Definition of accreditation

Accreditation combines trust, safety, competence, conformity to standards, impartiality and recognition into a reliable system. It makes quality verifiable and comparable, thereby laying the foundations for safe products, functioning markets and trade.

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Comparability through standards

Standards lie at the heart of the accreditation system. They set out the requirements that govern tests, inspections and certifications, thereby providing the basis for conformity assessment. Standards apply to products, processes, measurement methods and services across virtually every sector. They are developed by consensus among specialists and stakeholder groups and adopted by recognised, independent institutions. In this way, they establish objective, transparent and globally comparable criteria against which accredited bodies carry out conformity assessment – ensuring that quality is evaluated using the same benchmarks, regardless of location or provider.

Safety through reliable results

Conformity assessments are carried out exclusively by technically qualified bodies. Their professional competence ensures that legal requirements and relevant standards are met. Accreditation makes results verifiable, comparable and dependable – for authorities and consumers alike. In many sectors, accreditation is the recognised means by which conformity assessment bodies demonstrate the quality and reliability of their services.

Facilitating trade through international recognition

Accreditation underpins the international recognition of test reports, inspection results and certificates. It facilitates trade, prevents duplicate testing and increases the acceptance of products and services across borders. For businesses, accreditation is a recognised mark of competence and a significant competitive advantage, supporting market access, credibility and long-term success. Early identification of risks also makes market surveillance more efficient.

Trust through accreditation

Accreditation is the official confirmation that a conformity assessment body is technically competent to carry out specific activities. The term derives from the Latin accredere – meaning ‘to entrust’. Accreditation creates verified trust: not through mere assertion, but through demonstrated competence in accordance with clear, internationally agreed rules. As a form of ‘oversight of the overseers’, accreditation ensures that tests, inspections and certificates are reliable and credible.

‘accreditation’ shall mean an attestation by a national accreditation body that a conformity assessment body meets the requirements set by harmonised standards and, where applicable, any additional requirements including those set out in relevant sectoral schemes, to carry out a specific conformity assessment activity.

Quelle: european-accreditation.org – (Regulation (EC) No 765/2008)

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