3.3 Content of a certification scheme for prepackages

A certification scheme for prepackages should specify, as appropriate, the following elements:

1. the scope of the scheme, including the type of prepackages covered;

2. the requirements against which the prepackages are evaluated;

3. the conformity assessment activities appropriate to the purpose and the scope of the scheme (see 3.4);

4. other requirements that the packer must comply with (see Annex A);

5. the requirements for designated bodies and others involved in the certification process (see Annex C);

6. whether designated bodies involved in the scheme are to be accredited, participate in peer assessment or qualified in another manner;

7. the methods and procedures to be used by the designated bodies and other organizations involved in the certification process, so as to ensure the integrity and consistency of the outcome of the conformity assessment process;

8. the information to be supplied to the designated body by an applicant for certification;

9. the content of the certificate of conformity (see Annex D);

10. the conditions under which the packer may use the certificate of conformity or marks of conformity where applicable;

11. where marks of conformity may be used, the ownership, use and control of the marks (see Annex E);

12. the resources required for the operation of the scheme, including impartiality and competence of the personnel (internal and external), the evaluation resources, and the use of subcontractors;

13. how the results of the assessments and surveillance procedures shall be reported and used by the designated body and the scheme owner;

14. how non-conformities with the requirements shall be dealt with and resolved;

15. surveillance procedures, where surveillance is part of the scheme;

16. the criteria for access of packers and designated bodies to the scheme;

17. content, conditions and responsibility for publication of the register of certificates;

18. the need for, and content of, contracts where required between parties involved in the scheme;

19. general conditions for granting, maintaining, continuing, extending the scope of, reducing the scope of, suspending and withdrawing certification: this includes requirements for discontinuation of advertising and return of certification documents and any other action if the certification is suspended, withdrawn or terminated;

20. the way in which complaints and appeals are dealt with (see Annex F);

21. the way in which the packers make reference to the scheme in their publicity material;

22. retention of records by the scheme owner and designated bodies.