EA formally recognised as official European accreditation infrastructure

The European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) has signed a set of general guidelines with the European Commission, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), and national authorities, which set out the defining principles and objectives for future co-operation. The signing is part of the formal recognition of EA as the official accreditation infrastructure within Europe.

These guidelines have been produced following the adoption of the EU Regulation 765/2008 on Accreditation and Market Surveillance, which will establish a legal framework for the provision of accreditation services across Europe. The Regulation, which will come into force on 1^st January 2010, lays down rules on the organisation and operation of accreditation of conformity assessment bodies in both the voluntary and regulated sectors.

For more detailed information: http://www.european-accreditation.org/content/home/docs/EA_press_release_Signing_Guidelines_1_April_09_FINAL.pdf