Q: The global economy seems to experience challenges we have not seen in decades: very high inflation, the prospects of synchronized recession, higher and higher interest rates, and even war. In this context, how do you deal with such challenges in your business sector?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: The global economic situation generates challenges in all areas of activity, and the consulting sector (inspection and certification services) is not avoided either. In this context, TUV Austria Romania continues its development strategy by diversifying the services offered to the business sector and individuals. Our extensive range of services: inspections, certifications, laboratory tests (non-destructive and destructive testing, water testing, food testing) and professional training based on national and international accreditations confirm TUV Austria Romania’s concern in providing services with a high level of trust.
Q: In the 2022 context, there were a lot of talks and discussions about the energy ecosystem, cyber security, and critical infrastructure. What’s your view? How can you help?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: Information security is an area of significant interest for TUV Austria Romania. ISO 27001 certification and numerous courses in Information Security are more than necessary qualifications in a world where information security must be present in every business and a constant concern of each of us.
TUV Austria Romania as accredited body, provides certifications according to national and international recognition. Also, TUV Austria Romania is authorized by the National Directorate of Cyber Security to provide cybersecurity audits for critical infrastructure. We have a team of ultra- specialized auditors who have the latest generation of infrastructure at their disposal, allowing TUV Austria Romania to approach complex projects in all critical infrastructure sectors and beyond.
Q: The European Union and the world have made critical steps towards a more efficient world in terms of environment, social and governance (the so-called ESG). From your experience, how important is ESG and how the business of your company helps the goals of ESG?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: Certification services for environmental management systems according to ISO 14001 and energy according to ISO 50001 are directly related to ESG criteria. The number of certified companies is constantly growing, which shows the increasing interest in the Romanian business environment for social and environmental aspects.
Another field of activity that significantly impacts achieving our clients’ environmental objectives is chemical testing. Drinking and wastewater, soil and water contamination testing with pesticides, heavy metals, or petroleum compounds are a real support for achieving environmental objectives.
Q: Can you tell us, in simple words, what an ISO certification means? And what are the advantages for companies to get an ISO certification?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: Certification is a confirmation of the fulfilment of standard requirements by a Certification Body, accredited and/or authorised by different entities. Through the certifications issued by TUV Austria Romania, organizations can demonstrate conformity with referential standards, applicable norms and legal requirements and they can access the national, European and international markets.
Also, organizations, products and people can be certified. For each of these activities, TUV Austria Romania has internationally recognized accreditations and authorizations.
Q: What’s the relationship between an ISO certification and, let’s say, cybersecurity?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: We can talk about a direct relationship between ISO 27001, information security management systems and cybersecurity, or an indirect relationship between quality management standards and cybersecurity.
ISO 27001 is the basis for any development in the field of cybersecurity and cybersecurity audit.
Quality standards address the control of documented information as a mandatory requirement. This aspect helps companies to develop industry-specific procedures, including requirements for cybersecurity audits.
Q: The 2022 global turmoil seemed to accelerate a trend that already existed: not just for agricultural products but also for ECO-agriculture. As consumers, how can we be sure that what we pay for ECO is really ECO? What is the process of ecological certification, and what are the advantages?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: The process of organic certification is complex. As an inspection body accredited and authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, TUV Austria Romania performs inspections according to Regulation (EU) 848/2018. The inspection aims to comply with all legal requirements regarding organic production. Moreover, TUV Austria Romania owns a laboratory, which is accredited and authorized by ANSVSA, for the determination of the content of pesticides in soil, food and feed. The inspections made during the certification process and laboratory tests confirm the organic production by issuing the certificate.
The choice of TUV Austria Romania as Organic Certification Body by manufacturers, processors or traders of ECO products brings a plus of recognition of the quality of their products, an aspect confirmed by the growing number of clients in this field. Clients also find at TUV Austria Romania a complete package of services: certification, training and laboratory testing for organic certification, food safety or to meet environmental obligations.
Q: What does a logo TUV Austria/Romania mean?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: Quality, compliance and performance.
Q: As a business, what cannot be done without a certification?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: Certifications are necessary to prove compliance with legal requirements and applicable standards. These are essential to confirm that the organization is able to consistently supply safe and quality products. Certifications are necessary to perform in a competitive market.
Q: Correct me if I am wrong: some products do not need highly sophisticated certifications. And still, some companies apply for such certifications even if they are not mandatory. What’s the reason?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: Your statement is correct. In addition to the mandatory certifications such as the ECO certifications or the certifications of some industrial products, complex certifications (which also require product testing), there are also voluntary certifications.
The decision for certification shows the companies’ respect for their customers. These certifications communicate to them the management’s commitment to achieving quality, environmental or food safety objectives. In a highly competitive market, a certification issued by an independent and wellknown body, such as TUV Austria Romania, confirms these commitments.
Q: What is your main message to your clients/partners regarding challenges and opportunities for the short and medium term?
Mr. GEORGE GHEORGHIU: We bring safety, quality, innovation, environmental protection and entrepreneurial interests to a common denominator. From industrial enterprises, commercial and handicraft enterprises to the health and communal sectors to scientific and research institutions.
TUV Austria Romania certificates are recognised throughout the European Economic Area and beyond in many countries around the world. This brings a high degree of legal certainty and acceptance in the economy, with authorities and in the public.
The requirements of our customers are constantly changing. What remains is the constant need for safety and quality. Our range of services in the field of testing, inspection, verification, assessment, education and training as well as certification continues to develop innovatively and in anticipation of the market with solutions from a single source for sustainable infrastructure and resource efficiency.
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