By signing a joint declaration, the NF network (made up ofAfnor Certification and 12 mandated organizations) is revamping the development of this distinctive mark, which has some 200 applications and enables professionals and private individuals to identify high-quality products. Their common commitment is to maintain the level of excellence of certified products and to enhance the characteristics covered by the NF mark by integrating sustainable development issues. A genuine tool for conquering new markets, the NF mark must make an even greater contribution to the reputation of quality products in France and on international markets.
It was in the 90s thatAfnor has chosen to set up a team of certifiers recognized in their profession, mandated to manage certain applications of the NF mark. AlongsideAfnor CertificationToday, there are 12 certifiers (technical centers, public industrial and commercial establishments, professional organizations, associations): AFCAB (Association Française de Certification des Armatures du Béton), ASCQUER (Association for the certification and qualification of road equipment), CEQUAMI (Certification and Quality in Individual Housing), CERIB (Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches de l'Industrie du Béton), CERQUAL, CERTIGAZ (Certification of products for gas installations and applications), CERTITA, CERTIVEA, CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment), FCBA (Institut Technologique Forêt Cellulose Bois construction Ameublement), LCIE (Laboratoire Central des Industries Electriques) and LNE (Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais).
Created in 1938, the NF mark is a voluntary sign of quality for professionals determined to make real commitments to their customers. It guarantees the quality, safety and suitability for use of the products to which it is affixed. To be NF-certified, products must meet the requirements set out in the certification standards. These standards, drawn up in consultation with manufacturers, distributors, consumer associations, laboratories and public authorities, are based on compliance with French, European and international standards, sometimes supplemented by additional technical specifications reinforcing performance requirements. For more than 60 years, the NF mark has been constantly evolving, integrating requirements that meet market expectations and standing out in the jungle of recognition marks as a demanding, trustworthy mark of quality. Today, the NF mark distinguishes almost 200 product categories, with 6000 holders.
Last but not leastAfnor Certification is the leading certification and assessment body for systems, services, products and skills in France. In particular, it issues NF marks for a wide variety of products, and the AFAQ (notably on management systems).
Afnor Certification offers a truly local service thanks to its 27 sites on 5 continents and 13 French regional delegations. It mobilizes 1,500 qualified auditors to meet the needs of its customers at over 60,000 sites worldwide.
Learn more: https://www.afnor.org/metiers/certification/panorama-certification