3-A Sanitary Standards, Incorporated

Third Party Verification for the 3-A Symbol and
3-A Process Certification

The 3-A Symbol

Introduced in 1956, the 3-A Symbol is a registered mark used to identify equipment that meets 3-A Sanitary Standards for design and fabrication. Use of the 3-A Symbol is governed by 3-A SSI.

Once a 3-A Sanitary Standard has been developed and becomes effective, manufacturers may make application to 3-A SSI to use the 3-A Symbol. Voluntary use of the 3-A Symbol on dairy and food equipment serves three important purposes:

Assures processors that equipment conforms to sanitary standards;
Provides accepted criteria to equipment manufacturers for sanitary design; and
Establishes guidelines for uniform evaluation and compliance by sanitarians.

If you are involved in the fabrication, use, or inspection of equipment that bears the 3-A Symbol, you should be aware of:

The proper use and display of the 3-A Symbol, and
The important distinction between 3-A Symbol authorization and other certifications or approvals.

For important details to improve your knowledge in both areas, see Use and Display of the 3-A Symbol (DOC).

The Third Party Verification Program
For many years, authorization to use the 3-A Symbol rested on a system of self-certification. This system changed in 2003, when the requirement for a Third Party Verification (TPV) inspection was implemented for licensees. Designated groups of equipment, based on the number of the 3-A Sanitary Standard, became subject to the TPV inspection requirement in 2003. The licensing of other groups of equipment became subject to the TPV inspection requirement in successive years through calendar 2006, when the integration was virtually completed. As of the end of 2006, the integration was virtually completed. The requirement for a TPV inspection now applies to all types of equipment built to a 3-A Sanitary Standard, including used or remanufactured equipment resellers who wish to declare 3-A Symbol authorization.

In 2007, 3-A SSI approved a new voluntary 3-A Process Certification for most of the current 3-A Accepted Practices. The 3-A Process Certification is available to owners of systems who desire to show proof of an independent inspection/verification of a processing system.

3-A Sanitary Standards and 3-A Accepted Practices serve a critical role in the public health and safety of the food processing system. The TPV program is designed to enhance the integrity of the 3-A SSI programs by affirming that equipment fabricated in accordance to 3-A Sanitary Standards or processing systems are manufactured and installed in accordance to 3-A Accepted Practices. The independent inspection programs of 3-A SSI provide assurance of hygienic equipment design and thereby benefits regulatory sanitarians, equipment fabricators, processors, and consumers.

Third Party Verification (TPV) Manual
Complete details on the TPV program are shown in the 3-A SSI Manual for Third Party Verification for 3-A Symbol Authorization and 3-A Process Certification (TPV Manual). This manual shows the policies and procedures for equipment suppliers to obtain and maintain authorization to use the 3-A Symbol and for processors to obtain and maintain a 3-A Process Certification. The manual also contains procedures for submitting nonconformance reports, how they are resolved, and de-listing procedures for proven nonconformance.

View the TPV Manual (PDF)

Tips on Getting Started

Tip #1
Read the TPV Manual to become familiar with the general requirements for a 3-A Symbol authorization or a 3-A Process Certification.

The primary objective of the TPV inspection is to affirm that your equipment or processing system conforms to all provisions of the appropriate 3-A Sanitary Standard(s) or the 3-A Accepted Practice(s). Be sure you have all of the current documents you will need for the TPV inspection. Some careful advance planning will save you time and money and it will help you obtain the 3-A Symbol authorization or 3-A Process Certification more quickly. This is especially important if you are renewing or making a change which requires a TPV and you want to avoid any discontinuation of your authorization or certification.

Tip #2
Search and engage an independent, credentialed authority, known as a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE), to obtain a TPV inspection report.

You must engage a CCE to conduct the TPV inspection. 3-A SSI does not accept other certifications or approvals in lieu of the TPV inspection.

Individuals with the CCE designation conferred by 3-A SSI have successfully completed a rigorous evaluation process. All CCEs have met specific criteria for basic education and industry experience in a setting where 3-A Sanitary Standards were used or processing systems where 3-A Accepted Practices were applied. They have also demonstrated high verifiable work experience and high professional integrity. Every CCE has also passed a comprehensive written exam testing their knowledge of principles of sanitary equipment design for equipment, the ability to interpret engineering drawings pertaining to manufacturing equipment and instrumentation for the food processing industries, and the ability to review and evaluate complex processes.

