and reducing redundant testing or certification.
Initial Documentation
The Scheme Owner provides detailed information on the scope of the scheme, technical requirements, qualification criteria, or any special procedures (like surveillance audits or product sampling).
Existing recognition or approvals by industry or regulatory bodies (where applicable) should be disclosed.
Review & Assessment
An AF-appointed panel or a Recognised AB reviews the scheme documentation, verifying its alignment with international best practices and the AF MR objectives.
The evaluation may involve interviews with scheme managers or a review of how the scheme is applied in real-world settings.
Decision & Recognition
If the scheme is deemed consistent with AF MR principles—and any necessary improvements are addressed—Recognised Scheme Owner status is granted.
An official notice confirms the recognized scheme scope and outlines the conditions for ongoing alignment.
Once recognized, Scheme Owners assume critical roles and obligations:
Maintaining Scheme Rigor
Regularly review and update the scheme’s requirements to keep pace with new regulatory developments, technological advances, or best practices.
Ensure the scheme remains robust, impartial, and technically sound.
Collaboration with Accredited Bodies
Work closely with Recognised ABs and CABs, providing clear guidance on how to implement and evaluate the scheme’s criteria.
Facilitate consistent interpretation by issuing clarifications, supplemental documents, or training sessions when needed.
Impartiality and Transparency
Operate the scheme without conflicts of interest, ensuring that all participants (CABs, certified entities, etc.) are treated equitably.
Clearly document any revisions to the scheme and communicate them to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner.
Feedback & Improvement Loops
Collect and address feedback from certified organizations, auditors, or regulators, using these insights to refine scheme requirements.
Maintain a complaint resolution process for any disputes relating to the scheme’s implementation.
Recognised Scheme Owners may be authorized to reference the MR Mark in connection with their approved schemes:
Scope of Usage
The MR Mark can only be displayed alongside the recognized scheme(s). Any suggestion that the Scheme Owner itself is an accreditation or certification body is prohibited.
If a Scheme Owner manages multiple schemes, only those explicitly recognized by the AF may use or reference the MR Mark.
Brand Consistency
Follow AF guidelines on size, color, and layout, ensuring the MR Mark aligns with the Federation’s visual identity requirements.
Unauthorized modifications or misleading usage can result in corrective actions, including potential suspension of recognition.
Monitoring
The AF reserves the right to periodically inspect references to the MR Mark in scheme documentation, promotional materials, or digital platforms.
Any violations must be corrected within a stipulated timeframe to maintain recognized status.
Periodic Scheme Reviews
Recognised Scheme Owners may be subject to scheduled audits or desk reviews assessing whether the scheme continues to meet evolving AF MR standards.
Documentation of updates, results of internal reviews, and feedback from implementing CABs should be readily available.
Engagement with AF MR
Ongoing participation in relevant working groups or committees fosters greater synergy and continuous improvement across all recognized schemes.
Scheme Owners can share learnings, innovations, or case studies that benefit other AF MR members.
Expansion of Scheme Scope
If a Scheme Owner develops a new program or expands the existing scheme’s coverage to new sectors, a formal request for recognition extension is required.
The AF or designated evaluators will assess the new components to ensure they meet MR standards.
Reasons for Suspension
Major deviations from approved scheme criteria, undermining consistency or impartiality.
Misrepresentation or misuse of the MR Mark in relation to non-recognized programs.
Failure to address significant nonconformities within agreed timeframes.
Notice & Remediation
The Scheme Owner is informed in writing, detailing any shortfalls and corrective actions required to resolve them.
If no satisfactory resolution is achieved, recognition may be suspended or ultimately withdrawn.
Reinstatement
Once a suspended Scheme Owner rectifies the identified issues, they may apply for reinstatement, subject to a fresh evaluation confirming restored compliance.
Global Credibility
Recognition by the AF MR signals that the scheme meets high-level international standards, facilitating broader acceptance and trust.
Entities that adopt recognized schemes gain market advantages and smoother regulatory pathways.
Collaborative Network
Access to technical committees, policy discussions, and best practices shared across the AF MR community.
Opportunities to align with or help shape new accreditation approaches, further elevating the scheme’s standing.
Enhanced Market Access
Entities certified or assessed under a recognized scheme often enjoy mutual acceptance in global markets, reducing duplicative testing or certification.
This mutual acceptance fuels international trade and fosters cross-border cooperation.
Continuous Innovation
Recognised Scheme Owners benefit from a feedback-rich ecosystem, driving ongoing improvements and ensuring the scheme remains at the leading edge of its domain.
By adhering to these Rules for Recognised Scheme Owners, organizations that develop and manage conformity assessment or certification programs can reinforce the AF MR mission of global trust, mutual recognition, and quality assurance. From the initial application and peer evaluation to the ethical use of the MR Mark and commitment to continual scheme refinement, recognised Scheme Owners contribute substantially to advancing unified, internationally respected assessment frameworks.
For further information on becoming or maintaining status as a Recognised Scheme Owner within the AF MR, reference official Accreditation Federation materials or reach out to dedicated support channels. Through dedication to impartiality, transparency, and collaborative growth, Scheme Owners help shape a future where accredited programs are consistently reliable, globally welcomed, and driven by innovation.
