This standard defines assessment methods for products to assure that they conform to the requirements of the corresponding product. The principles of conformity assessment for live working products are detailed in this standard to assist product standard developers in prescribing the best means to achieve suitable quality of every finished tool, device and piece of equipment. The following elements are not covered by the present document, but are included in each product standard: - type tests; - provisions and description for routine, sampling and acceptance tests; - identification and classification of defects; - risk analysis. This standard does not cover conformity assessment of commercial shipments or certifications. This standard is not a quality management system standard nor to be used for regulatory purposes.