In addition to these requirements, every CCE has agreed to observe the Code of Ethics shown below as a condition for maintaining accreditation:

CCE Code of Ethics

CCEs shall not hold financial interests that conflict with the conscientious performance of duties.
CCEs shall not engage in financial transactions using audit-derived information or allow the improper use of such information to further any private interests.
CCEs shall not solicit or accept any gift or other items of monetary value beyond reasonable compensation for their duties from any person or entity seeking audit activities from, doing business with, or whose interests may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of their duties.
CCEs shall perform only the TPV activities within the scope of their knowledge.
CCEs shall maintain strict confidentiality of proprietary information learned through their TPV activities.
CCEs shall act impartially and they shall not give preferential treatment to any organization(s) or individual(s).
CCEs shall adhere to all laws and regulations that provide for equal opportunity for all regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability.
CCEs shall endeavor to avoid any actions creating the appearance that they are violating the ethical tenets set forth in this section. Whether particular circumstances create an appearance that these tenets have been violated shall be determined from the perspective of a reasonable person with knowledge of the relevant facts.

The TPV inspection is to be performed under agreement between the CCE and the prospective licensee. The TPV fee is independent of all other symbol authorization fees.

A current list of CCEs is available at the 3-A SSI web site at View a list of CCEs (PDF). We suggest prospective licensees prepare and distribute a Request for Proposal (RFP) to all CCEs. The RFP should describe the type of equipment or processing system that will be inspected, the anticipated time period and the location where you desire to have the inspection conducted. Be sure to have the prospective CCEs confirm knowledge of the type of equipment or processing system that will be inspected. Because CCEs inspect equipment at various locations, you may find a CCE available in your region on other business and you can economize on business travel expenses.

Tip #3
Prepare in advance for the TPV inspection.

You can expedite the verification process by planning for the following:

Manufacturing plant site visit by the CCE.
Examination of equipment and associated drawings to establish conformance to the 3-A Sanitary Standard covering the equipment and relevant information pertaining to the 3-A Accepted Practice.
Confirmation of the company's quality control program to ensure continuous conformance.
Examination of an up-to-date Engineering Design and Technical Construction File (EDTCF).
Documentation from manufacturer to demonstrate conformance of all materials of construction appropriate for meeting the standard.
Method of 3-A Symbol display and attachment to the equipment.
The base 3-A Sanitary Standard or 3-A Accepted Practice and other standards referenced in the document(s).
Conformance to other regulations cited in the standard.
List of plant manufacturing sites.
Have a knowledgeable person available to assist with the review.
Have the equipment easily accessible and dismantled to facilitate examination.
Have drawings in the same place as the equipment. Assist with their review.
Supply disassembly tools, gauging tools, profilometer, and boroscope (if necessary).
Have the equipment operation manual available (if one is normally provided with the equipment).

If the CCE does not provide a pre-inspection checklist, be sure to ask what else may be needed.

Tip #4
Submit a complete package of materials to 3-A SSI upon completion of the TPV inspection.

Once the TPV inspection is completed, the CCE will give you a final TPV inspection report. The CCE also forwards a copy of the inspection report to 3-A SSI. You must provide a copy of the report with your application package so 3-A SSI may verify the TPV inspection report.

Be sure your package includes all information required by 3-A SSI as detailed in the TPV Manual and includes the appropriate payment.

If the CCE determines that the equipment or processing system is not in conformance, a report of this finding will be made to 3-A SSI with a listing of the specific issues of nonconformance. If the applicant chooses to correct the nonconforming issues, the CCE may conduct a follow-up and issue a follow-up report documenting corrections.

Tip #5
Rubber and plastics may hold a 3-A Symbol authorization.

These materials are subject to the new TPV inspection requirement. Rubber and rubber-like materials may be authorized if they meet the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Multiple-Use Rubber and Rubber-Like Materials, Number 18-. Plastics may be authorized if they meet the 3-A Sanitary Standards for Multiple-Use Plastic Materials, Number 20-. Use the standard "equipment" forms provided for the 3-A symbol program.

Tip #6
Ask for help if you need assistance!

The CCE is the primary source for help in explaining the TPV inspection program. The CCE can also assist you with determining conformance and any changes necessary to bring equipment or processing systems into conformance. Remember, the CCE may offer some guidance associated with the conformance; however, the CCE does not serve as a consultant on engineering design concepts or processing systems.

3-A SSI is available on questions regarding the general oversight of the CCEs and the policies governing the TPV program.