What process does 'conformity assessment' refer to?

Conformity assessment refers to the systematic evaluation of compliance with specified requirements, which can include standards, regulations, or guidelines. This process is crucial in ensuring that products, services, processes, or systems meet necessary criteria established by the relevant authority. In the context of building codes, conformity assessment is essential for verifying that construction practices, materials, and designs align with safety and performance standards, ultimately ensuring that buildings are safe and functional for their intended use.

The focus on compliance evaluation distinguishes conformity assessment from marketing strategies or production planning, which center on promoting products or managing resources rather than ensuring adherence to standards. Similarly, while the approval process for new building codes involves establishing new regulations, conformity assessment specifically targets the evaluation of existing entities against those established requirements.