George, you were wondering if the holograms used in the
Gosstandart program were produced by HGRM? This is
something I dug up on the net. The link mentioned between
"Decree 601" and the "holographic signs" doesn't leave much
room for doubt, right?
Seminar on Latest Changes in the Certification System GOST-R and Customs Clearance Procedures for Goods Subject to Mandatory Certification
Radisson Slavyenskaya Hotel
Moscow, Russia
November 3, 1998
Close to 100 U.S. company representatives attended this seminar, co-sponsored by the U.S.-Russia Standards Working Group, the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service
and the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia. Evgeny Belov, Deputy Head of GOSSTANDART's Certification Department, provided an overview of current
certification procedures, the new list of goods subject to mandatory certification in Russia, use of the GOST-R mark of compliance for marking goods, protection of
verified copies of certificates of compliance, and the international network of certification organizations and testing laboratories accredited in the GOST-R system. Belov
noted that there were two reasons for recent changes to the Russian certification system: (1) internally, it had been determined that there was excessive reliance on
product certification as a means of market control; in addition, difficulties had been experienced with some laws; (2) the WTO accession process provided an external
impetus for changes. Belov noted in particular four questions asked of Russia by WTO members:
Why do Russian laws and regulations recognize only third party certification?
Why is there such a broad range of products subject to mandatory certification?
Why are non-government entities not accredited in the GOST-R system?
Why do manufacturers and importers have no choice of certification procedures?
Belov stated that Russia has introduced a broader concept of "proof or declaration of conformity." This "proof or declaration" does not necessarily have to be based on
third party certification. A declaration should be registered and will have the same legal force as a third party certificate. The Russian government is currently preparing
a list of products that can be brought under the declaration procedures. This list will be limited to less dangerous products. This will reduce the list of products subject to
mandatory third party certification. Preparation of the list is a priority; it should be available in a new months.
Belov based his remarks on marking on the provisions of Decree 601, as amended. He stated that the use of forgery proof marks would be introduced as of 1 Apri1
1999, for alcohol and audio-visual products, and for computer equipment. As of 1 July 1999, sales of products that are required to bear forgery proof marks and are not
so market will be banned.
Manufacturers and importers are required to provide original certificates of conformity or verified copies with product shipments. Beginning in January 1999, copies will
have to be notarized and bear a holographic sign (reference to Order 315 of July 1998). Information on these requirements and examples of the collection of required
forms to be used will be published in GOSSTANDART's "Herald" (Vestnik) by mid-December. This publication contains all new regulations issued by public authorities
(can call 236-8461 or 236-6153 in Moscow to order).
There are currently 11 foreign certification organizations (CIS bodies as well as bodies in Europe and the United States) accredited by GOSSTANDART to certify
products for the Russian market. Testing laboratories have been accredited in 33 countries...
Like you say, now we can understand why this is so magnanimous.
Bob |
