ISO/CASCO has extended an invite to this webinar to anyone that is interested in ensuring quality and safety in a complex and digital world.

In this webinar: Conformity assessment building trust in a digital world, CASCO will address the assessment of increasingly complex and digitalized objects, processes, services and systems with the aim of providing assurance of quality and safety.

The webinar will take place on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, from 13:00 to 14:30 CET.

This webinar follows on from the CASCO Workshop on conformity assessment and digitalization, held as part of the 37^th CASCO Plenary in April 2023 however attendance at the April workshop is not a prerequisite to attending this webinar.

Click here to find out more about the event and to register.

Accredited testing laboratories for the construction and civil works sector in Colombia.

By: Paola Aguirre V., Diana Jácome M., and Mauricio Rodríguez R. International Technical Direction. National Accreditation Body of Colombia – ONAC

Let’s start with a little history about accredited laboratories in Colombia.

When we talk about accredited laboratories, it is important to highlight the fact that the first accreditation granted by ONAC in laboratories scheme, was to a construction and civil works one. It was in 2009 (14 years ago), the same year ONAC started with the accreditation activity in the country.

Today, this is the sector with the highest number of accredited testing laboratories (52) that represents 19% of the total number of accredited testing laboratories. Thus, since 2019 a growth trend has been evidenced in this sector of laboratories, as identified in Graph 1, the highest growth rate was achieved in 2021, reaching 10 new accredited laboratories. Moreover, the first semester of 2023, accreditation has been granted to 3 new laboratories and there are another 5 in the process of accreditation, maintaining the growth trend that started since 2019.

In addition, it is worth mentioning that since 2014, the testing laboratories scheme has the international recognition signed with the InterAmerican Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), which are multilateral agreements that allows around 100 economies worldwide to accept and recognize the results issued by testing laboratories accredited by ONAC.

Graph 1

Additionally, Graph 1 also shows the number of new laboratories accredited pr year (grants), the increase in the number of testing or the number of sites (expansion), laboratories that have had their accreditation withdrawn (withdrawals), and the net number of accredited laboratories in the sector. Thus, since the first accredited laboratory, the sector achieves an average growth rate of 3.3 new laboratories per year.

Regarding the withdrawals of accreditation, no clear trend is observed, these are considered isolated cases, with a maximum of 4 for 2022, 2 in the years 2015 and 2017, and values of 1 or 0, for the other years. On the other hand, in the last years there is also an increasing trend regarding the expansion of accreditation, taking into account that only until 2013 the first expansion of the scope was presented by one laboratory accredited in the construction sector, with values between 1 or 2 laboratories that expanded their accredited scope between 2013 and 2020.

In the last two years there was a substantial increase in applications, 8 laboratories in 2021, 9 laboratories in 2022 and 4 so far in 2023 have expanded their accredited scope, showing that not only in the last two years the number of accredited laboratories in the sector has increased, but that laboratories are seeking to expand the portfolio or capacity of their accredited services to meet market needs.

The fact that the number of accreditations for testing laboratories in this sector is predominant with respect to the other sectors of laboratories accredited by ONAC, demonstrates the importance and confidence that the user of these services, recognize in accreditation, which is a fundamental element to confirm the competence to guarantee the validity of the results that are issued, from which relevant decisions will be taken within the processes of planning and execution of the constructions and civil works.

Overview of accredited laboratories

When we talk about accredited laboratories, it is important to keep in mind which is the scope of each accreditation, i.e., which are the specific activities that each laboratory performs competently. These scopes are dynamic and depend on the services that each laboratory has demonstrated that can perform competently, including, in effect, the traceability of its measurements to the International System of Measurements (SI).

One of the aspects that are part of the accredited scope are the laboratory locations, from which three types of laboratories can be differentiated: permanent, on-site and mobile laboratories. The first ones, are those that perform the tests in the permanent location of the laboratory, which is clearly registered in the accredited scope and using equipment that cannot be moved from one location to another.

