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modèle num_hierarc
MQ CERT 14-308 Management rules NF 372 Cancels and replaces MQ-CERT 13-309 of 13/02/2013 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 NF MOBILIER PROFESSIONNEL NF 372 GENERAL RULES FOR THE NF MARK www.marque-nf.com GENERAL OPERATING RULES FOR FCBA CERTIFICATIONS UNDER THE NF MARK www.fcba.fr MANAGEMENT RULES www.nf-mobilier-pro.com TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS www.nf-mobilier-pro.com ‒ Furniture of Community ‒ Furniture of Day-nurseries ‒ Furniture of Educational ‒ Furniture of Health ‒ Furniture of Technical QUALITY ASSURANCE BENCHMARK Certification organization Appointed by AFNOR Certification www.nf-mobilier-pro.com Head Office 10, avenue de Saint-Mandé 75012 Paris Tél : +33 (0)1 40 19 49 19 Fax : +33 (0)1 43 30 85 65 www.fcba.fr www.marque-nf.com MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 CONTENTS 1 Introduction ______________________________________________________________________ 4 2 Présentation and Scope _____________________________________________________________ 4 3 4 2.1 The NF Mark _________________________________________________________________________ 4 2.2 Scope _______________________________________________________________________________ 4 2.3 The definition of an applicant ____________________________________________________________ 5 2.4 Composition of the certification benchmark and the associated documents. ______________________ 5 2.5 Lists of certified products and FCBA contacts _______________________________________________ 5 Certification requirements ___________________________________________________________ 5 3.1 Prerequisites for certification ____________________________________________________________ 5 3.2 Technical requirements _________________________________________________________________ 5 3.3 Certified characteristic _________________________________________________________________ 6 3.4 Quality Assurance requirements _________________________________________________________ 6 Obtaining certification ______________________________________________________________ 6 4.1 Submission of an application for certification _______________________________________________ 6 4.2 Engagements _________________________________________________________________________ 7 4.3 The acceptability of the application _______________________________________________________ 7 4.4 Investigation of the Certification Apllication ________________________________________________ 7 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.5 5 Decisions ____________________________________________________________________________ 9 Maintaining the certification: monitoring requirements ___________________________________ 9 5.1 Monitoring performed by the holder ______________________________________________________ 9 5.2 Monitoring performed by the FCBA ______________________________________________________ 10 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 The technical monitoring audit ________________________________________________________________ 10 Technical Audit of monitoring for companies says "multi-sites" ( several production sites) _________________ 10 Audit of the Quality Assurance system (renewal) __________________________________________________ 10 5.3 Investigations and test ________________________________________________________________ 11 5.4 The Processing of complaints ___________________________________________________________ 11 5.4.1 5.4.2 The management of complaints by the holder ____________________________________________________ 11 The processing of complaints submitted to the FCBA _______________________________________________ 11 5.5 Decision ____________________________________________________________________________ 11 5.6 Modification to certification requirements ________________________________________________ 11 5.6.1 5.6.2 5.6.3 5.6.4 5.6.5 6 Technical Investigation Audit ___________________________________________________________________ 7 Assessment of compliance wtih the demands of the Technical Requirements ____________________________ 8 The audit of the initial Quality Assurance system ___________________________________________________ 9 The perimeter of the certification audits __________________________________________________________ 9 Modification concerning the holder _____________________________________________________________ 11 Modification concerning the establishment from which the products are derived ________________________ 12 Modification concerning the establishment’s quality organisation and the resources devoted to the products 12 Modifications concerning the certified products __________________________________________________ 12 Abandonment of the certification ______________________________________________________________ 12 Certification-related communication and publicity ______________________________________ 12 6.1 Logotype de la marque NF _____________________________________________________________ 12 6.2 The marking of certified products _______________________________________________________ 13 Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 2/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 6.2.1 Reproduction of mark’s logo on the product ______________________________________________________ 13 6.2.2 Position of the marking on the product __________________________________________________________ 13 6.3 Reproduction of the mark’s logo on documentation_________________________________________ 14 6.3.1 Pour le titulaire de la certification __________________________________________ Erreur ! Signet non défini. 6.4 Markings on the packaging of the certified product _________________________________________ 14 6.5 De-marking conditions ________________________________________________________________ 14 7 Participants ______________________________________________________________________ 15 7.1 AFNOR Certification __________________________________________________________________ 15 7.2 Authorised organisation _______________________________________________________________ 15 8 The governance and revision procedure for the benchmark _______________________________ 16 8.1 Governance of the NF Professional Funiture certification ____________________________________ 16 8.1.1 8.1.2 8.1.1 The Strategy group __________________________________________________________________________ 16 The Technical group _________________________________________________________________________ 16 The Marketing & Communication group _________________________________________________________ 17 8.2 Consultation of benchmark modifications _________________________________________________ 17 8.3 Validation __________________________________________________________________________ 17 8.4 Approval ___________________________________________________________________________ 17 9 Pricing system ____________________________________________________________________ 17 9.1 Investigation costs ____________________________________________________________________ 17 9.2 Usage charge ________________________________________________________________________ 17 9.3 Operating costs ______________________________________________________________________ 17 9.4 Promotional costs ____________________________________________________________________ 17 9.5 Charge to use the NF mark _____________________________________________________________ 18 9.6 Additional inspections_________________________________________________________________ 18 9.7 The recovery of costs _________________________________________________________________ 