In the last few years, environment aware I ness is increasing in most countries of the world. A new approach to environmental protection is developed by International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In 1996 ISO published five standards of ISO 14000 series of environmental management standards i.e. ISO 14001, ISO 14004, ISO 14010, ISO 140011 and ISO 14012.

For implementation of ISO 14000 series in Indonesia, Badan Standardisasi Nasional - BSN (the National Standardization Agency) has adopted these ISO environmental management standards as the Indonesian National Standards. BSN also develops a scheme for Environmental Management System (EMS) accreditation and certification. Since up to now ISO has not yet published a guideline for general requirements of EMS Certification bodies. BSN develops its own guidelines: BSN Guide 49: General requirements for environmental management system certification body (adaptation from ISO/IEC Guide 62 : General requirements for bodies operating assessment and certifications registration of quality system and IAF draft 6a-1 997).

Under the EMS Accreditation and certification scheme, the National Accreditation Body (KAN) accredits EMS certification body based on BSN Guide 49. These accredited EMS Certification bodies are competent to assess and certify companies/institutions which have properly designed and implemented EMS in compliance with SNI 19-14000/ISO 14000 series.

By June 1998, KAN-BSN has accredited one EMS certification body (Sucofindo ICS) and one applicant is in the process of accreditation. At present about 20 companies in Indonesia has been certified in accordance to EMS standards by Indonesian and foreign EMS certification bodies.