The second category is characterized because the tests are performed with portable equipment, directly at the sampling site, which may be at the front of the construction or civil works, delivering results immediately in most cases. And the last one, it is the complete laboratory that moves to the sampling site, regardless of the nature of the equipment used in the tests. Each type of laboratory presents a series of conditions, restrictions and benefits when providing services, but, as long as they are covered by the accreditation granted by ONAC, they comply with the elements of competence established in the international standard ISO/IEC 17025 and the requirements of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

Currently, ONAC has 52 accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) for this sector, legal entities that subscribe the accreditation with ONAC. The operational headquarters or Laboratories reach a total of 67 (permanent site) covering 11 departments from 32 in whole country, and 20 cities and/or municipalities, information that can be identified in Figure 1. Additionally, fourteen (14) CABs have laboratories that are accredited to perform on-site testing and one (1) corresponds to a mobile laboratory, being this the only sector that has this type of laboratory.

Graph 2

As can be seen in Figure 1, the largest number of accredited laboratories are located in the city of Bogotá, D.C., with 32 laboratories, equivalent to 48% of the total, Antioquia has 8 laboratories, representing 12%, Atlántico with 7 laboratories, reaches 10%, Cundinamarca with 6 laboratories equals 9%, Santander with 4 laboratories accredited laboratories reaches 6%, Norte de Santander with 3 laboratories reaches 5%, Valle del Cauca and Bolívar with 2 laboratories, 3% each one and Risaralda, Caldas and Boyacá with 1 laboratory, correspond to 1.5% each one. In general terms, testing activities for the sector are centralized in the departments of the Andean, Caribbean and Pacific regions, covering the main capital cities. It is important to clarify that the 14 on-site laboratories and the mobile laboratory cover the entire national territory.

When we refer to the scopes accredited in Construction laboratories, it is possible to analyze them from several aspects, starting with the type of testing provided, as shown in Graph 2, in which tests under mechanical techniques predominate, reaching 40% of the total accredited tests offered by the accredited laboratories, tests that include: tensile, tension, breakage, compression, among others, to determine material resistance.

Graph 3

Secondly, there are gravimetric techniques, which constitute 35 % of the total number of accredited tests, including: moisture determination and ratios, particle size distribution, aggregate index, density, among others. 12% corresponds to physical tests, which include the determination of surface quality, linear mass, moisture content by distillation, among others. 6 % of the accredited tests are dimensional, with tests such as: measurement of projections in bars, thickness of compacted specimens of asphalt mixtures, measurement of graphite and wires, among others.

And finally, the remaining 7% (Others) corresponds to tests performed under various techniques such as: physicochemical, colorimetry, optical emission spectrophotometry, rheology, among others. All these tests are of great relevance for the sector, as they allow to determine the quality of materials and items, and thus guarantee their reliability and adequacy in the construction processes.

Another way to classify the accredited scopes of the sector’s laboratories corresponds to the test item, although a laboratory may have within its portfolio, for example, tests in the mechanical field, this is limited to a detailed group of items, for which it has demonstrated that it can provide services competently. Graph 3 shows the distribution of accredited tests by type of item.

Graph 4

The accredited tests cover several types of items and materials. Among these, we find tests for soils, rocks and aggregates (fine and coarse aggregates), which are mostly gravimetric and the most offered in the sector, reaching 49 % of the total accredited scopes. Then, with 17 % are the tests performed on asphalt, cement and pavements, including hydraulic cement, and with 9 % the tests on asphalt mixtures, in which for these two types of materials the tests are predominantly of mechanical and gravimetric type.

Accredited tests on steel materials (rebar, smooth bars, electro welded mesh, smooth and drawn steel wire, among others) represent 12 % of the total number of tests, and for this type of materials, most of the tests are mechanical. Tests on concrete (including hydraulic concrete) and prefabricated concrete, in which mechanical compression and flexural tests predominate, represent 9 %, and tests on masonry materials (paving blocks, slabs, bricks, blocks, etc.) of mechanical type represent 4 %.

