The system of product certification in Russia, as in other countries, applies primarily to consumer goods. It confirms their environmental friendliness and safety. Next, consider what a certification system is. 
General information
The certification system includes many elements. These include, in particular:
- Central authority. It exercises control and supervision, and may also delegate authority to other entities. Its functions also include certification of quality systems.
- Rules and procedure for conducting inspections.
- Regulatory documents that certification must comply with.
- The procedure for inspection control.
- Schemes (procedures) of checks.
The certification system of services (process) of one type applies in its practice special procedures, standards and rules. They relate specifically to this type of object. The certification system can operate at the international, national or regional level. Systematic verification of compliance is called assessment. More private is considered the concept of "control". It is considered as a conformity assessment by measuring certain characteristics of an object.
GOST certification system
It is considered mandatory in Russia. Products that are subject to certification are included in the official list. This list is one of the most important documents for all interested parties. In particular, it is of interest for:
- Consumers. For them, the list acts as a source of information guaranteeing the right to purchase a safe product to choose from among its analogues on sale.
- Trading organizations. They are guided by a list and are timely prepared for certification.
- Customs authorities. They receive data on objects that must undergo mandatory control when imported into Russia.
- Certification Authorities. Having a list, these structures are able to timely provide their regulatory documents with the necessary standards.
- Regulatory authorities. They can not only prepare for the inspection of certified products, but also draw up schedules and work plans.
- Technical committees for standardization. Thanks to the information contained in the list, these bodies identify objects and establish mandatory requirements for certain types of products.
Nomenclature
The certification system provides a certain list of objects to be checked. It is compiled in accordance with the Law governing the protection of consumer rights. The nomenclature contains more than seventy types of services and goods. Among them, in particular:
- Radio-electronic equipment and household appliances.
- Food and agricultural products.
- Heating (household) appliances.
- Products of light and textile industry.
- Medical devices and equipment.
- Hunting and sporting weapons.
- Household chemicals.
- Motor vehicles.
- Household appliances and others.
Main criteria
The certification system is based on certain principles, in accordance with which the objects are included in the above list. In particular, as the main criteria are used:
- Mass consumption.
- Potential hazard to the consumer.
- The degree of threat to health and life.
- Availability of safety requirements in regulatory documents and others.
The list is annually supplemented and updated in accordance with the adoption of certain legislative acts regulating the protection of consumer rights and the protection of life and health of the population. Changes to the nomenclature can be carried out by government bodies authorized to create certification systems. They make their proposals to the central structure. Gosstandart, acting as the body under whose control the certification system of Russia is located and pursuing an appropriate policy in this area, forms a consolidated list of goods to be checked for compliance. The nomenclature also applies to imported items. The relevant official bodies of foreign countries have been informed about this.
GOST R (certification system)
It is considered the largest in the country. GOST R - a certification system that covers all types of goods that are subject to verification for compliance with the law on the protection of consumer rights and other regulatory acts in this field. It provides for certain rules and principles on the basis of which the entire domestic certification infrastructure is formed. Its effect extends to a number of CIS countries. 
Features
The above certification system is open to all entities that recognize its rules, including those government bodies that are authorized to carry out control activities, as well as foreign organizations. The central authority, besides the Gosstandart itself, is the Gosstroy. Among the accredited testing laboratories are organizations from foreign countries and CIS countries. The certification system interacts with other structures based on relevant agreements. The functions of the participants are established by legislative acts.
Work principles
Reliability and objectivity in the certification system is ensured by the independence and competence of testing laboratories and inspection bodies. The fundamental principle is the construction of a structure based on standards for homogeneous goods. They unite and form common principles and rules, in accordance with which certification of quality systems is carried out. 
Structural elements
Each certification system for homogeneous products goes through the state standard approval process. A prerequisite for its validity is registration in the State Register. The largest include certification of quality management systems:
- Agricultural and food products.
- Electrical equipment.
- Motor vehicles.
- Chemical materials.
- Personal protective equipment.
- Objects of a building complex.
The central authority leading these systems is, as a rule, the directorate of Gosstandart or its research institute.
State Register
It is led by the Gosstandart. The state registry contains basic certification information. In particular, it contains information on:
- Accredited testing laboratories and bodies.
- Issued certificates.
- Certified Experts.
- Approved certification systems and so on.
Documentation
The basic principles and rules in accordance with which the system operates are established by certain documents. They include four categories of provisions:
- Certification of services.
- Checking the goods.
- General Provisions
- Certification of quality management systems and production.
Existing problems
The lifetime of compulsory certification according to the GOST R system is relatively short in order to be clearly worked out in practice and improved procedures and achieved expected results. Existing problems in this area are visible quite clearly. In particular, they are associated with the organizational side, the imperfection of the rules and the lack of practical work.
SovASK
This system voluntary certification was developed in 1992. She became one of the first in the country to have such specifics. The objects falling within its scope include:
- Products.
- Processes.
- Services
- Production.
It also certifies management systems. SovASK has the right to conduct laboratory accreditation and auditors.
Work specifics
The voluntary certification system was created on the basis of the development of ISO, European standards EN45000, ISO / IEC guidelines. This suggests that SovAsK is agreed not only with domestic requirements, but also with international standards and requirements. The main difference between the system and GOST R is that within its framework the responsibilities of the auditor and expert are clearly delineated.
Employees
Highly qualified specialists who work in a specific industry and possess the necessary knowledge and skills are involved in carrying out activities as experts. The SovAsk registry contains several dozen accredited auditors. These experts carry out checks of quality systems and carry out certification of production. Experts are hired as needed. They are included in the audit team. In addition to experts who have passed the certification committee, there are also corresponding members expressing a desire to become experts and also pass certification.
A special approach to activities
The SovASK system believes that it is advisable to conduct double accreditation at the same time, connecting GOST R. Thanks to this process itself and its results, great importance will be attached. In addition, comparability will be ensured and recognition will be enhanced. mark of conformity and certificate.
Procedure
Certification according to the SovACS system is carried out in accordance with the documents provided by the applicant. Domestic rules for conducting compliance verification procedures provide for the use of standards and foreign countries. This is especially important for those domestic enterprises that export.
Preparation of objects for verification abroad
This is one of the key areas contributing to the support and development of exports. Today there is a very clear procedure. The main work, except for the final stage, is carried out by SovAC. Upon completion of the necessary procedures, a representative of a foreign certification organization is invited. He issues a document of compliance. Domestic experts consider this practice to be very promising and useful both in terms of reducing costs that would have taken place during the entire procedure abroad, and in terms of gaining the confidence of foreign partners and benefits for the Russian manufacturer.
