IOAS Vacancies.
As a result of expanding workloads in 2020, IOAS have a number of
job opportunities.
Cosmetic Technical Expert with experience in organic and natural cosmetics primarily for the purpose of conducting file reviews and completing audits of operator inspections as part of accreditation assessment activities. The role may suit academics, researchers or freelance auditors working in this field (freelance contract with travel required).
https://ioas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2011-call-for-Cosmetics-Expert.pdf
Full time Quality Manager to join the IOAS management team and be responsible for maintaining and developing the IOAS quality system in support of the overall quality of the work of the IOAS (home based with some travel required).
https://ioas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2011-call-for-Quality-Manager.pdf
Full time Client Manager / Assessor with particular expertise in organic textiles responsible for the administration of selected clients in all aspects of the processing of applications for accreditation (home based but significant travel will be required).
https://ioas.org/about-ioas/jobs/attachment/2011-call-for-client-manager-textiles/
Freelance Qualified Technical Assessors with experience in organic and sustainable textile and recycling schemes and related industries, who are located in India, China, or surrounding areas (freelance contract with travel required).The role may suit academics, researchers or freelance auditors working in this field.
https://ioas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2011-call-for-Textile-Assessors.pdf
IOAS Board Member.
The IOAS board is constituted in a manner that safeguards impartiality and enables the participation of all parties from various sectors significantly concerned in the development and principles regarding the content and functioning of the accreditation system. Potential Board members should have a background from one of the following sectors; conformity assessment (certification & inspection); operators; beneficiaries (consumers, environment, retail, trade, movement); developing world; and regulatory. We are keen to receive applications from those within the Regulatory category and those with business expertise. Please see the IOAS website for more details and how to apply.
IOAS Official Notice update for 2020-01 IOAS surveillance and COVID 19_Oct 1
In an update to the Official Notice 2020_01 regarding IOAS Assessment and Surveillance and Coronavirus COVID-19, as of October 1, 2020 initial accreditation and extension of scope office assessment and operator site ‘visits’ may be completed remotely as long as we consider the arrangements allow us to verify all requirements. If during the course of such assessments the IOAS considers the accreditation activity was insufficient due to its remote nature, further activity may be required either remotely or when on-site access is possible before granting accreditation. The implementation of the various techniques and approaches we are taking with regard to assessments have implications on the fees charged, please refer to the document for full details.
https://ioas.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-01-IOAS-surveillance-and-COVID-19_Oct-1.pdf. For further information and documentation issued on scheme accreditation in connection to COVID 19 please also view
https://ioas.org/information-center/client-area/coronavirus-covid-19/
IOAS Advisory on Application processing time, October 2020
Concomitant with the pandemic we have seen an uptick in new applications in the last 9 months. That alongside the additional time needed to reschedule work with current accredited CBs has increased pressure on our resources and although we have and are hiring new people and linking with other ABs we have decided we need to put a hold on new applications so as not to overstretch ourselves and to ensure we maintain integrity of our work. New applications are not being accepted until at least January 1, 2021 and the expected time from application to accreditation will be approximately 18 months due to the volume of applicants and challenges with scheduling due to travel restrictions etc,
https://ioas.org/latest-news/ioas-advisory-on-application-processing-time-october-2020/
IOAS successfully completes APAC review
Following a peer review Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) have confirmed approval of the recommendation that IOAS retains its MRA signatory status.
IOAS is a full member of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC)– a regional group of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) representing the interests of Asia-Pacific economies. In 2016 IOAS became a signatory of the Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for Product Certification which provide for world-wide recognition of certificates of conformity issued by certification bodies accredited by members of IAF. The MRA signatory status is reviewed for all members every four years.
IOAS is proud to have achieved this recognition which is important in IOAS’ ongoing commitment to excellence in its work.
CFIA
CFIA interpretation on Clause 347 (1) of SFCR: packaging and labelling
CFIA have published information on the Interpretation of clause of Clause 347 (1) of SFCR: Packaging and labelling certificate should only be issued to contract service providers that package and label organic products on behalf of the organic product certificate holder
1. Relevant Reference(s):
• SFCR P. 13 s. 342: Packaging and labelling activities can be performed by “a person who holds a certificate that is granted under section 345 or 348”.
• SFCR P.13 s. 344: This section describes the required contents of an application for organic certification, “in the case where a person packages and labels the food commodity on behalf of the applicant….a copy of the certificate referred to in subsection 348(2).” This implies that the product certificate holder may only subcontract the packaging and labelling of its products to an operation certified to do so.
CFIA publish list of accredited Certification bodies.
CFIA have implemented their policy to make certain information on organic operators under the Canada Organic Regime publicly available. The new list has a search option so the information can be filtered based on the name of the CB, geographical scope and the standards.
List of certification bodies under the Canada Organic Regime - Canadian Food Inspection Agency
CFIA 20201002-Delay of requirement to upload organic certificate AIRS registration type #68
CFIA has delayed the implementation of the requirement to upload a copy of the organic certificate for imported organic products although CFIA remains committed to the implementation of this requirement and a new timeline for this initiative will be communicated to industry in the near future.
This update applies to organic fresh fruits and vegetables, organic honey and maple products, organic eggs and shell egg products and requires an indication of confirmation (i.e. a declaration of “yes”) in the Integrated Import Declaration (IID) system that the importer is in possession of the organic certificate. The certificate number and an uploaded copy of the certificate will not be required as part of the declaration until further notice.
EU
EU Regulation (EU) 2020/1693 published postponing (EU) 2018/848
Regulation (EU) 2020/1693 has been published postponing the implementation date of (EU) 2018/848 by one year to 1st January 2022. The regulation also amends all deadlines set in EU 848 including the dates of expiry of the current recognitions as in Annexes III and IV of EC 1235. Please view the document
(EU) 2020/1693 for further information.
EU 977/2020 new amendment issued.
The amendment of EU 977/2020 applies from 1
st October 2020 extends the allowances for remote inspections, with requirements for at least 5% additional/unannounced inspections and at least 2% sampling until 1st February 2021.
COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2020/1667 of 10 November 2020 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/977.
EU extend the allowance for remote inspections until 1st February 2021
An amendment of EU 466 has been published, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/1341 of 28 September 2020 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/466 as regards the period of application of temporary measures (Text with EEA relevance) extends the allowance for remote inspections until 1st February 2021.
