Requirements
The length of time to achieve accreditation depends on the scale, experience and preparedness of the organisation. If the process runs smoothly, accreditation can be achieved in three to four months. To retain accreditation, SDOs need to develop at least one Australian Standard®.
The standard term for SDO accreditation is three years. Once an SDO develops a standard, it is then responsible for maintaining, reviewing and revising that standard. SDOs are required to pay fees to Standards Australia to cover their accreditation, use of the logo and audit costs.
Neutrality is central to the success of the standards development process. As a result, SDOs are unable to dictate or directly influence the content of the final standard. The primary role of the organisation is to act as an impartial platform for standards development that benefits the sector as a whole.
It is Standards Australia policy that each SDO takes responsibility for a defined scope of standardisation. This means that SDOs are free to develop any standards within that scope, but we avoid conflicting standards and ensure our standards are user-friendly.
SDOs are also encouraged to participate in international standardardisation through the adoption of International Standards and attendance at international meetings.
To gain accreditation, companies must understand and comply with Requirements for the Accreditation of a Standards Development Organisation. This document contains information on the resources and processes organisations must have in place before accreditation can begin.