What is SLSI mark scheme
Benefits of the SLS Mark
- SLS mark is a major marketing tool for the promotion of sales.
- Differentiates products having the SLS mark from other products hence enhance competitiveness.
- Definite advantage over manufacturing establishments who does not have the SLS mark
- Reduce customer complaints
- State sector will look for SLS marked products, thereby increase the market share
- Image of the company will be improved, thereby improving the morale of workers
- Productivity improvement
- Since the standards incorporate customer and legal requirements, products will be more acceptable
- Customer-Manufacturer-SLSI relationships enhance continuously
- Foundation to obtain Overseas Certification Marks such as BSI, ISI etc.
- Consumers can select products with a reasonable assurance of quality
How to apply for a Permit
A manufacturer desirous of obtaining a Permit to use the Certification Mark on a commodity or product must first ascertain whether a Sri Lanka Standard Specification has been approved and published by the Institution for the product/commodity concerned. Applications shall be submitted on the prescribed form and separate applications shall be made for each commodity or product covered by a particular standard.
If the commodity or product bearing the same brand name is produced at more than one plant of the applicant, separate applications must be submitted simultaneously in respect of each and every plant manufacturing that commodity or product under the same brand name.
For further details Contact the Product Certification Division (Tel. 2671567-72 Ext. 225, 354, 584,591 ,367,348)
Assessments before granting of a Permit
On receipt of an application the Institution will assess the adequacy of manufacturer's arrangements for quality assurance based on information provided in the application.An audit/s at the factory is/are arranged to examine and verify the quality management system adopted by the applicant. Specific attention will be paid to control on purchasing, process control at production, suitability of equipment, inspection and testing facilities, training, record keeping, provision of necessary resources etc.
The applicant should give every assistance to the auditors of the Institution to collect samples from the factory as may be required for testing. The cost of audits, cost of samples and testing fees shall be borne by the applicant.
If the product conforms to the requirements of the standard (verified by checking conformity of two consecutive samples) and the quality system is found to be satisfactory, a final audit will be carried out by a team of auditors.
Issue of Permit
A Permit to use the Certification Mark is issued, when the following conditions are fulfilled.
- Two consecutive samples drawn with a the specified time gap when tested are found to be conforming to the relevant Sri Lanka Standard; (Number of samples that would be tested will depend on the different variaties/type/sizes manufactured)
- A satisfactory documented quality management system is implemented;
- The Applicant agrees to abide by the General and Specific Permit Conditions.
- Fee for one year is paid by the Applicant.
Once a Permit has been granted, the manufacturer shall display the SLS symbol on the product.
Post Permit Assessments
In order to ensure the conformity of the product to relevant Sri Lanka standard specification continuously, satisfactory operation of the quality system and to verify compliance with the permit conditions, periodic audits shall be carried out at the manufacturer's facility.
Samples of the product obtained from the manufacturer's facility / open market/parties to whom supplies have been made are also tested to check compliance with the specification.
The Permit Holder shall ensure that the permit conditions are complied with all aspects and necessary assistance and co-operation is extended to Sri Lanka Standards Institution at all times.
Validity of Permit
Validity of a Permit is three years which can be renewed thereafter subject to conformity of the samples to the relevant Sri Lanka Standard and satisfactory operation of the quality system
Scope of the Permit
Separate Permits should be obtained for commodities or products falling within the same standard specification but marketed under different brand names. If the same commodity or product bearing the same brand name is made at more than one plant, separate Permits should be obtained simultaneously for each and every plant. A Permit will not be issued unless all plants manufacturing the same commodity or product under the same brand name comply with the requirements of the Permit.
Misuse of the mark or violation of Permit Conditions
Misuse or infringement of the Certification mark is an offence under the Sri Lanka Standards Institution Act. For such offences the Act prescribes fines and or a period of imprisonment not exceeding two years. Further, a Permit can be cancelled at any time if the commodity or product is sub-standard or if the Permit Holder fails to comply with the other terms and conditions under which a Permit is issued.