Evaluación de la Conformidad y Calidad Percibida: Desafíos para la Competitividad del Comercio Exterior en Economías Emergentes

Rafael Emiliano Apolinario Quintana; Martha Graciela Rodriguez Donoso; Monica Annabelle Caicedo Leones; Humberto Pedro  Segarra Jaime; Julio Antonio Baque Mieles

doi:10.70577/ASCE/970.995/2025

Authors

Rafael Emiliano Apolinario Quintana Universidad de Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1719-5425
Martha Graciela Rodriguez Donoso Universidad de Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5774-7760
Monica Annabelle Caicedo Leones Universidad de Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1986-2992
Humberto Pedro Segarra Jaime Universidad de Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3946-952X
Julio Antonio Baque Mieles Universidad de Guayaquil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4038-7735

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70577/ASCE/970.995/2025

Keywords:

conformity assessment, perceived quality, foreign trade, continuous improvement, technical standards

Abstract

This study analyzes the interaction between conformity assessment and quality perception in Ecuadorian foreign trade, with an emphasis on regulatory, technical, and customer perception challenges. Using a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach,interviews were conducted with managers of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) accredited by the SAE. Common practices such as internal audits, predictive control, document traceability, root cause analysis, and feedback systems were identified to ensure quality standards. The findings reveal that, although technical and regulatory requirements are met, this does not guarantee customer perception of quality, generating conflicts in the logistics chain and a false sense of security regarding international competitiveness.The importance of incorporating customer feedback, constantly updating technical standards, and reinforcing a culture of continuous improvement based on methodologies such as Six Sigma is highlighted. In addition, barriers such as resistance to change and the limited technical training of certain foreign trade actors are identified. It is concluded that conformity assessment must go beyond regulatory minimums and align with a holistic approach to total quality that articulates operational efficiency, transparency, customer satisfaction, and global competitiveness. This research contributes to the literature on quality management and technical regulations, with implications for public policy makers, accreditation bodies, and exporting companies in emerging countries.

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