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The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has become the latest Regulatory Agency to recognize the use of laboratories accredited by an ILAC signatory to underpin the public credibility of the ENERGY STAR Program.
There is a continuing trend of greater recognition of accreditation and the ILAC MRA from Government and Regulators. For instance, more US regulators such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission for toy testing and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the nuclear area, have clearly expressed their desire to rely on laboratories accredited by ILAC Full Members. ILAC is now also mentioned as a key player by the United Nations. Trade agreements are also including more references to the ILAC MRA. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has become the latest Regulatory Agency to recognize the use of laboratories accredited by an ILAC signatory to underpin the public credibility of the ENERGY STAR Program. On June 30 2010, the EPA finalized and distributed the Conditions and Criteria for Recognition of laboratories, which represents an important step in the enhanced testing and verification effort that EPA intends to have in place for all ENERGY STAR qualified products at the end of 2010. The ENERGY STAR products program has grown to encompass products in more than 60 categories and is used by millions of consumers in selecting products that help them save money and protect the environment. To ensure that ENERGY STAR remains a trusted symbol for environmental protection, the EPA and the US Department of Energy are pursuing enhancements for product qualification and verification. These include laboratory qualification and comprehensive verification testing, through the use of accredited laboratories. Further information, including the Conditions and Criteria for Accreditation Bodies and for Laboratories can be downloaded from www.energystar.gov/testingandverification. Visitors to the site will also be able to view a list of the products and programs covered by ENERGY STAR, as well as being able to access the relevant application forms. Due to the short timescales set by the EPA, it is advised that applications are submitted as soon as possible.