ANN ARBOR, Mich., May 17, 2001 — NSF International has earned acceptance from the Standards Institute of Israel (SII) and the Ministry of Industry and Trade by satisfying Israel's new regulations for imported drinking water treatment units (DWTUs). NSF is well-known in food, water and environment-related certification and education services for public health and safety issues.
NSF is the only organization outside of Israel whose ANSI-accredited certification programs meet the stringent requirements for imported point-of-use and point- of-entry DWTUs.
Israeli Standard SI 1505 states that imported DWTU systems must meet the minimum criteria detailed in Part 1 of the Standard and carry a Certificate of Conformity prior to release from customs. These criteria are similar to ANSI/NSF Standards 42, 53 and 55, which cover health and aesthetic effects for DWTUs, as well as ultraviolet microbiological water treatment systems.
Products already bearing the NSF Mark for these Standards will be accepted and will not have to undergo subsequent testing for these measures. SI 1505 specifies that to receive Israeli conformity, DWTUs certified by NSF must undergo a bacteriostatic test at an approved Israeli laboratory and have their literature translated into the Hebrew language. NSF has established a relationship with an Israeli laboratory to perform these bacteriostatic testing services, in order to give NSF-Certified clients a single source of service.
Part II of the SI 1505, currently in the draft stage, will mirror ANSI/NSF Standard 58 for reverse osmosis systems. SII and the Ministry will also accept NSF Certification to Standard 58 when Part II is completed.
NSF has a long-standing relationship with SII, having established the first certification acceptance agreement over eight years ago. "Israel's acceptance of NSF Certification for new DWTU import regulations is a significant step in our growing relationship with SII," commented Mark Jost, NSF Vice President, Certification Services.
"Having this service available through NSF will streamline the process for our water filter clients to achieve acceptance and recognition in the Israeli market. We want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for our customers to obtain the international certifications they need to expand their business. Our partnership with SII is one example of how we're working with the leading international organizations to provide global access through one point of contact."
SII is the recognized organization in Israel for testing and certification of public health products. SII provides approval for a broad range of domestic and imported consumer products and services.
"SII highly regards our relationship with NSF, bringing convenience to companies who seek recognition and acceptance in the Israeli market," commented Dr. Zvi Keren, Director, SII Chemistry and Food Division. "We are pleased standards are available to help protect the consumers in Israel and are confident of NSF's ability to deliver proper testing to meet our standards. We ultimately share the same goal to protect the consumer through credible, independent product testing and certification."
Cuno, Inc. of Meriden, Connecticut was one of the first NSF-Certified companies to seek SII approval. "For several decades, Cuno has relied on NSF for product certification, and today we hold one of the largest listings of NSF-Certified products," commented Tom Gutman, Manager of Regulatory Affairs for Cuno. "As a market leader, we were quick to identify Israel's new requirements and seek the fastest, most economical means to gain approval. The ability to work through one organization to facilitate access of international approvals is a convenience we value. Cuno delivers products on a global scale, and our relationship with NSF assists us in understanding and addressing local market needs for optimum recognition and acceptance."
NSF International, a not-for-profit organization, is dedicated to improving public health, safety and protection of the environment. A global leader in standards development, product certification, management systems registration and educational services, NSF is a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Food Safety and Drinking Water Safety and Treatment.
NSF tests and certifies more than 130,000 products worldwide and continually develops new programs in response to public and environmental issues. Founded in 1944, NSF is headquartered in Ann Arbor, MI, with offices and laboratories around the world.
For more information visit NSF's web site at http://www.nsf.org.
SOURCE: NSF International
