The concept of the ITU conformity programme   ITU Consultation on Conformance Assessment and Interoperability Testing (Geneva, 20-21 July 2009) The concept of the ITU conformity programme Alan Bryden, ITU Special Consultant Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Outline of presentation Background Prerequisites The components of a possible ITU conformity programme The characteristics of a possible ITU conformity scheme Options considered Proposed option Building capacity in developing countries Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Background ITU’s global responsibility for interoperability and efficiency of international telecoms Concerns related to non-compliance Fight counterfeiting and dumping of non-compliant goods Promote homogeneous implementation of ITU recommendations Avoid multiple testing and conformity assessment Support capacity building for testing ability and expertise in developing countries Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Existence of ITU Recommendations suited for conformity assessment Prerequisites WTSA Resolution 76 Existence of ITU Recommendations suited for conformity assessment Consultation of stakeholders Analysis of market data and existing conformity programmes and services Assess consensus on desirability of an ITU conformity programme Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

The components of a possible ITU conformity programme Development and promotion of conformity and interoperability test suites for ITU Recommendations Development and operation of an ITU conformity scheme Assistance to developing countries in creating and operating testing facilities and expertise Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

The desirable criteria of an ITU conformity programme Limit ITU’s direct involvement in assessing conformity Make best use of existing international standards and practices Enable visibility of conformity, through the use of the reference to ITU Optimize costs and delays for users Enable market surveillance Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Four options considered Rely on accredited testing and certification, and ILAC/IAF MLAs Develop an ITU certification scheme based on peer assessment and mutual acceptance of certificates and test reports (similar to IEC schemes) ITU itself is the certification body Publish an ITU conformity assessment and interoperability framework and charter, with self declaration of adherence Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Option 1 selected Suits desirable criteria best Provides flexibility for vendors Two routes proposed: Accredited testing + suppliers declaration of conformity, or Third party accredited certification Issuance of licence to use ITU conformity mark based on documentary evidence and market surveillance Implies partnership with ILAC and IAF and use of ISO Standards Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Build capacity in developing countries ITU conformity programme as a driver for awareness raising and implementation of good conformity assessment practices International recognition and acceptance Level playing field Partnerships to be developed with development agencies and organizations (e.g., UNIDO, ITC and World Bank) Geneva, 20-21 July 2009

Thank you for your attention! alanbryden@orange.fr Geneva, 20-21 July 2009