18 9.8 Revision of the price for the mark _______________________________________________________ 18 10 Appendices_____________________________________________________________________ 19 Appendix 1 : Technical vocabulary ____________________________________________________________________ 19 Annexe 2 : List of laboratories recognised by the FCBA ___________________________________________________ 19 Appendix 3: Recognition by the FCBA of tests performed by a holder ________________________________________ 20 Appendix 4: Societal criteria _________________________________________________________________________ 20 Criterion 1: Fairness and diversity __________________________________________________________________ 20 Criterion 2: Occupational health and safety __________________________________________________________ 20 Criterion 3: Interaction between the participants ______________________________________________________ 21 Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 3/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 1 Introduction Along with the representatives of the manufacturers, users and technical experts, the FCBA agrees to ensure the relevance of the certification benchmark in terms of certification processes and the definition of requirements overlooked changes in the marketplace. The present management rules were submitted to AFNOR Certification for acceptance in the NF certification system. They were approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification on 25/06/2014. They cancel and replace all previous versions. The management rules may be revised wholly or partially by the FCBA after consultation with the parties concerned. The revisions are approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, for acceptance within the NF certification system. Part(s) modified Revision n° Application date § Scope 14-308 25/06/2014 14-308 25/06/2014 14-308 25/06/2014 Addition of the paragraph to specify the technical audit of supervision within the framework of the holders multi-site. § Logotype of the NF mark. 14-308 25/06/2014 Precision on the use of the generic logo on the documentation. § Position of the marking on the product 14-308 25/06/2014 Addition of the leading position on seats. § Usage charge 14-308 25/06/2014 Appendix 1 : Technical vocabulary 14-308 25/06/2014 § Lists of certified products and FCBA contact § Technicl audit of monitoring for companies « multi-sites (several production sites) 2 Modification detail Precision of the types of furniture covered by the certification NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE Addition of the paragraph to specify the list of the certified products. Precision of the expenses of entrance fee in the NF mark. Addition of the following definitions: ‒ Suppliers ‒ Subcontracting ‒ Holder multi-site Présentation and Scope 2.1 The NF Mark Sign of quality associated with the technical requirements and inspection rules, NF is the first brand product certification in France and one of the highest in Europe. Collective certification mark since 1938, NF not only ensures compliance with international standards, European, French, effective but also additional quality criteria corresponding to the needs of users. By distinguishing the best products, it is a real vote of confidence and reassures consumers or professionals in their choice. It comes from a voluntary action on the part of professionals wishing to enhance their commitments and differentiate themselves from the competition, and is a strong selling point. Issued by an accredited organization of certification, NF, which involves controls, regular testing and constant renewal of goals, is a tool for progress continuously, dynamically never take anything for granted. AFNOR Certification FCBA mandated to issue, revoke or suspend, in its name and on its behalf, the NF in the field of wood-construction and furnishings as well as the right of use in accordance with the requirements of the certification 2.2 Scope The NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE applies to the types of piece of furniture following according to the marks : ‒ In the furnitures of day-nurseries (Seats, armchairs, tables, couchettes, storage cabinets.) ‒ In the educational furnitures (Seats, armchairs, tables, couchettes, storage cabinets.) ‒ In the furnitures of community (Seats, armchairs, tables, beds, storage cabinets.) ‒ In the furnitures of health (Seats, armchairs, tables, beds, storage cabinets.) ‒ In furnitures technique (Seats, armchairs, tables, workbenches, storage cabinets.) Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 4/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 2.3 The definition of an applicant The applicant is the legal entity of any company proposing one or several collections of products falling within the scope detailed in the § "Presentation and scope" chapter of the present management rules, who submits an application for the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification for products. The applicant/holder will manage and assume responsibility for all requirements as defined in the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification benchmark. The applicant must ensure full compliance of the following phases which may be subcontracted in accordance with the provisions of the § "Quality Assurance requirements" chapter of the present management rules: ‒ Studies or design, ‒ All or part of the production ‒ Inspection of the finished product, marking and identification When this certification is granted to the applicant, he then becomes the holder. The maintenance of this certification is subject to the results of monitoring audits as detailed in the present management rules and periodical tests listed in the technical requirements. 2.4 Composition of the certification benchmark and the associated documents. The NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification benchmark is comprised of: ‒ The General Rules for the NF mark, drafted and managed by AFNOR, which define the usage rules for the NF collective certification mark ‒ The General Operating Rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark, drafted and managed by FCBA, which define the general operating measures for the certification ‒ The present Management rules ‒ The Technical Requirements and standards referred to therein ‒ The mark’s quality assurance benchmark This is a benchmark in the terms of the French Consumer Code. It covers the certification of non-food products and a service detailed in articles R-115-1 to R 115-3 and L 115-27 to L 115-32 of the French Consumer Code and specifies the conditions for application of the General Rules for the NF mark to the products detailed in the paragraph preceding the present management methods. The NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification is granted based on compliance with a series of requirements defined in the certification benchmark, for a product from a specific manufacturer and production unit 2.5 Lists of certified products and FCBA contacts The catalogue of certified furniture for all holders of the mark and the contact details of the person responsible for the mark are available upon request or via the www.fcba.fr website (space certification). 