A Brief Prelude to Accreditation and Conformity Assessment

Accreditation is becoming more and more significant in the international exchange of goods and services. Accreditation has emerged as the sole official category that demonstrates an organization’s capability to carry out a variety of services in both domestic and international commerce. It is based on strict adherence to international standards and determining conformity with them. In this chapter, the role of accreditation and conformity assessment is briefly discussed. In any nation, accreditation is the assertion by a National Accreditation Body (NAB) that a Conformity Assessment Body satisfies the requirements established by harmonized standards and, where applicable, any additional requirements, including those set out in relevant sectoral schemes, to perform a specific conformity assessment activity. It certifies that accredited organizations delivering testing, examination, calibration, certification, inspection, and verification services have the technical know-how and objectivity necessary to evaluate whether goods and services adhere to the necessary standards and laws. This study aims to improve the general understanding of the role benefits of using accreditation and conformity assessment on a broader scale.