Although the materials and items mentioned above are those that predominate in the construction and civil works sector, there are also accredited testing laboratories that offer services for complementary materials and items or items of indirect use for the sector, such as electrical elements, plastics, pipes, among others. All these scopes and the accredited laboratories that provide these services can be consulted in the Official Directory of Accredited Laboratories – DOA.

If we analyze the accredited scopes by type of standard or testing standards used for the provision of services, we can identify a distribution as shown in Graph 4. In which we can see that 47% of the tests offered by accredited laboratories in this sector are performed according to the guidelines of the standards of the National Roads Institute (INVIAS), which is probably related to the needs generated by the institutions that outline the requirements in the contracting of public civil works.

Graph 5

While 34 % of the accredited tests are performed under National Technic Colombian standard – NTC standards, issued by ICONTEC, recognized by the Colombian Government as the National Standardization Organization, these standards are usually adoptions of international standards or standards developed by national standardization committees. In a low percentage, 9%, there are tests with ASTM international standards, and 10% with other standards such as AASHTO (American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials), API (American Petroleum Institute), among others.

Considering that almost half of the tests are performed with INVIAS standards, documents based on NTC standards, which are derived from international standards such as ASTM, it is necessary to call attention to the fact that these standards are outdated in relation to the international documents on which they are based (mainly 2013).

This is due to the fact that the speed with which international standards are produced and updated is greater than the speed with which these documents are adopted in Colombia; even more so, when they are included in National Technical Regulations or in the terms for contracting of these services by the State. This lack of updating represents a competitive disadvantage for national laboratories in relation of the mutual recognition agreements that ONAC has signed with ILAC.

Finally, from the information available in ONAC, it is possible to identify the type of organization that owns the accredited laboratories. Most of the accredited laboratories in the sector correspond to private entities, reaching 85%, being clear that it is this type of entities that can adjust their strategies, budgets and operations in a more dynamic way to the market demand in this economic sector. The remaining 15% of the laboratories correspond to public entities. Now, considering the importance of this sector in a developing country like ours, it is highlighted that the academy has taken part in this sector, 9 laboratories are identified ascribed to educational institutions, reaching a participation of 17 %, three laboratories of SENA (National Learning Service) and 6 laboratories of universities, of which two correspond to public universities.

Some reflections

The analysis carried out allows identifying the growth trend of accredited testing laboratories for the construction and civil works sector, as well as some classifications that can be made based on the accredited scopes and the legal nature of the accredited laboratories, but it also allows showing the areas, specific sectors, techniques, items or materials, where there is no supply or the existing supply is insufficient.

An economic and growth sector, such as construction and civil works, in terms of infrastructure for a country owes its success, growth and contribution to society, in part to the quality assurance of its processes, as well as the search for efficiency in its construction methods, for which accredited conformity assessment services, such as the activities performed by testing laboratories, are fundamental and indispensable, in the different stages, from planning, to the confirmation of designs and compliance with specifications once the works or constructions are completed.

For this reason, having a greater capacity of accredited testing, with a greater offer and with the globally accepted level of competence, is a strategic aspect in the competitiveness of the sector.

If you missed the ITU Tutorial that included a presentation by Erik Øhlenschlæger​, ILAC AIC Chair, the background information and recording is now available here

This tutorial provides guidance for all stakeholders on the Testing Laboratories recognition procedure established by ITU, its benefits and the logistical details required for submitting an application for ITU recognition of a testing laboratory competent to test according to ITU-T Recommendations, in collaboration with existing accreditation bodies.

The ITU-T Guideline on Testing Laboratory Recognition procedure defines recognition criteria for TLs from laboratories that are accredited by an Accreditation Body (AB) that is a signatory to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for testing where the scope of accreditation contains ITU-T Recommendation(s).

ILAC published the ILAC Assessment Procedure in the field of Telecommunications​. This document was created in the framework of cooperation established under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), IAF and ILAC.

ILAC members and colleagues, we are abandoning our traditional Secretariat update covering all things ILAC for this edition of ILAC News, as it is with mixed emotions that I confirm this is the last edition of ILAC News from the current Secretariat.

