In times of emergency economy and administration, impaired supply chains, and particular challenges in the health sector, conformity assessment continues to facilitate the implementation of legal frameworks (e.g. for medical devices), private programmes (e.g. for food safety) and trade (e.g. in the automotive supply chain). Where possible, adaptions of the requirements for conformity assessments need to be granted by the responsible authorities and programme owners. 

Infection risks, travel limitations, and curfews have to be considered and overcome when continuously providing conformity assessment activities (testing, inspection, certification, validation/verification). Some clients of conformity assessment had to shut down their operation entirely, some have expanded their operation.
This session briefs on the following items:
• Obstacles to Conformity Assessment
• Role of Conformity Assessment
• Adapted specified requirements for Conformity Assessment
• Alternative approaches to Conformity Assessment
• Due Diligence by Conformity Assessment
• Laboratories - Role and Challenges during the crisis