3 Certification requirements 3.1 Prerequisites for certification Compliance with the regulations is a prerequisite for the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification of products. The FCBA Technological Institute will monitor regulations on behalf of the profession. The legally responsible person for the company agrees to ensure full compliance with the applicable regulation when signing the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE Certification Application. FCBA has not for role to substitute itself for the competent authorities of supervision of the market and is not thus authorized to verify the conformity with the regulations during its activities of supervision. Nevertheless, if statutory non-compliances are detected during the operations of control, FCBA reserves the right to take penalties within the framework of the certification, because of the failure to respect the prerequisites for which the holders made a commitment to conform to it. The applicant must meet the societal criteria as defined in the § "Societal criteria" appendix to the present management rules. 3.2 Technical requirements In addition to the regulatory requirements applicable to them, the products covered by a NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification application must meet the criteria listed in the technical requirements concerned. Among other things, the technical requirements list the corresponding European product standards, the French Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 5/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 standards and various special requirements. 3.3 Certified characteristic The certified technical characteristics concern: ‒ Safety ‒ Adaptability ‒ Durability ‒ Behavior on the fire These are detailed in the technical requirements 3.4 Quality Assurance requirements The holder company will generally handle the design, production and marketing of the certified products ( . (cf § « The definition of applicant ») Concerning the production aspects, the subcontracting of components may be organised from duly identified production sites and tracked in compliance with the mark’s requirements. Failing this, the holder company may also introduce specific incoming goods inspection measures as part of its quality assurance system enabling it to verify the compliance of the component or product subcontracted. In this case, FCBA may require stricter testing at the cost of the holder. The applicant/holder agrees to familiarise himself with and comply with the quality assurance benchmark which is an integral part of the certification benchmark. This benchmark may be consulted on the www.fcba.fr website. 4 Obtaining certification 4.1 Submission of an application for certification The application for a given collection (or range) must be accompanied by: ‒ An exhaustive list of the products comprising it. ‒ A description of the product, (from the technical data sheet as per decree number 86-583 of March 14 1986). ‒ In addition to (possibly) a photo or drawing making it possible to identify this collection. Upon request, the FCBA will supply a list of the documents to be returned duly completed for all certification applications The FCBA determines the perimeter of the certification in consultation with the applicant (production sites, subcontractors’ sites, nature of the products certified, etc.) and draws up a Certification Application (CertApp), which contains a statement of the commitments entered into or to be entered into by the applicant and sends it to him. There are various types of application for certification (CertApp): ‒ The initial Certification Application: This concerns any applicant which is not (or which is no longer) a holder of the mark covering the products to be certified. The applicant declares that he is aware of the certification benchmark and agrees to abide by it ‒ The subsequent Certification Application: This concerns any holder presenting a new range, collection or product for the mark. ‒ The extended Certification Application: This concerns any holder presenting a range, collection or product whose characteristics are similar to those of the company’s certified products, making it possible to presume all or part of the compliance of the new range, collection or product by extension of the conformity of the existing certified products. Any characteristics which are not similar may require the provision of additional proof. ‒ The modified Certification Application: This concern any modification to the range, collection or product certified (including the trade name). The certification application is a document by means of which an applicant applies for NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification for a precise collection (or range) comprised of products A company already holder of the certification can also use the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE logo according to the applications for products which she markets and which are already certified at another holder's under reserve: ‒ Of the formal agreement of the latter ‒ Of the use of a different commercial name Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 6/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 The preservation of the Certification for the company is subordinated to the preservation of the certification at the other holder. During the audit the FCBA can be brought to ask to the holder to bring the proof of the certification of the product 4.2 Engagements At the time the application is submitted, the company wishing to benefit from the certification agrees to: ‒ Comply with the national and European legal and regulatory requirements concerning health, safety and the environment applicable to its products, and to supervise its suppliers of components and substances and/or the subcontractors of its products, ensuring that they comply with the same requirements. ‒ Comply unreservedly and without restriction with all decisions taken in accordance with the General rules for the NF mark, and the General Operating Rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark and their evolutions. ‒ Comply with the entire certification benchmark applicable to the products, i.e. the Management rules, technical requirements and quality assurance benchmark. ‒ Appoint a correspondent whose task it will be to facilitate the monitoring operations performed by the FCBA, ‒ Subsequently declare any significant modifications to his facilities and quality assurance organization ‒ Facilitate and guarantee unrestricted access to all data required by the auditors (for example: quality records) ‒ Bear the operating charges, promotional charges, the cost of audits and tests provided for in the applicable price list ‒ Obligatorily mark (or stamp) the certified products (and them alone) in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the chapter on communication and publicity concerning the certification ‒ Refrain from using the names or references of the products for which certification is sought when referring to other products ‒ Supply all printed advertising material upon request. 4.3 The acceptability of the application The Certification Application must be submitted on the company’s headed paper including its SIREN number (company number), and must include a recap of the commitments, duly signed and dated by the person authorised to enter into a legally binding agreement on behalf of the company, and returned to the FCBA 4.4 Investigation of the Certification Application The audits are scheduled between the applicant and the auditor on the various sites concerned by the certification. The duration is set by the certifying body according to the number of products to be certified and the number of sites concerned. 