More than 60 countries participated in World Accreditation Day on June 9, in a worldwide initiative jointly established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). The International Accreditation Service (IAS), as an accreditation body and signatory member of ILAC, endorses this initiative to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation in eliminating technical barriers to trade.
Although technical regulations and product standards may vary from country to country, the establishment of ILAC and IAF Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) among accreditation bodies has facilitated the acceptance of test reports from laboratories accredited by ILAC and IAF MRA signatories. Manufacturers that have products tested in laboratories accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), have an advantage in gaining acceptance of the test results by regulatory agencies around the world. “A significant reason that manufacturers can market their products globally is because they are using an IAS-accredited testing laboratory,” said Pat McCullen, Vice President of IAS.
The creation of the MRA among accreditation bodies like IAS eliminates the need for manufacturers to have their products or services re-tested in each country they enter on a commercial basis. The key to the arrangement is that the test results from accredited laboratories in one country are recognized as equivalent to tests conducted by a laboratory in other countries whose accreditation body is an MRA signatory.
Certificates issued by accredited organizations can therefore be accepted throughout the world. Internationally agreed-upon standards and accreditation protocols play an important role in the support of cross-border trade. This is increasingly important as supply chains are ever-extending to overseas markets as businesses seek to lower costs or satisfy contract terms while maintaining a level of confidence that products are technically compatible and safe.
In such complex markets, reassurance in the measurements, tests, inspections and certification performed in another country is essential. Without these standards, the free exchange of goods and services would be hampered by technical barriers, dramatically increasing costs for importers and consumers.
Global acceptance of accreditation promotes harmonization of assessment requirements and processes at a worldwide level. It provides businesses and regulators with confidence that products entering the market conform to specifications, meet national legal and regulatory requirements and fulfill the need to protect public interests.
For more information about World Accreditation Day, visit http://www.ilac.org/index.php?id=424.
To find an IAS-accredited laboratory or information about becoming an accredited testing or calibration laboratory, visit http://www.iasonline.org/.
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