A significant chapter in the history of ILAC comes to an end on 31 December when the contract between NATA and ILAC for the provision of Secretariat services concludes. The ILAC Secretariat has been staffed via a Deed of Agreement (DoA) with NATA since 1996 when the formal cooperation to establish ILAC was signed and even prior to this period, NATA resourced the Secretariat from the inception of ILAC as a conference in 1977.

Many of you will recall the key staff that have managed the ILAC Secretariat under the NATA DoA, in particular, Ann Margaret Gilmour and Alan Squirrell, who each made a significant contribution in supporting and growing the organisation from its earliest foundation.

On behalf of the current staff, Sharon, Hannah, Joelle, Rose, Stephanie and myself, I would like to thank all our members, liaison partners and colleagues and the IAF Secretariat for their support in progressing the work, profile and role of ILAC to become the internationally recognised organisation it is today. It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with all of you, with so many wonderful learning experiences and friendships made along the way.

During my time as the ILAC Secretary (2007 – 2023) I have been very fortunate to have had an exceptional team of loyal, skilled and dedicated staff that made it possible for the Secretariat to deliver the range of services that have continued to grow and expand over this period.  That is especially the case with the current team members working with me during these final months and I want to acknowledge their support, dedication and professionalism, without which it would not have been possible to maintain the required level of service.  

We will be actively working to support a smooth and comprehensive transition process to the new Secretariat team for the remainder of 2023 and during the first quarter of 2024.  Details of the new Secretariat will be announced by ILAC and IAF when finalised. The new Secretariat will be supporting and guiding you from 1 January 2024, and also working to prepare the foundations for a single international organisation for accreditation! We look forward to seeing the continued growth, development and acceptance of accreditation in the international arena.

The staff of the ILAC Secretariat send our very best wishes to all for a safe and exciting future.   

Thank you!

1. “Issues and Challenges of accreditation in the sustainable development of global trade: Case of the health and education sectors”.
2. “CRESAC: Regional accreditation opportunity”.

• the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage (MSHP-CMU), Mr. Pierre DIMBA,
• and the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Adama DIAWARA.

• Speeches;
• Conferences.

• PCO speech: Welcome and content of the agenda

• Speech by the President of FHB University

• Speech by the Executive Secretary of CRESAC

• Speech by the Representative of the Minister of SHP-CMU (Opening of the day)

2. Conferences 

• 1st Conference

• 2nd Conference

1. Accreditation request (Applicant organization)
2. Examination of the application and notification to the applicant
3. Preparing for the evaluation visit
4. Initial assessment
5. Decision of the Sectoral Accreditation Committee
6. Notification of the decision to the requesting organization.

• Conclusion

I. ARAC MLA Signatories

Following the latest ARAC MLA Group decision ARAC has 5 MLA signatories:

II. New ARAC member: Djibouti’s Agency for Standards and Quality Promotion

Significant growth in the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) membership has been achieved with the acceptance of Djibouti’s Agency for Standards and Quality Promotion (ADNQ) as an ARAC Associate Member. This new membership was approved following a 30-day ballot and review period by the ARAC Executive Committee and ARAC General Assembly members.

ADNQ has the mission, in collaboration with all the ministerial departments and the private organizations concerned, to contribute to the implementation of the policy of the Djiboutian government in the field of accreditation, standardization, metrology, certification and promotion of the quality of products and services.

ARAC now has 22 members covering 20 Arab countries (Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen).

III. Arab Accreditation Week 2023:

In its fourth edition and on the occasion of World Accreditation Day 2023, ARAC organized the Arab Accreditation Week [AAW] during the period 05-09 June 2023 under the theme “Together towards enhancing the role of accreditation in the Arab region in supporting the Future of Global Trade”.
Several online capacity-building activities were held during the AAW 2023 to strengthen the ARAC AB members and conformity assessment bodies’ competencies and to harmonise the implementation of the IAF, ILAC and new accreditation standards requirements.

