HECTOS - Harmonized Evaluation, Certification and Testing Of Security products - D3.3 Harmonised security product certification scheme framework and templates

This document provides the HECTOS Harmonised Certification Scheme Framework and Templates for Physical Security Products.
The framework comprises;
• a top-level structure and a security specific ‘quality mark’
• certification systems for related product and application areas, and
• individual certification schemes for evaluation or conformity assessment to specific standards or requirements
The framework is based on the ISO/IEC 17000 Conformity Assessment family of standards, adapted and supplemented by features to support the special requirements of security products.
With foundation in this standards family, this document details further the security specific aspects that need to be considered when establishing, managing and operating a scheme and system under the framework. These aspects are summarised in template format which draws together all findings into a user friendly guide on establishing and maintaining evaluation- and certification systems and schemes under the HECTOS framework. The framework provides a generic approach suitable for all physical security products, but implementation of its components depends upon factors such as the product and application type, and market needs. Two accompanying templates provide a step-by-step, flexible approach to adopting the framework, by allowing different user- and or product/application requirements to be included.
The objective of the framework is to provide a mechanism for the creation of harmonised evaluation and conformity assessment schemes that enable the mutual recognition between EU Member States and other participants, thus supporting the Single Market international trade and enabling end-users better to implement security capabilities to mitigate the risks they face.
The framework supports:
• Users and manufacturers – by ensuring that the needs of both are covered in the scope and requirements of standards and trusted schemes for evaluation and conformity assessment
• Standards and certification bodies – by ensuring that their standardisation products and schemes are fit-for-purpose, as well as facilitating EU-wide markets for certification schemes and open competition between providers
• Governments and regulators – by providing a mechanism that both supports regulatory certification where necessary and voluntary certification in order to improve assurance of security product capabilities, international trade and the Single Market without the burden of excessive legislation.