FAQ

Standards, in general, must be acquired from the National Standardization Body (NSB), whereas in Cape Verde the IGQPI is the NSB. Normally, the NSB provide a catalog of norms/National Norm Collection, in addition to promoting courses on these norms and how they can be acquired.

However, it is possible to certify without the existence of certification standards, by identifying some publicly available document (non-certification standards, regulations, technical specifications, or other documents). The IGQPI may develop certification schemes that best meet the needs, together with customers/producers or business associations.

The certification of Products, Processes and/or Services brings numerous benefits, both internal and external to an organization/company.

Internal benefits

• Control of Defect Costs (CCD) or Compliance Costs (CC);
• More efficient Product, Process and/or Service Management;
• Improves decision making;
• Improved productivity and quality of the product, process or service
• Decrease in non-conformities and complaints;
• Greater motivation of employees;
• Ensure compliance of products, services or processes with the requirements of standards, regulations, technical specifications and other publicly available documents.

External benefits

• Certification is a Marketing tool;
• Improved organizational/corporate image;
• Differentiate yourself from the competition/Avoid unfair competition;
• Improved competitive position or performance;
• Conquest/Access to new markets and increase in market share;
• Improved communication and customer relationship;
• Focus on customer needs resulting in increased customer satisfaction.

The Certificate of Conformity is valid for a period of 3 years and, in special cases, its duration may be shorter, being renewable for periods equal to those previously granted. The validity of the Certificate of Conformity ceases automatically if the standards/schemes according to which the certification was granted cease to apply.

No. Certification is a more comprehensive process than a simple test because it uses periodic evaluations through tests and audits as tools to demonstrate this conformity, both of the sample tested and of the production process. Thus, it is an effective and economical way for the organization/company to demonstrate and ensure that its production and management processes comply with such standards, regulations or certification scheme and to prove the quality of its products, processes and services.

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