1. Regional workshop on ILAC Policies
More than 300 participants from the ARAC ABs and their accredited CABs participated in this regional workshop. The main purpose of this workshop is to harmonize the accreditation practices among ARAC members and support the enhancement of members’ capacities in operating existing accreditation schemes of common interest to ARAC members.

ARAC Regional Workshop on ILAC Policies

2. Regional Training session on Measurement Uncertainty software

With the participation of testing & calibration laboratories in the Arab region, this training session was conducted on software that evaluates the measurement uncertainty by the propagation of variances and/or propagation of distributions using Monte Carlo simulations, according to the methods described in the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM) and its Supplement 1 (GUM S1), respectively.

ARAC Regional Training session on Measurement Uncertainty software

3. Regional Workshop on IAF Mandatory Documents
The event will be conducted in the context of implementing the ARAC capacity-building program. The main purpose of this workshop is to ensure that Accreditation Bodies and their accredited certification or validation/verification bodies in the Arab Region operate their programs in a consistent and equivalent manner. This workshop will provide a complete overview of the IAF Mandatory Document and will give general key insights and tools to comply with the requirements of these MDs.

4. Medical laboratories: ISO 15189:2022 transition regional workshop
Further to the publication of the new version of ISO 15189:2022 Medical Laboratories – Requirements for quality and competence and following the resolution endorsed by the ILAC General Assembly that allows a 3-year implementation period from the date of publication of this revised standard, this regional training session will support the Accreditation Bodies and Medical Laboratories in the Arab region in successfully transitioning to the new version of the standard relating to the competence and quality of Medical Laboratories.
This workshop focused on the key updates and critical changes for medical laboratory services, outlining the transition considerations of ISO 15189:2022 from ISO 15189:2012, including, but not limited to the focus on clinical utility, obligations to the patient and risk management.

ARAC transition regional workshop on ISO 15189:2022

IV. Establishment of PTP Network Information System in the Arab region

Following the recommendation taken during the ARAC stakeholders community workshop held in December 2022, Cairo, Egypt, the Arab Proficiency Testing Providers Network Information System was established at the end of September 2023. This PTP Network IS will support the CABs in the Arab region in finding a suitable Proficiency Testing scheme provided by the PTPs in the Arab region.
This PTP Network Information System is open to any of the PT providers that are operating in the Arab region who wish to include their programs in the database.

V. ARAC upcoming events:
5th – 7th December 2023: Newcomer ARAC Peer Evaluators training course, Riyadh, KSA

8th – 9th December 2023: Capacity and refresher ARAC Peer Evaluators training course, Riyadh, KSA

10th – 14th December 2023: 11th ARAC Annual Meetings, Riyadh, KSA

The contact details for the ARAC Secretariat are:
Email: secretariat@arabarac.org
Website: http://www.arab-accreditation.org
Tel: +212 600 78 56 78

The inspection division of Cofrac in now offering a new accreditation scheme for the control and verification of removable structures to ensure the safety of people.

What is a removable structure?
A removable structure is a temporary and dismountable structure for sporting, cultural, commercial, or tourist events and consists of a framework that can be repeatedly assembled and dismantled for temporary use.
Removable structures are divided in two groups:

• Frames designed to support people which are subdivided into three classes depending on the fall height;
• Frames for stage equipment that are not used to support people are classified into three categories according to the risk they represent for people in case of overturning or collapse and the highest point of the frame installation.

Context and challenges of this accreditation scheme
In France, until 2022, there were no rules for verifying the mechanical strength of demountable structures, or for assessing an organization’s ability to control and verify them. However, the industry had created a practical guide that the safety commissions also relied on.

With the Paris 2024 Olympics Games approaching and safety issues at meetings associated with major gatherings, it is necessary to fill the regulatory gap.

A working group has been set up by the French Ministry of the Interior and Overseas Territories to draw up a technical reference system setting out the design, installation and operating rules, as well as the inspection and verification methods for these structures. This work was based on the “Practical Guide

– Dismantable Equipment and Assemblies” drawn up in 2017 by SYNAPSE and the “Good Practice Guide
– Dismantable Equipment and Assemblies” of the Paris Police Prefecture.