4.4.1 Technical Investigation Audit The investigation of the application includes a technical audit. The length of the audit varies according to the number of products to be certified and the number of sites concerned. The purpose of the technical audit is: ‒ To perform a technical investigation of the products and/or the collection of samples for testing, ‒ To ensure that the technical resources and staff qualifications dedicated to the certified products make it possible to achieve and maintain product compliance, ‒ If the company hasn’t certified ISO 9001, to refer to the § "Audit of the initial quality system" chapter; In the case of an initial CertApp Alternatively, if the company has certified ISO 9001, to check the proof of conformity as per the requirements of the quality assurance benchmark. In particular the following chapters: ‒ § 5.3.2 - Identification, ‒ § 5.4 - The management of inspection resources and methods, ‒ § 6.2 - Monitoring measurements, ‒ § 6.5 - Corrective action ‒ And finally the register of customer complaints. During the meeting of close, the auditor FCBA presents his conclusions to the company and formulates in writing the possible gaps raised during the audit. A copy of the meeting of close is signed by the technical auditor and by the correspondent of the company who keeps of it a copy. The number of gap is notified to him(her) in the conclusion of the audit and retranscribed on the document of close. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 7/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 A copy Technical Audit report (RAT) is put back within 15 working days. This report is signed by the technical auditor.. In the case of a subsequent or extended CertApp or for a modification 4.4.2 The technical audit may be adapted, or even not required. Assessment of Requirements compliance wtih the demands of the Technical Based on the technical data, the technical auditor assesses the risk of non-compliance overlooked the set requirements and stipulates the required proof to be provided. Certified Characteristics Assessment method Assessments Method Proof to be supplied – Compliance is assessed by means of: – Investigation of the product(s) – Analysis of technical data (technical description, suppliers’ test reports, product certificates, photos, etc.) – For a new – Analysis of the result of tests product, range performed: – Test report or collection – Either by the FCBA laboratory, ‒ Safety (1) – Or by an accredited laboratory ‒ Adaptability – – Or a Or by the laboratory of another holder ‒ Durability (2) modification to (3) recognised by the FCBA – « Expert opinion » ‒ Behavior on the fire the design of a – Nb : The assessment must be based product, a range on the least favorable conception of the or collection product. already certified – Nb : Testing in a third-party laboratory may not be necessary if the product meets the specifications due to its design or its similarity to existing collections of proof. There are special cases for coatings and finishes derived from special processes (please see the chapter on Process management -The frequency of Technical Requirement tests): Varnishes, lacquers, thermoformed films, adhesives, etc. A three-yearly compliance renewal test is performed by the FCBA or a recognized laboratory able to confirm its (1) compliance with the requirements of the NF EN ISO / IEC 17025 standard (1) The list of accredited laboratories is available at www.cofrac.fr For the reports of test drafted in foreign languages, a translation with minima in English is required. Without translation, these trial tests reports are not acceptable. Trial test reports have to date less than 3 years during the instruction of products (2) Recognition of tests performed by the company laboratory in compliance with the Appendix on the Recognition by the FCBA of tests performed by a holder. (3) When a product design leaves no doubt as to its compliance with the specifications with no need to perform the required tests, an expert opinion may replace the performance of the said test. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 8/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 4.4.3 The audit of the initial Quality Assurance system Company with ISO 9001 certification, issued by an ISO/IEC 17021 accredited certification body (by a certification body which is a signatory of the EA agreements) with the sites and activities concerned by the NF mark within its system certification perimeter. Company without ISO 9001 certification Quality Audit not necessary Quality Audit performed by FCBA The investigation includes a quality audit. The length of this will depend on the workforce size of the company concerned (please refer to the pricing system for the mark). The purpose of this audit is to assess the compliance of the company's organization (quality management system) in relation to the requirements of the quality assurance benchmark. This audit will last for a minimum of one day. A quality audit report will be drafted and sent to the applicant. In the case of an initial CertApp If nonconformities are noted, the company must present an action plan aimed at resolving them. This action plan is approved by the FCBA. The satisfactory implementation of the action plan is checked during the technical audits. All redhibitory problems must be resolved within 12 months as from the sending of the audit report by the FCBA. In the case of a subsequent, extended or modified CertApp, or a collection of proof involving a new process (subcontracting), e tc . 4.4.4 A quality audit may be performed at the request of the Mark Manager at the holder’s cost The perimeter of the certification audits The certification perimeter (audits of subcontractors’ sites) may be extended in view of the risks of non-compliance with the requirements noted during the technical and quality audits. 4.5 Decisions Based on the results of the investigation (technical audit, quality audit and tests) and the commitments entered into by the applicant on this occasion, and after the opinions of the parties concerned have possibly been heard in the case of an initial investigation, the FCBA will announce one of the following decisions: ‒ The granting of the certification ‒ The refusal of the certification including the reasons for this, due to a lack of proof (for example: the lack of test reports or partial test reports) or a nonconformity during the technical audit and /or quality audit. This refusal will be maintained until the required proof of conformity is supplied (for example: the provision of documentation, additional audit, etc.). If the decision is taken to grant certification, AFNOR CERTIFICATION grants the right to use the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE and the FCBA will send the applicant (who now becomes the holder) the NF certificate(s) issued for the certified collections and products and the letter announcing this decision. The validity period of the certificate is a maximum of three years as from the date on which the certificate is issued. The applicant may contest the decision taken in compliance with article 8 of the General Operating Rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark. The maintenance of this entitlement is subject to the results of the verifications detailed in the chapter on § "Maintaining the certification". The requirements for communicating and publicizing the certification are detailed in the chapter on "Communication concerning the certification". 5 Maintaining the certification: monitoring requirements 5.1 Monitoring performed by the holder The holder must comply with the quality requirements for the products (particularly concerning internal records). Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 9/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 In order to be certified, the manufactured products must be identical to the model declared as compliant by the FCBA. The holder is required: ‒ To carry out regular checks and inspections of the certified products, ‒ To record the results of these checks and inspections, ‒ And where necessary to carry out corrective action. In accordance with the requirements described in the quality assurance benchmark and the technical requirements 5.2 Monitoring performed by the FCBA The FCBA will organise regular monitoring of the certified products from the date the certification is announced. This monitoring includes: ‒ The investigation or testing of the products ‒ An annual technical audit on the production site(s), ‒ A three yearly quality audit, The use of the mark on the products, packaging, sales and advertising documents and the warranty accompanying the certified products. 5.2.1 The technical monitoring audit The requirements of the monitoring audit are identical to those of the investigation audit described in the chapter on § ”Obtaining certification" in the present management rules. In addition to the objectives of the technical investigation audit, the monitoring audit is intended: ‒ Where necessary, to monitor any changes made to products which are already certified ‒ To check proof of compliance with the requirements of the quality assurance benchmark, and in particular the chapters dealing with: ‒ § Identification, ‒ § Managing inspection resources and methods, ‒ § Monitoring and measurement, ‒ § Corrective action ‒ and finally the register of customer complaints; ‒ To track the timetable for ensuring the compliance of the quality system and the technical requirements, ‒ To examine the business documents The length of the audit will vary according to the number of products to be certified and the number of sites concerned. The frequency of the technical audits is a minimum of one per year and is included in the operating costs (please see the chapter on the § "Pricing system"). During the meeting of close, the auditor FCBA presents his conclusions to the company and formulates in writing the possible gaps found during the audit. A copy of the meeting of close is signed by the technical auditor and by the correspondent of the company who keeps of it a copy. The number of gap is notified to him in the conclusion of the audit and retranscribed on the document of close. A copy of the Technical Audit report (RAT) is put back within 15 working days. This Audit report is signed by the technical auditor. 5.2.2 Technical Audit of monitoring for companies says "multi-sites" ( several production sites) In case the holder makes or designs a product certified on other production sites, a surveillance audit can be realized. These audits are described in it § " Monitoring performed by the FCBA " The duration of the audit is variable according to the number of products to be certified and the number of concerned sites, is integrated(joined) into the running costs (cf. § " Pricing system" ). All the production sites of the holders says "multi-site" must be audited at least once on a cycle of 3 years. 5.2.3 Audit of the Quality Assurance system (renewal) The operational requirements for the follow-up quality audit are identical to those of the initial quality audit (see the chapter on § “Audit of the Initial Quality Assurance system”) If the applicant subcontracts part of his production, the FCBA may require an audit of the subcontractor’s quality system at the holder’s cost based on the same benchmark. The audits takes place every three years and is included in the operating costs (see the chapter on the § "Pricing system"). Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 10/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 The length of the audit will depend on the company's workforce size (please refer to the applicable pricing system for the mark). Additional audits may be required at the holder's cost; ‒ To consider the suitability of the measures taken as part of the action plan to ensure compliance, ‒ As a result of any major shortcomings or gaps noted during the technical audits 5.3 Investigations and test The assessment of the compliance overlooked the technical requirements is identical to that defined in the chapter on § “Assessing compliance with the Technical Requirements” 5.4 The Processing of complaints 5.4.1 The management of complaints by the holder The holder has to bring an answer to any complaint of a user concerning one or several certified characteristics. The management of the complaints, as well as the corrective actions led by the holder have to be in accordance with the requirements defined in the reference table quality assurance benchmark, by technical requirements and seen during the technical audit defined in it § " The Technical monitoring Audit" 5.4.2 The processing of complaints submitted to the FCBA The complaints are forwarded to the holder for processing and will be followed up by the FCBA during the next technical audit. In the case of a nonconformity noted in relation to the certified characteristics, the FCBA will require the holder to ensure conformity with the technical requirements. 5.5 Decision The decision is dependent on the results of all of the assessments (the technical audit, the quality audit and the test reports): a) Maintenance of the certification b) Maintenance of the certification with a requirement to implement corrective action In this case, a supplementary audit may be ordered at the holder's cost to assess the suitability of the measures taken in relation to: ‒ The plan of action to ensure compliance, ‒ Regarding major gaps or shortcomings noted during the audits. c) A penalty may be imposed in accordance with the General Operating Rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark. The additional verification costs in relation to these penalties will be borne by the holder. The holders agree to apply the measures arising from the penalties in accordance with the certification rules. Any suspension or withdrawal of the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification will result in a ban on using the mark and on referring to it. The holder may contest the decision by submitting a request in accordance with the general operating rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark. 5.6 Modification to certification requirements Any modification on the initial conditions of obtaining of the NF mark must be indicated in writing by the holder. The non compliance with this obligation noticed by FCBA, can lead to a suspension, even to a retreat of the certification NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE. In the case of a later demand, by extension, or for modification of commercial naming, the visit of instruction can be adapted, even not necessity. In the cases not planned in them of the chapter the § ”Modification of certification requirements”, FCBA determines if the modifications question the certification and if necessary to proceed to a complementary control. According to the results of the instruction, FCBA makes the adequate decision. 5.6.1 Modification concerning the holder The holder must announce in writing and as soon as possible all legal modifications to his company or any change of company name Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 11/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 A renewal of the commitment to comply with the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE. certification benchmark will be required. Failing this, the withdrawal of the certification will be announced. 