Tested once, accepted everywhere: how accreditation empowers MSME
Vienna, 5 June 2025- As the world prepares to mark World Accreditation Day on June 9, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is spotlighting the transformative impact of accreditation for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Recognized as the backbone of economies worldwide, MSMEs drive innovation, create jobs, and foster industrial growth. Yet, many face persistent challenges in remaining competitive and accessing international markets, often due to difficulties in meeting complex market requirements.
UNIDO has responded to these challenges by helping MSMEs unlock the benefits of accreditation—a critical component of the Quality Infrastructure (QI) system. Accreditation involves rigorous assessment by national and regional bodies to ensure that conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as testing laboratories and certification bodies, operate with impartiality and technical competence. This process builds confidence in the reliability and accuracy of results, which is essential for market acceptance.
For MSMEs, leveraging accredited conformity assessment is proving to be a game-changer. By working with accredited CABs, these enterprises can demonstrate compliance with international standards, boosting their reputation, building consumer trust, and opening doors to new markets and financial opportunities. Accreditation also helps MSMEs improve product quality, streamline operations, and meet eligibility criteria for government grants and investor support.
UNIDO’s systemic approach includes supporting MSMEs in adopting standards, improving competitiveness through higher product quality, and achieving certification and accreditation. The organization collaborates closely with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and CABs worldwide to strengthen national and regional accreditation systems, ensuring MSMEs can meet international regulations and participate in global VALUE chains.
This year’s World Accreditation Day, organized by ILAC and IAF, highlights the theme “Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” emphasizing accreditation’s crucial role in supporting MSMEs and sustainable economic growth.
Visit the Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development (QI4SD) Index online data hub to explore how it evaluates countries' Quality Infrastructure and the central role accreditation plays.
For further information, please contact:
A.RIVERA-ROJAS [at] unido.org (Alejandro Rivera-Rojas)
Chief, TCS/SME