Cofrac was also involved in this work due to the Ministry’s decision to rely on accredited organizations to carry out these inspections.

What are these checks and inspections?
Controls and checks are divided into two phases:

• Design control – This check related to the stability and strength of the provisional designed structure (mechanical resistance, climatic constraints, human passage, etc.) is carried out before the first installation of the demountable assembly.
• Verification of assembly and inspection in operation – The aim of the verification of the set-up is to confirm that the assembly conditions comply with the technical prerequisites defined in the manufacturer’s manual or the technical file and to verify the strength and stability of the dismountable assembly.

On October 1, 2022, Cofrac launched the accreditation scheme according to the NF EN ISO/IEC 17020 standard for two areas of inspection: the design control and the verification of assembly and operational inspection. The assessment plan relies on the decree published on August 5, 2022, setting out the safety rules, technical provisions, inspection control obligations and conditions applying to these temporary and dismountable structures.

This scheme has two specificities:

• The difference in the type of independence of the inspection body. As part of the design inspection, the organization must meet type A, so-called “third party” requirements. Unlike organizations for assembly verification which can be either type A or C with a requirement that they do not check the removable structure they have assembled.
• A dual approach to the design control activity: approval or accreditation. The regulatory framework authorizes bodies approved as technical building inspectors to carry out design inspections without accreditation. This approval covers the strength of the structures, and technical inspectors were approved to give opinions on temporary structures by the safety commissions.

Accreditation is mandatory for organizations that are not approved technical inspectors. It therefore constitutes a real opportunity for these organizations to be able to provide this type of service, in view of their broader markets and skills.

Accreditation already existed for similar activities such as scaffolding, mechanical shelving and structural strength testing. To meet the demand for accreditation, Cofrac extended the qualifications of some of these technical assessors to these new schemes and has also qualified new assessors.

To date, 4 organizations are accredited for these new schemes, and others are in the process of becoming accredited.

Accreditation will be mandatory from 1 January 2024 for all inspection bodies wishing to operate in this technical field.

San Marino Accreditation Service is a new EA Member

San Marino Accreditation Service (SMAS), the National Accreditation Body of San Marino, fulfills the requirement set out in EA-1/17 S1 Criteria for Membership. SMAS becomes a new EA Member.

San Marino Accreditation Service (SMAS) is a small accreditation body with top manager Denis Cecchetti and technical director Linda Sartini.

SMAS is the only National Accreditation Body in the Republic of San Marino. It was established as a division of the Economic Development Agency – Chamber of Commerce S.p.A. (EDA-CC) through the Law No. 71 of 26 May 2004 which provides that the Chamber of Commerce performs a service of public interest. SMAS exists to facilitate the exchange of products and services and conducts the accreditation body function exclusively for certification bodies.

The launch of the National Accreditation Body of San Marino is part of the national strategy to structure the Republic of San Marino as an Official Business Gate. It is also an initiative to align the jurisdiction with international standards in view of the Association Agreement with the EU.

EA has 49 Members from the European Union and the European Neighbourhood Policy. Click here to access the full Directory of EA Members, and here to access to SMAS website.

Click here to read the full interview of SMAS.

Training
EA organized two training sessions: one Refresher Training for Team Members (TM) authorized for Product certification and Inspection, and one Train the trainer course on ISO 15189:2022.

The Refresher Training for TM authorized for Product certification and Inspection covered the outcome of the application review, criteria for selection of team members, witnessing, decision-making process, latest EA MAC Decisions, documents related to the peer evaluation process, revision of EA-2/02 EA Procedure for the evaluation of a National Accreditation Body following the completion of the re-engineering project, and MS Teams under EA One Drive – the platform used for peer evaluations.

The Train the Trainer course on ISO 15189:2022 focused on the relevant changes of the new standard ISO 15189:2022 and where particular focus is needed.