5.6.2 Modification concerning the establishment from which the products are derived Any (total or partial) transfer of the production unit(s) for a certified product to another production site will result in an immediate cessation of the marking of the transferred products, in any form whatsoever. The holder must declare this transfer in writing as soon as possible to the FCBA, who will organise a technical audit of the new production site and where applicable will have tests performed. The terms and requirements for the assessment and decision concerning a renewal of the certification are identical to those of an initial investigation defined in § " Technical Investigation Audit”. 5.6.3 Modification concerning the establishment’s quality organisation and the resources devoted to the products The holder must declare in writing and at the earliest opportunity any modification concerning his quality organisation likely to have an impact on the compliance of the products overlooked the requirements of the present Certification Benchmark. The resources dedicated to the certified products are also concerned. Any temporary cessation of internal inspection of the certified product will result in an immediate cessation of the marking for this product. The evaluation requirements for assessing and taking a decision as to whether to renew the certification are identical to those of the initial admission. Where necessary, if distribution is handled by a third party the holder must agree to immediately inform the FCBA of any modifications made in the distribution of its products and in particular any cessation of supply by the designated third-party. 5.6.4 Modifications concerning the certified products Any modification to the NF certified product overlooked the application or the accepted model, or which may have an impact on product compliance overlooked the requirements of the certification benchmark or any change of trademark must be declared in writing to the FCBA. According to the modification declared, the FCBA will decide whether this constitutes an application for an extension, for a supplementary admission or the maintenance of the certification. 5.6.5 Abandonment of the certification Any final cessation of the production of a certified product or the abandonment of the certification must be declared, specifying the time needed to dispose of stocks of marked products. Upon receipt of the holder's letter, the FCBA will notify the holder of the suspension of his certification. The withdrawal of the certification will be announced upon expiry of the deadline to dispose of stock, this being stated by the holder and approved beforehand by the FCBA. The product is then removed from the list of certified products. The FCBA may request that the NF certificates be returned. 6 Certification-related communication and publicity 6.1 Logotype of the NF mark NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE logo of the certification NF is an association of the generic logo NF with its application. It is built in the following way: The generic logo realizing the certification NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE : ‒ ‒ www.nf-mobilier-pro.com To value the various guaranteed types of furniture entering the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE field of application, the certification NF, the holder has to use the following specific logos: Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 12/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 www.nf-mobilier-pro.com www.nf-mobilier-pro.com www.nf-mobilier-pro.com www.nf-mobilier-pro.com www.nf-mobilier-pro.com The logos and stamps must be reproduced based on the graphical charter for the NF mark available from the FCBA. It is also available on the www.marque-nf.com website in the "Holders" area. 6.2 The marking of certified products Each certified product, collection or range must be marked by means of a stamp or other marketing method approved by the FCBA making it possible to identify: ‒ The product’s quality mark, ‒ The certification body, ‒ The holder, ‒ The production period, ‒ The benchmark available at the website www.nf-mobilier-pro.com 6.2.1 Reproduction of mark’s on the product The logos and stamps must be reproduced based on the graphical charter for the NF mark available from the FCBA. It is also available on the www.marque-nf.com website in the "Holders" area. 6.2.2 Position of the marking on the product In the case of the stamping, the holder furnishes stamps numbered with FCBA, or with a third after agreement of the contents by FCBA This one must be affixed to places fixed below according to the type of the piece of furniture: Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 13/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 ‒ Furniture having a single revolving door: on the internal face of the door, in the right(straight) superior angle (the door being opened). ‒ Furniture having several revolving doors: on the internal face of the right door (of the height and the bottom if the piece of furniture is in several bodies) in the right(straight) superior angle (the door being opened). ‒ Furniture without revolving door but having drawers: on the drawer of the height, most to the right, on the internal face of the right-hand side and towards the facade. ‒ Furniture without revolving door, nor drawer: (sets of shelves, files with curtains, furniture with sliding doors, etc.): on the internal face of the right-hand side, forwards, as high as possible, without overtaking however l, 60 m over the ground. ‒ Bank: on the internal face of the belt when she(it) exists, or in defect, on the lower face of the top. ‒ Confine: on the internal face of the right-hand side, upward and the front. ‒ Beds: on the internal face of one of the files, downward to the right (on the biggest of both files when they are different). ‒ Cosys, including return: as the case may be, on the internal face of a revolving door if there is, or in defect, a drawer, in defect on the internal face of the right-hand side in the conditions above clarified there. The return is considered as a different piece of furniture. ‒ Sit: ‒ Place "by default": under the seat or on the support of the pillows of sat(based) (to the right), ‒ Place sits tilting: under the flap ( relaying-leg), or on the mechanism, ‒ Place sits convertible: right lower corner of the box (shop window), ‒ Brilliant Blindfolds: on the top. ‒ Work plan and plan of dress: under the plan. ‒ Furniture ready to rise, conditioned (packaged) in some parcel: a stamp on the structure of the piece of furniture + a stamp on every door (according to aforesaid modes of appositions). ‒ Quite other relevant place after validation by FCBA. This marking is compulsory, he allows the traceability in case of complaint customer. 6.3 Reproduction of the mark’s logo on documentation 6.3.1 For the holder of the certification The generic logo of the mark of certification NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE or the logotype of the mark(brand) NF can be used only yes: ‒ The use does not give to confusion and it is determined for each of the commercial documents taken individually. ‒ On each of the commercial documents who presents more than 80 % of guaranteed products. To avoid every risk of confusion, he must be accompanied with the following sentence: " list of products guaranteed on the site to www.fcba.fr Should the opposite occur the specific NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE logo must be used to value the various guaranteed types of furniture entering the field of application A holder among which more than 80 % of the offered references is certified can use the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE generic logo or the logotype of the NF mark on documents which do not present products (case of the writing paper) but not on its estimate, acknowledgements of receipt, invoices and any document which can be used to value uncertified products. 