EA contributed to a workshop organised by the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) from 7 to 10 November 2016 for a better understanding and harmonisation of accreditation of Proficiency Testing Providers (PTPs) and Reference Material Producers (RMPs).

Hosted by Hong Kong Accreditation Service (HKAS) in Hong Kong, China, this workshop gathered 34 participants and 6 facilitators. Some participants came from National Metrology Institutes and Reference Material Producers.

EA was represented by ACCREDIA, DAkkS and TURKAK, respectively the Italian, German and Turkish national accreditation bodies (NABs). In particular, the EA Laboratory Committee (LC) was formally represented by Sergio Guzzi from ACCREDIA as the convener of the EALC Technical Network (TN) PTP/RMP.

The workshop enabled participants to have a better understanding of the recent changes in accreditation standards for RMPs and PTPs. Sessions also aimed at enhancing competence of RMPs and PTPs in a harmonised way within the APLAC region. A significant number of issues, including very practical ones, were discussed from the point of view of RMPs and ABs. Some recommendations and resolutions have been drafted for use by the community involved in PTPs and RMPs activities.

The outcome of the workshop will be reported on by Sergio Guzzi at the next EALC meeting to be held on 8-9 March 2017 in Paris.