Traning and Education
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to mention the gasket / sealing material on the certificate?

The cleanability of the various materials are different. There are often substandard elastomers used that have high porosity, mould defects, and hardness variations that effect cleanability.

Is it true that old certificates could be even more valid compared to the new ones as the test criteria were more strict?

Adamantly NO.

What exactly are the differences of the test criteria before and after 2008?

The test rig reference pipes were standardized as to surface texture and length. The surface finish characteristics are evaluated during yearly audits to recertify the test rigs. The test rigs are accredited by ISO.

Can EHEDG clearly specify these differences in its documents for better understanding?

All of the current EHEDG guidelines are available to all members on the website.

Will all re-testing have to be made in the test rig, or will it be possible to only have a theoretical assessment? If so, in which cases?

If re-testing is required, it will be performed in the ISO accredited test rig. However, there are cases in which some EL Class I certificates can be re-certified without further testing, provided the guideline for the equipment has not changed and the equipment conforms to all hygienic design principles with no internal angles or radii and contains no elastomers.

What does EHEDG recommend to the certificate holders? Should they be proactive in contacting the institutes right now? It is expected that the waiting times will be very long if all certificate holders come up with a renewal request at the same time.

Please see the transition plan outlined in our letter dated 26 June 2017.

Costs for the companies will be significant, and staff capacities in the design departments are very limited.

EHEDG testing and certification is voluntary and an added value both for the equipment manufacturer and for the user, to clearly identify the component as hygienically designed. It is up to the company's decision if they like to apply for certification or not. Each Certificate Holder will have to make the business decision of whether or not a particular certificate is worthy of the cost of re-certification.

How can EHEDG impose disadvantages to those companies who have supported the organisation and the certification system for a long time by now making their certificates invalid?

The decision to establish a limited lifetime of all certificates was taken by the EHEDG Executive Committee upon request of our food industry members and upon recommendation of the EHEDG Advisory Board, to clearly identify certified components compliant to state-of-the-art requirements. The proposed changes are to protect the integrity of the EHEDG Certification program. A strong and consistent certification program benefits all users. It is prejudicial to categorize these actions as “punishment”.

Wouldn’t it be possible to just keep the old certificates valid and in place? Everybody knows that the more recent certificates have a lifetime of 5 years, and this would be motivating enough to apply for renewal instead of having to take action in a very short time frame.

No. EHEDG has taken the position to be proactive in its actions to strengthen the Certification program.