Mutual Recognition

Conformity assessment practices

... the basis for mutual recognition

The TBT Committee lists five non-exclusive approaches that are useful in facilitating the acceptance of conformity assessment results among Members (document G/TBT/9 - Second triennial review of the operation and implementation of the agreement on technical barriers to trade), namely:

  • accreditation;
  • the unilateral recognition of results of foreign conformity assessment as equivalent;
  • Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for conformity assessment between governments;
  • co-operative (voluntary) arrangements between domestic and foreign conformity assessment bodies; and
  • the use of Supplier's Declaration of Conformity (SDoC).