Introduction

The Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) is the only body in Taiwan recognised by Government for the accreditation of conformity assessment against international standards. As a not-for-profit and self-funded organisation, TAF offers third-party impartial, independent and transparent assessment services.

TAF plays an important role in various international accreditation co-operations and has significant connection to other accreditation bodies, regional bodies and accreditation related organisations.

The TAF accreditation symbol is recognised and supported by Government and industries.

Historical Background

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) established the Chinese National Laboratory Accreditation (CNLA) scheme in 1990 to provide the accreditation services for laboratories. Later in 1997, the MOEA set up the Chinese Quality Management & Environmental Management Accreditation Board, which was renamed Chinese National Accreditation Board (CNAB) in March 2001, to undertake accreditation operations of management system, product, auditor certification bodies and auditor training organizations.

In order to provide a single window of accreditation service by merging CNLA and CNAB, the MOEA founded the TAF Preparatory Office on 31 July 2002 to take care of preparatory work, including fund raising and register documents preparation. The Preparatory Office duly completed its register under the name of “Taiwan Accreditation Foundation” on 17 September 2003 pursuant to the ” Criteria for Governing Establishment Permits of Corporate Body of Economic Affairs Organization” with a total funds of New Taiwan Dollars thirty-five million and eight hundred thousand (NT$35,800,000.00), wherein 45% was contributed by the government, and 55%, private bodies. TAF commenced undertaking CNLA operations since 1 October 2003; and CNAB operations, 1 January 2004.

Legal Background

TAF completed the register of corporate body according to ROC laws in September 2003 and acquired its register certificate of corporate body from the Taipei District Court. “Contribution Articles of Taiwan Accreditation Foundation” shall be the highest guidance and principles for the operations of TAF.