The NSF Standards Development Process

1. Page 1 The NSF Standards Development Process

2. Page 2 The History of National Standards The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is a private, non-profit organization, founded in 1918, that administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standardization and conformity assessment system. ANSI has served in its capacity as administrator and coordinator of the US private sector voluntary standardization system for more than 80 years. Throughout its history, the ANSI Federation has maintained as its primary goal the enhancement of global competitiveness of US business and the American quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems and promoting their integrity. ANSI currently provides a forum for over 270 ANSI-accredited standards developers in the private and public sectors. These groups work cooperatively to develop voluntary national consensus standards and American National Standards. In 2001, there were approximately 11,500 such documents. ANSI accredited standards developers are required to adhere to strict requirements of openness, due-process, balance and consensus.

3. Page 3 The History of National Standards One of the best indicators of the strength of the U.S. system is the government�s extensive reliance on, and use of, private sector voluntary standards. Pursuant to OMB Circular A119, federal government agencies are required to use voluntary standards for regulatory and procurement purposes when appropriate. State and local governments and agencies have formally adopted thousands of voluntary standards produced by the ANSI Federation, and the process appears to be accelerating. NSF/ANSI National Standards are referenced in regulations/legislation throughout the U.S. and Internationally. Examples of references include: Model Plumbing and Building Codes State regulations governing treatment and distribution of drinking water The FDA Food Code Various regulations in Canada, Israel, Taiwan, Australia, Brazil and other countries

4. Page 4 About NSF International NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company�, a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization, is the world leader in providing standards development, product certification, education, and risk-management solutions which impact public health and safety. NSF�s primary business activities are: Developing national voluntary consensus standards that enhance public health and safety and protection of the environment. Providing product certification services to manufacturers of products primarily in the food service, water or water treatment, plumbing, and wastewater treatment industries. Providing management systems registration services. Providing testing and auditing services. Providing training and education services in the area of public health and safety.

5. Page 5 About NSF International Since 1944, NSF has developed standards and provided third party conformity assessment services to government, consumers and manufacturers of products and systems related to environmental and public health safety. NSF is committed to providing superior service to all stakeholders in the fulfillment of its mission. NSF focuses on the essential elements of public health�water, food, environment and air. NSF is widely recognized for its scientific and technical expertise in the health and environmental sciences. Its staff includes engineers, chemists, toxicologists, microbiologists, and environmental professionals with extensive experience in all aspects of public health and safety. Oversight of NSF activities is provided by a Board of Directors, a Council of Public Health Consultants, a Certification Council, and numerous other advisory councils and forums. Members of these groups bring world-class expertise and unparalleled experience in their organizational and scientific counsel.

6. Page 6 NSF Highlights Independent, private, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation. The world�s leading independent, public health and safety third party testing and certification organization. Recognized internationally as a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for food, water and indoor air. Only company to have this designation. Over 8,000 clients in the product certification and systems registration programs. 175,000 certified products with the number of NSF marks used on products in the marketplace reaching over 6.5 million / year. NSF conducts over 28,000 audits / year around the world. NSF has customers located in 81 countries. Through its broad reaching marketing campaign, NSF will achieve at least 750 million consumer impressions with messages of NSF�s mission. There are 44 NSF/ANSI Standards. More than 360 full-time staff and over 200 subcontract auditors around the world ready to serve NSF customers. Management leadership hail from some of the most prominent corporate and governmental institutions.

7. Page 7 The NSF Standards Process

8. Page 8 The NSF Standards Process

9. Page 9 NSF Certification Process Conformity Assessment � any activity concerned with determining directly or indirectly that relevant requirements are fulfilled. Supplier�s declaration � supplier (producer) provides written assurance of conformity. Second Party Assessment � purchaser verifies conformity. Certification / Registration � third party gives written assurance of conformity. Third Party � recognized as being independent. Certification / Registration Accreditation Systems ANSI accredits product certification bodies in U.S. OSHA accredits product certification bodies under the National Registration of Testing Laboratories for safety standards. Various States provide accreditation programs for drinking water testing laboratories. ANSI / Registration Accreditation Board (RAB) accredits management systems registrars in the U.S. Various international organizations provide regional accreditation services for product certification and management systems registration programs.