In recent years, the certification market in Kyrgyzstan has faced a serious problem — dishonest certification bodies. These companies, offering "more affordable" and faster services, often fail to meet the necessary standards and procedures, leading to severe consequences for manufacturers and exporters. As a result, companies deceived by such bodies can lose millions due to the rejection of their products in foreign markets.

Problems with Dishonest Certification

Dishonest certification bodies may provide "gray" or entirely invalid certificates that do not comply with international standards. Some of the most common problems include:
   • Forgery of certification documents.
   • Conducting formal tests that do not meet standards.
   • Improper documentation and lack of reliable test protocols.
   • Unauthorized use of other companies' accreditations.
   • Issuing certificates without actually conducting any tests.
   • Forcing agreements with non-existent partners.
These issues can result in products being delayed or even rejected at customs, leading to financial losses and reputational risks for companies.

How to Identify Dishonest Certification Bodies

1. Accreditation Check: It is strongly recommended to verify the accreditation of the certification body. Reliable certification centers should be accredited by international or national organizations such as ISO or national accreditation agencies.
2. Reputation and Reviews: Research the reputation of the certification body. Reviews from other companies and their history can provide valuable insight into the quality of their services.
3. Cost and Timeframes: Extremely low prices and fast processing times may be a sign of dishonesty. The certification process requires time and resources and cannot be done efficiently in an overly short time or at a drastically reduced price.

Kyrgyzstan's Experience in Addressing the Issue

1. Closure of Unreliable Certification Bodies: Several certification centers have been removed from the registry of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for failing to meet requirements, helping to clean up the market from unreliable players.
2. Stricter Fines and Criminal Liability: Harsher penalties have been introduced for entities involved in the forgery of certification documents and the provision of false services. This includes not only administrative fines but also the possibility of criminal prosecution.
3. Creation of an Online Platform for Verifying Certificate Authenticity: The implementation of digital solutions helps manufacturers and importers verify the authenticity of certificates in real-time.
4. New Accreditation Standards: Stricter accreditation requirements have been introduced for certification bodies. Only organizations that comply with international standards can continue to operate in the market.

How We Can Help

1. Expert Opinion: Our experts conduct a comprehensive analysis of products and target markets, identifying the necessary certificates and details for obtaining them.
2. Documentation Review: We collect and review all the necessary technical documentation to avoid errors and delays in the certification process.
3. International Testing: We arrange all necessary tests in accredited laboratories, ensuring that products comply with international standards.
4. Certification Support: We assist the client throughout all stages of certification, from application submission to receiving the final documents.

Conclusion

Issues with dishonest certification bodies can lead to serious consequences for businesses, but the right approach and choice of reliable partners can minimize these risks. In addition to shutting down unreliable certification centers, the Kyrgyz government is implementing control mechanisms, making the certification market more transparent. We have the necessary knowledge and resources to help your business navigate the certification process smoothly and without delays.