Publication of three EA Reports

EA published three reports between May and July 2023:

• The EA MLA Report, with comprehensive information about the EA MLA for the period 2022
• The EA Annual Report, in pdf and online for the first time, which highlights EA’s main activities for 2022
• The EA IAF/ILAC Regions Report for the period January-July 2023, with a complete update of EA peer evaluations and signatories of the EA MLA, as well as the major activities and developments in EA for the period

Approval of the Memorandum of Understanding on the European Quality Infrastructure
The General Assembly approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CEN, CENELEC, EA, EURAMET, and WELMEC on creating and implementing the European Quality Infrastructure. This MoU aims to create the European Ql Network, a partnership of regional quality infrastructure organizations that collaborate to strengthen the Quality Infrastructure in Europe.

Video on the EU Emission Trading System
EA released a video on the EU Emission Trading System (ETS) and the role of accreditation. The EU ETS is the first international emissions trading system. It was established in 2005 and remains the largest carbon market. It is a vital part of the EU policy to counteract climate change and a tool to reduce greenhouse gas emissions cost-efficiently.

Click here to watch the video.

EIAC celebrated World Accreditation Day

The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) celebrated world accreditation day. In line with this year’s theme “Supporting the Future of Global Trade” EIAC arranged various activities with the collaboration of stakeholders and regulatory authorities. The main event was held in the JW Marriot Marquis hotel in Dubai. The event was attended by representatives from accredited conformity assessment bodies, Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE, Dubai Health Authority, Food Safety Department and industry. Addressing the audience, Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC), highlighted the importance of accreditation and the role the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) play in supporting global trade. She said the future of global trade is expected to be technology driven where globally recognized standards will have utmost importance. Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary of UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, addressed the gathering saying UAE in general and Dubai specifically, have become a global hub for trading. She highlighted the various government initiatives in supporting global trade through developing standardized and efficient inspection methods and adopting technological advancement in ports and shipping operations. A panel discussion titled “from local to global” was also part of the event.

EIAC CEO Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed addressing the World Accreditation Day celebrations

Safety of Fairground & Amusement Equipment is paramount

In 2022, the UAE has seen significant growth in the travel and tourism sector that has contributed to 9% of the total GDP, while Dubai alone has seen a growth of 53.8% compared to 2021. According to “Euromonitor’s Top 10 City Destinations Index 2022”, Dubai was ranked the second most visited city in the world.

Addressing a tourism seminar in Dubai, Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC), said Dubai is a popular destination for amusement parks equipped with advanced indoor and outdoor amusement equipment, serving millions of visitors yearly. Other Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) including Abu Dhabi are also home of various branded theme parks. Thus, safety of fairground and amusement equipment used in these parks is paramount. She said the EIAC’s accreditation schemes for inspection bodies in Fairground and Amusement Equipment provides assurances to the public about the safety of amusement rides and play areas. Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed said EIAC also has an accreditation scheme for the certification of persons who are working in the amusement parks and fairgrounds, that further enhances the prospects of safe operations in the sector. It was further noted that the EIAC’s accreditations are globally recognized.

The leisure and entertainment sector plays a vital role in achieving the ‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031’ that aims to significantly increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the nation’s economy.

Addressing the seminar, Engr. Yousef Ahmed Aljasmi, the Director of Inspection Bodies Accreditation Department of EIAC, provided input on EIAC’s plans in reinforcing the quality infrastructure of the Leisure and Entertainment sector by continually supporting the development of the local Inspection and testing bodies in collaboration with regulators and stakeholders. Engr. Yousef said the EIAC’s accreditation scheme covers the design review, manufacturing process, initial and in-service examinations and inspections.

Engineer Yousef Ahmed Al Jasmi addressing the seminar

EIAC’s unique and new accreditation scheme for certification bodies

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the home of people from more than 200 nationalities. The concepts of tolerance and coexistence in the UAE are considered fundamental in maintaining social harmony and peace based on cultural pluralism, accepting others, and rejecting discrimination, hatred, and intolerance in society. The UAE has issued UAE Standard UAE.S 5037: 2021 “Tolerance and Coexistence” for promotion of tolerance and coexistence.

The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) has launched a new accreditation scheme for management systems certification bodies according to ISO 17021-1 main accreditation criteria for UAE S. 5037: 2021 “Tolerance and Coexistence management systems.

