which institution has a right to give the hostels certificate ?

Does the association ( if it is the only association in the country ) has a right to give hostels certificate ?
What institution usually set the standards certificate for the hostel , or its more depends from the country ?
I know that many properties which operate as a hostels in many touristic cities do not have a hostels licence
( as a tax payers they registered as a apartments , bed and breakfasts , guest houses )
but on the hostels web sites they advertise themselves as a hostels.

The biggest hostels web sites do not mind to advertise them , as long as they pay some tax and offer sharing dorm rooms , having common room.
I think its good.
Because , in some not democratic countries , the hostels associations usually , operate as one monopolistic goverment's clan.
And of course , if the country is not democtratic and authoritarian , then the certification can depend on bribes , connections , favoritism and so on.
Especially in very authoritarian ollegarchic countries.
Therefore I think that it is acceptable and tolerated for the worlds big hostels web sites , to have this soft policy towards the hostels around the world.
But , I am still curious , in some countries where the hostels industry is just being born , and there was for a years the cult of hatred towards economic initiative , creativity and enthusiasm in business , there are the tendency of preasure towards the hostel runners.
So , my question is , what institution in most of the countries , ( especially its interesting how is it in Australia and West Europe ) what institution is authorised for the hostels licences and to set the legality ( or legal status ) of the hostel ?