6.4 Markings on the packaging of the certified product If the mark features on the packaging, it must be reserved exclusively for the certified products. The logos and stamps must be reproduced based on the graphical charter for the s NF mark available from the FCBA. It is also available on the www.marque-nf.com website in the "Holders" area. The marking of the packaging in no way dispenses the manufacturer from marking the product 6.5 De-marking conditions The suspension or withdrawal of the certification entails a ban on using this mark and referring to it. Similarly, products which have accidentally become substandard and which have not been sold to the consumer must be demarked. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 14/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 7 Participants 7.1 AFNOR Certification AFNOR is the owner of the NF mark and grants AFNOR Certification an exclusive operating licence. AFNOR Certification manages and organises the NF certification system, which among other things defines the governance rules and operating details for the NF mark AFNOR Certification 11 rue Francis de Pressensé 93571 La Plaine Saint Denis Cedex www.afnor.org 7.2 Authorised organisation In its capacity as a certification body the FCBA has opted to be authorised by AFNOR Certification, which accepts this, to use the NF collective certification mark in the certification of the products it manages. In compliance with the general rules for the NF mark, AFNOR Certification assigns the management of the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE: : Institut Technologique FCBA 10 avenue de Saint-Mandé 75012 PARIS www.fcba.fr Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 15/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 8 The governance and revision procedure for the benchmark 8.1 Governance of the NF Professional Funiture certification Several ad hoc groups have been created to manage the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification to replace the special committee. Ad hoc Strategy group Ad hoc Technical group Ad hoc Marketing& Communication group Modifications to the benchmark for the mark (the chapter on § “Consultation of modifications to benchmarks") FCBA consults the interested parties (the chapter on § “Consultation of modifications to benchmarks”). FCBA gathers opinions, prepares a summary and includes modifications in the benchmark (the chapter on § "Validation" ) FCBA subjects this new reference table to the AFNOR CERTIFICATION which confirms it (the chapter on § "Approval") 8.1.1 The Strategy group The Strategy group is open to all managers of companies in possession of NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification. The meeting frequency is a minimum of once a year. The ad hoc strategy group has the task of issuing: 1) Guidelines on: ‒ The marketing position of the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification ‒ Advertising and promotional projects concerning its activities 2) An opinion on: ‒ Plans to upgrade the management methods and procedures ‒ The list of interested parties consulted (holders, distributors and consumers, institutional parties, etc.) 3) It may be consulted on any other issues regarding the application concerned 8.1.2 The Technical group The technical group is open to all holders of the NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification and members of the distributors/expert channels/users college and members of the institutional college. The purpose of this technical group is to revise the technical requirements according to the guidelines issued by the strategy group, to changes in standards, to new products developed or to any other factors making this necessary. It sets application deadlines for modifications to the benchmark. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 16/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 8.1.1 The Marketing & Communication group Operating under the auspices of the Strategy group, this Marketing & Communication group is open to all holders. The meeting frequency is a minimum of once a year. The purpose of this ad hoc group is to lay down guidelines for the development and promotion of the mark. 8.2 Consultation of benchmark modifications All proposals from the strategy, technical or communication ad hoc groups which may result in modifications to the benchmark will be sent to all interested parties (holders, distributors and consumers, institutional partners) for their opinion with the views of no particular interest predominating, in compliance with the NF X 50-067 standard concerning the drafting of a certification system for a product or service or a combination of products and services. The list of interested parties will be drawn up and updated by the ad hoc Strategy group. 8.3 Validation After taking account of the comments issued during the consultation: ‒ In the case of a minor modification, the FCBA modifies the benchmark ‒ In the case of a major modification, the FCBA enters the point in question on the agenda for the next meeting of the ad hoc group concerned and then modifies the benchmark In both cases, the revised document is forwarded to AFNOR Certification for approval. 8.4 Approval The revised document is then approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification. 9 Pricing system The costs related to the certification are subject to a charge, the price of which is available from the FCBA. The sum used for the calculation of the contribution to operating and promotional costs is based on the annual turnover (including export) achieved by the company with all of the products (certified or otherwise) included within the scope of the application for the mark. If all or part of the holder's production is subcontracted, these costs will be increased by the cost of the technical audits and other audits to be performed on the subcontractor’s production sites. When the sites inspected are not located within France, the travel costs will be borne by the holder. 9.1 Investigation costs The costs paid will be retained even in the event that the certification is not granted or if the application is abandoned during investigation. This revenue is intended to cover the costs related to the investigation of the certification applications, dealings with applicants, tests, audits and the evaluation of results and inspections. A quotation will be issued for these costs. 9.2 Usage charge This is invoiced when the certification is first announced, based on the prices applicable at the time. The payment of this sum is intended to cover a contribution to the establishment of the NF mark, including the drafting of the certification benchmark. 9.3 Operating costs These sums are intended to cover the costs of managing the applications for the certified products, the costs related to drawing up lists of certified products, the costs of evaluating the results of inspections, technical audits, in addition to the organisation and holding of meetings and ad hoc groups, etc. These costs are invoiced based on the prices applicable at the time. 9.4 Promotional costs Actions to collectively promote the mark are financed by its holders. These costs are invoiced based on the prices applicable at the time. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 17/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 9.5 Charge to use the NF mark Following the certification of a product, an annual fee to use the NF mark is invoiced to the holder and paid to AFNOR Certification. This usage fee, which AFNOR Certification receives in its capacity as owner of the NF mark, is intended to cover: ‒ The general operation of the NF mark (quality assurance aspects, the monitoring of the different bodies within the NF network, running the NF mark committee and the committee of authorised organisations). ‒ The defence of the NF mark: registration and protection of the mark, legal advice, processing of cases involving abusive use, legal costs, etc. ‒ Contribution to the generic promotion of the NF mark. 9.6 Additional inspections The costs generated by additional inspections or verification tests decided on by the FCBA following the detection of any insufficiencies or anomalies during the standard inspections will be borne by the manufacturer and invoiced at the prices applicable at the time. 9.7 The recovery of costs For as long as marked products remain on the market, the inspections are maintained in addition to the recovery of the corresponding costs. In the event of the non-payment of the costs payable, the FCBA will take the measures provided for in the general operating rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark which may lead to the withdrawal of the certification. 9.8 Revision of the price for the mark At the start of each calendar year, updated prices will apply based on the following revision formula I ( n) P(n 1) P(n) I (n 1) When: ‒ P(n), and P(n+1) refer to the prices for the year n and n+1 ‒ I(n) and I(n-1) refer to the SYNTEC index for the month of August for the years n and n-1 Details of all prices are available on request. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 18/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 10 Appendices Appendix 1 : Technical vocabulary ‒ Collection: A group of products with the same trade name. ‒ Applicant: A company which applies to benefit from NF PROFESSIONAL FURNITURE certification ‒ Certification application (CertApp): A document by means of which an applicant expresses its wish to certify a collection (or a range) comprised of products, agrees to comply with ‒ the general rules for the NF mark, ‒ the general operating rules for FCBA certifications under the NF mark, ‒ the management rules, ‒ the technical requirements, ‒ the Quality Assurance benchmark for the mark and agrees to bear the cost of the related operating and promotional costs at the prices applicable at the time and the costs of audits and tests. ‒ Right of use: A right to use the mark granted to a company when the products covered by an application meet the requirements of the mark's benchmark. ‒ Collection of proof: All records constituting proof of conformity with regard to the certified characteristics of the mark ‒ Supplier: begun which supplies products, according to its catalog. ‒ Range: A group of products defined by a trade name and technical characteristics. ‒ Product: A finished product from a given production unit, defined by a trade name or model name specific to the product and technical characteristics. ‒ Certification perimeter: The activity of the company participating in the production of the certified product (design/study and/or production and/or final inspection). ‒ Subcontracting: factory of products or components at the request of the holder following a specifications (ex: plan, …). The product or the component belongs to the holder who has it the control ‒ Holder: A company which has received a notification of certification. ‒ Holder multi-site: begun holders having several production sites of certified products Appendix 2 : List of laboratories recognised by the FCBA TÜV RHEINLAND LGA PRODUCT Gmbh Tillystrasse 2 D 90451 NÜREMBERG Deutschland Mail : www.tuv.com List of laboratories recognised in addition to the FCBA Technological Institute Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 19/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 Appendix 3: Recognition by the FCBA of tests performed by a holder In order to be able to have such tests taken into account, the company in possession of the mark must: ‒ Meet requirements based on the NF EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard and more particularly the following points: ‒ Staff competence ‒ The monitoring of equipment ‒ Documentation and record keeping concerning tests ‒ Verification of test results ‒ Compliance with test protocols and the rectification of any shortcomings noted ‒ Internal audits ‒ Compliance with the assessment methods defined by the FCBA. The requirements of this recognition are entered in a contract drawn up between the holder and the FCBA. These are available on request. Appendix 4: Societal criteria Criterion 1: Fairness and diversity Requirement The company management must define and formally record its policy concerning fairness and diversity. This policy should be accompanied by at least one quantifiable and measurable objective. Examples of indicators which could constitute an objective ‒ Male/female parity on the managing board, Examples of proof to be provided Calculations ‒ % of men/women in the company ‒ % of older employees in the company ‒ % of employees under the age of 25 in the company Ratio ‒ % of disabled staff in the company Criterion 2: Occupational health and safety Proof of compliance with this criterion may be provided in the form of OHSAS 18001 type certification Requirement Examples of indicators which could constitute an objective Examples of proof to be provided ‒ Occupational accident level ‒ The frequency of these accidents ‒ The level of seriousness of these accidents (including the length of sick leave). The company management must define and formally record its safety policy. This policy must be accompanied by at least one quantifiable and measurable objective. Ratio The definition of operating protocols. The The presence of information level of completion of the actions decided necessary to the protection of staff on in the meeting of the health and on jobs requiring this working conditions committee (CHSCT) ‒ Taking full account of the Following up reports from the ergonomic aspects of the job and CHSCT. Replacing first aiders workstation ‒ Gestural and postural training Improvements to jobs workstations and NB: When the chosen indicator concerns a requirement established by a regulation this must be higher than the regulation in question. Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 20/21 MQ-CERT 14-308 Approved by the General Manager of AFNOR Certification, on 25/06/2014 Date Application, on 25/06/2014 Criterion 3: Interaction between the participants Proof of compliance with this criterion may take the form of an ISO 26000 type assessment Requirement Examples of indicators which could constitute an objective ‒ Customer satisfaction levels The company management must provide proof of its interaction with the representative stakeholders it has identified, which as a minimum should include at least: ‒ Clients ‒ Suppliers ‒ Local authorities ‒ Staff Examples of proof to be provided Assessment and actions carried out, for example customer satisfaction surveys and actions implemented, etc. Assessment of the suppliers’ ‒ Definition of "responsible capacity to meet the company's purchasing" objectives needs Reports and/or name and contact ‒ Quantity of local authorities details, information concerning targeted for given actions action plans introduced with local authorities Consultation methods and ‒ Employee satisfaction levels for provision of feedback to the given criteria. persons concerned Management rules applicable NF Professional Furniture Page 21/21