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DKD

New rules for the presentation of calibration results and calibration certificates

14.01.2021

With the introduction of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, the general requirements for calibration certificates have also been updated. The German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) has now revised and published the regulations for the presentation of calibration results on calibration certificates.

/* Update The document "Presentation of calibration results and the use of the DAkkS calibration mark" (71 SD 0 025) is available on the DAkkS website. The previous instructions for the preparation of a calibration certificate (DAkkS-DKD-5) as well as the regulations concerning the DAkkS calibration mark (DAkkS-DKD-MB-5) will be withdrawn upon expiry of the transition period for the conversion of accreditations to the revised version of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 on 30 June 2021. Update */

In addition to the references to the normative requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018, the regulation also contains the general requirements for calibration certificates issued by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) as defined in the policy document
ILAC P-14
. Thus, the new DAkkS document combines all relevant requirements in a single document.

In addition to the notes on the requirements, 71 SD 0 025 also contains information regarding the layout of sample calibration certificates. From now on, these certificates only serve as recommendations. However, since the introduction of accreditation and the corresponding content-related requirements for calibration certificates the layout has proven to be successful and has a high recognition factor in Germany and Europe. For this reason, the basic layout has been retained. The "DAkkS calibration mark" remains unchanged in its original form - as in DAkkS-DKD-MB-5.

Key points at-a-glance:

Calibration certificates for accredited calibration laboratories: What will change in terms of layout recommendations?

1. The indication "Accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH" at the previous position in the calibration certificate - in particular, its distinctive way of presentation - is no longer applicable. This is to avoid the impression that DAkkS is publisher and owner of the calibration certificate or that DAkkS itself offers calibration services.

2. The previously used indication "This calibration certificate may not be reproduced other than in full except with the permission of the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH" is omitted and may no longer be used. DAkkS no longer authorizes or approves the sample calibration certificates of a calibration laboratory. However, the procedure for the planned use of the accreditation symbol on calibration certificates does not change. The laboratories submit their application to DAkkS so that its use can be examined and approved. An integral part of the DAkkS assessments within the accreditation process is to determine whether the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 for a calibration certificate are fulfilled.

3. The mandatory use of the DKD mark - which is the logo of the German Calibration Service (DKD) of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt - is no longer required.

 

What has to be done?

1. /* Update The conversion of an accreditation to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 means that the calibration laboratories must also adapt their sample calibration certificates to the new regulations set out in document 71 SD 0 025. For this purpose, they can either use the proposed model or their own layouts. Calibration laboratories whose accreditation has already been converted to the new standard are recommended to adapt their sample calibration certificates as well as the rights of use of the DKD logo during the next surveillance visit, but at the latest before 1 July 2021. All calibration laboratories accredited according to the "old" DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 are allowed to use the previous calibration certificates in unchanged form until the end of the transition period to the new standard. Update */

2. The use of the DAkkS accreditation symbol or the combined ILAC-MRA mark on the converted calibration certificate layouts requires approval by the responsible DAkkS process manager. As before, a license agreement with DAkkS is required to use the combined mark. Already existing license agreements do not have to be renewed for the conversion of the calibration certificate layout.

3. The use of a textual reference to the accreditation - e.g. "Accredited by Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle GmbH" - also requires the approval of the responsible DAkkS process manager. The requirements for the use of such text references are regulated by the DAkkS document 71 SD 0 011.

4. /*Update The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is owner of the "DKD" mark. PTB also grants the rights of use regarding the DKD logo. Through a contractual agreement between PTB and DAkkS, accredited calibration laboratories may continue to use the DKD logo on calibration certificates according to DAkkS-DKD-5 until 30 June 2021 (end of the transition period for the conversion to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018). From 1 July 2021 at the latest, the responsibility for obtaining permission to use the DKD logo will pass on to the respective calibration laboratory. For questions regarding the DKD logo, please contact the German Calibration Service. Update */

Note: The EU Commission's extension of the transition period from DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 to 1 July 2021 has made it necessary to adjust the related transition periods. These have been taken into account in the update of this notification.

 

Accredited calibration laboratories which are members of DKD and which have changed their calibration certificate layouts to the new rules according to 71 SD 0 025 may apply for an authorisation to use the DKD logo. For this purpose, an informal application including an example must be sent to the DKD Executive Office.