The ivm Certification System
1. Scope of Application
The certification of ivm relates to the conformity of packaging with the provisions of child-resistance. These standards are internationally valid:
- ISO 8317 (2003)
- EN 862 (2005)
- EN 14375 (2003)
- BS 8404
- AS 1928
- NZS 5825
- US 16 CFR 1700.20 (PPPA)
- All corresponding national provisions of European countries as well as Canada
2. Elements of ivm's Certification System
The certification system of ivm covers the following elements: Informing customers about the test ing procedures, the application to be filed by customers, the contract, the testing and certification as well as regular supervision of the packaging for the protection of children and the companies.
3. Validity of Certificates
The certificate and usage rights granted under the ivm certification system are valid until alterations are made to the packaging or until the relevant standards are changed, provided that regular audits grant an extension.
4. Regular Supervision
The certificate holders are obliged to ensure that the certified packaging fulfils the specified parameters and to check these parameters periodically. Regular inspections performed by ivm as a part of the certification activities guarantee that the specifications are observed.
5. Extension of Certification
If modifications of any kind are to be made to a certified package or if an additional package is to be introduced as part of a "package family", these changes may be included into the certificate.
6. Withdrawal of Certification
A procedure to revoke the certification will be initiated if the parameters that formed the basis for the certification are changed.
7. Complaints
The customer is obliged to inform ivm about any complaints about child resistance that may come to his knowledge and to react appropriately if that complaint is justified.
8. Advisory Board - a Combined Supervisory and Complaints Body
ivm has established an independent Advisory Board which acts as an impartial supervisory body. It comprises representatives of the packaging industry (Hartmut Ritter, Braunschweig, lawyer) and consumer protection organisations (German Red Cross and Association for the Protection of Children "Deutsches Rotes Kreuz" and "Kinderschutzbund"). Anyone who believes to have reason to criticise the work of ivm may turn to this supervisory body. In case of a dispute, the Advisory Board will act as an arbitration body for out-of-court settlements. If you want to call in the Advisory Board, you can do so by sending an informal request to ivm. Recourse to legal action will still be possible.