Accreditation is a tool to prove the technical competence of organisations that offer testing, examination, validation and verification, inspection, calibration, reference materials production, proficiency testing program provision, and certification services (collectively known as conformity assessment). It also proves the benefits of accreditation for businesses, consumers, national governments, and regulators.

Accreditation operates in the public interest across all market sectors, providing a transparent and impartial assessment of these organisations (so-called conformity assessment bodies) against internationally recognised standards and other sectoral requirements, for instance, those laid down in EU legislation.

Examples of market sectors:

  • Climate and environment (e.g., EU Green deal)
  • Safety and security (e.g., product safety)
  • Farming and food (e.g., food safety)
  • Health and welfare (e.g., clean water, medical examination)

Accreditation can be deemed as a passport of trust that enables goods and services to freely circulate on the single market without needing additional testing, inspection, or certification in each EU member state they are imported and sold.

For instance, when you buy a drone produced within the European Union (EU) or in a third country, you’re guaranteed the drone complies with the EU requirements set out in the drone’s regulation. A notified body, accredited by an EA MLA signatory, will verify that requirements are fulfilled, and that product’s safety and compliance is ensured for consumers.

If you want to learn more about ‘Accreditation in Europe: Facilitating regulatory compliance and international trade’, please click here to download and read the updated brochure.

EA is the association of National Accreditation Bodies and is recognised according to Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 as the European Accreditation Infrastructure.

According to this regulation, certificates or reports issued by a conformity assessment body accredited by its National Accreditation Body and signatory to the EA MLA shall be recognized by the National Authorities throughout the European Economic Area.