Conformity assessment bodies

hu

Today, the acceleration of technological progress and frequent changes in user needs result in new electronic devices continuously being introduced in all facets of life. New electronic communications services are also launched at a similarly rapid pace, while the quality of services and the proper functioning of the related billing systems used by service providers are becoming increasingly important for both society and actors in the economy or even the public sector. At the same time, the systems used by service providers are becoming increasingly complex, leading to a growing number of conformity regulations and technical standards. Achieving and demonstrating compliance with them, however, requires considerable expertise.

In order to facilitate compliance, conformity assessment bodies have been set up to act as professionally competent third parties, independent of manufacturers and service providers, helping to ensure compliance with legislation and standards. There are different types of conformity assessment bodies, depending on the activity they focus on. They include testing laboratories, assessment bodies, and certification bodies that issue certificates of conformity.

The NMHH’s functions concern two areas in relation to conformity assessment bodies: the conformity of radio equipment, as well as the quality of electronic communications services and the integrity of billing systems used by service providers.

Conformity assessment bodies for radio equipment

Most electronic devices can now be controlled using some type of wireless technology. Similarly wireless data connectivity between different devices (e.g. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) is common. Typically included in consumer electronics and computing devices and mobile phones in the past, such features are now increasingly found in household appliances (e.g. refrigerators, washing machines) and even vehicles. Similarly, the use of various location services has become widespread, with the vast majority of smartphones and other portable electronic devices now incorporating such functionality, in addition to devices designed specifically for navigation (e.g. GPS, Glonass, Galileo satellite positioning systems). It should also be noted that wireless technologies and location services have become indispensable for industry, transport and the functioning of various pieces of critical infrastructure.

Information on the designation of conformity assessment bodies for radio equipment

Any conformity assessment body that meets the obligations and requirements set forth in the laws and regulations listed here may submit an application for designation to the NMHH. The authority verifies compliance through both administrative and on-site inspections.

In order to ensure that this wide range of devices does not cause disruption in each other’s functioning or interfere with other users, a set of requirements has been adopted for device manufacturers to meet. Until the late 1990s, new devices could only be placed on the market if a designated body (in Hungary, the predecessor of the NMHH at the time) had first tested and authorised each new type. However, at the current pace of market and technological development, this would be impossible; therefore, the European Union has taken a completely new approach: no authorisation is required to place new radio and positioning devices on the market, but manufacturers take full responsibility for ensuring that requirements are met throughout the design and manufacturing process. However, in order to do so, they can rely on conformity assessment bodies and, in some cases, are required to use such bodies to certify conformity. These bodies operate to common standards across the EU and in many countries outside the EU and the certificates issued by certification bodies are accepted throughout the EU. The NMHH has a dual role in relation to conformity assessment bodies for radio equipment: first, it designates conformity assessment bodies in Hungary and notifies them to the European Commission and other Member States and, second, it regularly monitors their activities.

Certification bodies for the quality of electronic communications services and the integrity of billing systems used by service providers

Providers of electronic communications services to subscribers are required to define, and monitor the evolution of, qualitative characteristics of their services and also use billing systems that are protected from unauthorised access and interference. The legislation also sets out accuracy requirements for billing systems. Service providers may, at their own discretion, engage a certification body designated by the minister for electronic communications to certify the quality of their services and the integrity of their billing systems. This certification is based on national legislation and is therefore only valid in Hungary.

Information on the control of conformity assessment bodies

The NMHH monitors organisations that assess, inspect, or certify the conformity of specific telecommunications products once a year.

It is the NMHH’s responsibility to carry out regular controls of these certification bodies and report to the designating minister on its findings. It also participates in the designation procedure by contributing its expertise in support of the designating body; however, decisions are made by the minister.