Approvals already granted by appropriate certification bodies may be taken into account in any assessment for IECQ supplier approval. Capability Approval , which defines a manufacturer's ability in respect of his manufacturing processes and quality control methods, which may include design, covering a specific component technology within a generic specification. Any component produced within the scope of the above approvals is recognized as IECQ approved, and can be released with a Declaration of Conformity if the user and supplier so decide. A specialist contractor, having achieved supplier approval, may proceed to Process Approval , which allows firms serving the electronic component industry to obtain approval under the IECQ as specialist contractors. Examples of activities are ceramic package manufacture, printed board or integrated circuit design and electroplating.
Account is taken of any existing and relevant accreditation.