The RV Industry Association (RVIA) has recently been re-accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), maintaining its accreditation for 39 years since 1983.
According to a News & Insights report, the RVIA accomplishes an audit every five years, during which ANSI reviews all standards development procedures ensuring the association meets the accreditation criteria. They also check if the association follows all current ANSI Essential Requirements.
ANSI also conducts an in-depth review of at least five of the association’s standards during each audit to verify evidence of consensus for the approval, balance the representation of stakeholders, and ensure all submitted proposals and comments are addressed.
The canvassing process requires a balanced committee, with no category of members representing more than one-third of the committee roster. Categories of representation include manufacturers, suppliers, users, government officials, independent experts, insurance, distributors, testing/listing agencies, and general interest.
RVIA mainly focuses on safety-related standards, which ANSI has confirmed follow the official recommendations. The ANSI accreditation permits the association to efficiently process safety standards and quickly address any safety concerns that arise.
The accreditation also allows RVIA to maintain its own self-regulation, establishing additional safety standards where necessary.