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The World of Accreditation Bodies

The World of Accreditation Bodies

The term “World of Accreditation Bodies” refers to the global network of organizations that provide accreditation services. These independent entities are responsible for assessing and verifying the competence and impartiality of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) such as testing laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, and proficiency testing providers.

The-World-of-Accreditation-Bodies

What is the Difference Between Accreditation and Certification?

To understand the difference:

  • Accreditation bodies (operating under standards like ISO/IEC 17011, ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17021, ISO/IEC 17025, etc.) accredit conformity assessment bodies.

  • Conformity assessment bodies (CABs), such as TUV Austria Bureau of Inspection & Certification (Pvt.) Ltd., are then authorized to certify organizations against standards like ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 22000, ISO 27001, ISO 45001, etc.

While most countries have one official accreditation body, they may have many CABs, and not all CABs hold accreditation — making it essential to choose accredited providers for trust and reliability.

Accreditation bodies ensure the trustworthiness of products, services, and systems by enforcing internationally recognized standards.

Role of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF)

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is the primary global body that brings together recognized accreditation bodies under mutual recognition arrangements (MLA).

Key principle: “Accredited once, accepted everywhere.”

This means that once a conformity assessment body is accredited by a recognized accreditation body, its certificates are accepted globally, reducing risks for businesses and ensuring consistent quality worldwide.

Primary Purpose of Accreditation Bodies

Accreditation bodies:

  • Assess and accredit CABs to ensure they meet technical competence and integrity requirements.

  • Evaluate independence, impartiality, quality management systems, and compliance with relevant ISO standards.

  • Provide assurance to businesses, regulators, and customers that certifications are credible and globally recognized.

Examples of Well-Known Accreditation Bodies

Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD) – Greece

  • National accreditation body of Greece.

  • Operates under ISO/IEC 17011.

  • Accredits testing labs, calibration labs, certification bodies, inspection bodies, and medical labs.

  • Enhances credibility of Greek conformity assessment services domestically and internationally.

Website: www.esyd.gr

International Accreditation Service (IAS) – USA

  • Renowned US-based accreditation body recognized worldwide.

  • Accreditation demonstrates technical competence, impartiality, and reliability.

  • Helps organizations gain access to international markets and improve reputation and customer trust.

Website: www.iasonline.org

Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) – Pakistan

  • Established in 1998 under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

  • Accredits laboratories, inspection bodies, certification bodies, and proficiency testing providers.

  • Promotes acceptance of Pakistani conformity assessment results globally through mutual recognition agreements.

  • Operates under standards like ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020.

Website: www.pnac.gov.pk

United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) – UK

  • Sole national accreditation body recognized by the UK Government.

  • Assesses competence and impartiality of organizations offering testing, inspection, calibration, and certification.

  • Operates as an independent, not-for-profit organization under ISO/IEC 17011.

Website: www.ukas.com

Austrian National Accreditation Body – Akkreditierung Austria

Website: www.akkreditierung-austria.gv.at

Bottom Line

There are around 98 accreditation bodies worldwide approved by the IAF. When selecting a certification provider:

  • Always choose a conformity assessment body accredited by an IAF-recognized accreditation body.
  • This ensures your certification is credible, reliable, and globally accepted.

TUV Austria Bureau of Inspection & Certification (Pvt.) Ltd. works under recognized accreditation bodies to provide globally accepted ISO certifications, inspection services, and training solutions.

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