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3-A Knowledge Center
The steps to achieve a 3-A Symbol Authorization are primarily online and include registering an account and arranging a physical Third-party Verification (TPV) inspection with a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE). The CCE will ensure you have a copy of the applicable 3-A SSI Standard on hand and engineering design and technical construction files (material certificates, drawings, quality control procedures, and similar items) to determine whether your equipment meets the equipment standard(s). Each year, you will attest that you continue to meet the current standard(s) and if there have been any significant design changes on your end, and then re-attest that you are abiding by our license agreement for the use and display of the 3-A Symbol. A new TPV inspection and report will be required every five (5) years.
Create an account foryourself and create an account for your business if you do not already have one.
A. Navigate to 3-A SSI’s Sign-in Page. If you do not already have a 3-A username and password, click on the Register Now! tab at the bottom of the page.
B. Enter your business email address and click on Register Account. Fill in all applicable fields and create a username and password. Click Register Account. 3-A SSI will send you a confirmation email with instructions for logging in and changing your password.
C. Navigate back to 3-A SSI’s Sign-in Page and log in. Go to the My Account link and choose Manage My Account. Click on Create/Affiliate with Company. Enter your company name into the Search field and click on Find Company. Select your company name from the list or click on Create New Company and enter your company’s information. Be sure to click Create Company to save your entry.
Purchase the 3-A SSI Standard(s) that meets the scope of your equipment or that you wish to certify. You can purchase the standards online here. If you need help determining which standard(s) are right for you, contact erics@3-A.org.
Carefully review the standard(s) to ensure your equipment meets each applicable requirement within the standard. When you feel your equipment meets all the 3-A standard’s requirements, you are ready to compile your documentation to prepare for your Third-Party Verification Inspection.
Compile the following documents for the equipment that you would like to have certified:
A. Suggested Cleaning & Installation Procedures
B. Engineering Design and Technical Construction File (EDTCF), which includes BOM, ECOs, engineering drawings, quality control program documentation, material certificates
C. Copy of the current 3-A Sanitary Standard(s) for this equipment for your file
Select a Certified Conformance Evaluator (CCE) from the list on the 3-A SSI website to perform your Third-Party Verification (TPV) inspection at the manufacturing site.
To learn about the verification process, see the 3-A Manual for Third-Party Verification.
You will work directly with the CCE to schedule the site visit and inspection.
All charges and fees assessed by the CCE are the responsibility of the equipment manufacturer. These fees do not include the 3-A SSI application fee and licensing fees. 3-A SSI will notify you by email once your TPV inspection is approved and will include instructions on how to pay your application and licensing fees.
After your payment is successfully processed, 3-A SSI will email you a receipt, and your Certificate will remain valid through December 31 of this year. You may obtain a copy of your certificate during the current license period online directory.
In October of each year, you will receive a renewal notice for each of your certifications. Renewal payments are due by December 31. If 3-A SSI does not receive your renewal payment by December 31, your certification is no longer valid and 3-A SSI will remove your company’s certificate from the from the online database. To reinstate your certification, please contact customerservice@3-A.org for instructions and fees to come into compliance.
