Accreditation means the recognition of the competence of Conformity Assessment Bodies such as Laboratories, Inspection and Certification Bodies etc. by an independent third party,based on a rigorous assessment against criteria laid down in national and international standards. Said assessments cover the technical competence, compliance of the management systems and its effectiveness as well asrequirements on impartiality and independence.
Accreditation ensures that Conformity Assessment Bodies (CAB’s) are working in a reliable way. Accredited CAB’s are trustworthy.
Accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies is an international system. It contributesto the reduction of Technical Barriersto Trade (TBT) and to ensure Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) criteria.It therefore facilitates the free movement of commodities and services across the borders. Thismeans, producers can have access to foreign markets without the need of re-testing, re-certification or re-inspection of their products and services.
As far as national trade is concerned, accreditation reduces the transaction costs as accredited conformity assessment is the tool to enhance trust and confidence in products delivered.
This is the reason why Governments are using accreditation in order to source out their increasing conformity assessment activities. So far, Accreditation contributes substantially to safety and health of the societies.