Example: EU

Organisation of accreditation in the EU

Requirements for accreditation are set in Regulation 765/2008. The Regulation promotes a uniformly rigorous approach to accreditation across EU countries. This consensus is normally reflected in a CERTIF document on a specific topic. As a result, an accreditation certificate is enough to demonstrate the technical capacity of a conformity assessment body.


The main principles of accreditation are:

  • one accreditation body per EU country (it is possible however to use another country’s national accreditation body);
  • accreditation is a public sector activity and a not-for-profit activity;
  • there is no competition between national accreditation bodies;
  • stakeholders are represented;
  • accreditation is the preferred means of demonstrating technical capacity of notified bodies in the regulated area.

More info: european-accreditation.org