The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) is also working to launch a new accreditation scheme for persons certification bodies in collaboration with Health and Safety Department of Dubai Municipality. The main accreditation criteria is ISO 17024 and the scheme is for the certification of “Health and Safety officers for labor accommodations”.

EIAC attended IAF-ILAC and ARAC mid-term meetings

Delegations of Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) attended the mid-term meetings of IAF-ILAC and ARAC. THE IAF-ILAC mid-term meetings were held in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the ARAC mid-term meetings were held in Manama, Bahrain. Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed, CEO of EIAC, and the current chair of ARAC lead the EIAC delegations. Delegates from member bodies attended the meetings.

EIAC’s delegation attended IAF-ILAC and ARAC mid-term meetings

EIAC conducted various trainings for laboratories and inspection bodies

The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) has conducted various trainings for laboratories and inspection bodies in specialized sectors.

A special workshop for the accredited Inspection Bodies in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020 & ILAC P15 was conducted. The target audience of the workshop was the inspection bodies that are working in the field of inspections of Fairground and Amusement Equipment for the scope of independent (in-service) examination. The aim of this workshop was to enrich the market with locally based Inspection Bodies to sustain the continuity of businesses managing a variety of complex attractions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

ISO/IEC 17025 training for experts of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) was conducted in Abu Dhabi in June. Mr. Ahmed Saad Was the resource person.

EIAC’s training for inspection bodies for amusement parks and fairgrounds inspection

EIAC’s training on ISO/IEC 17025

EIAC’s training on ISO/IEC 17020

Training on proficiency testing was conducted in July in Dubai with Mr. Mohammad Saaed as the resource person.

Training for medical laboratories was conducted in September and Dr. Venkatesh Thuppil was the main resource person.

EUROLAB (the European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories) is glad to share upcoming international initiatives that you are welcome to join:

EUROLAB webinar on sustainability in the laboratory “Build a sustainability culture in your lab”

The upcoming EUROLAB webinar “Build a sustainability culture in your lab. Learn about the latest policy developments and innovative best practices from key experts in the field” will take place online on 29 November 2023 in the afternoon and 30 November 2023 in the morning.

It aims to raise awareness on the framework of EU legislations regulating sustainability aspects in the laboratory field and standardisation activities on the matter, as well as to identify the key practices and challenges from the various invited stakeholders.

The first part of this webinar will focus on a selection of the current EU legislations and policies under development or recently adopted in the framework of the European Green Deal. It will also include standardisation developments at the international level. In the second part of the webinar, more practical aspects will be touched upon, focusing specifically on the benefits and challenges of implementing more sustainable practices in laboratories. Concrete case studies and examples will be presented by laboratory practitioners showcasing current green strategies available and identify the main obstacles to further advancements.

More information is available on our website, the link to register and the program will be published soon.

If you wish to be added to our mailing list and be informed about the developments regarding this and other webinars and events, please contact us at info@eurolab.org

EUROLAB joins the Labsummit® 2024 as Institutional Sponsor

EUROLAB is one of the institutional sponsors of the Labsummit® 2024, taking place on 16-18 May 2024 in Coimbra (Portugal), jointly organised by RELACRE, ISQ and Ambidata.

The international event aims to bring together professionals from the laboratory industry, scientists and policy makers, managers and administrators, students, and all those interested in discussing the latest trends, technologies, and challenges of the present and future in the field of laboratories.

It focuses on four distinct pillars – Laboratory, Digital, Productivity and Sustainability – which represent the main concerns and challenges faced by laboratory professionals who are constantly seeking valuable solutions and information to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of laboratory processes.

Labsummit® will also provide a conducive environment for learning, collaboration and innovation in the field of laboratories, encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants. The event will feature expert lectures, successful case presentations, panel discussions, exhibitors, workshops and networking opportunities.

Further information is available on the event website: https://www.labsummit.com/
You can also apply to become a speaker or an exhibitor.

Early bird registration opens soon!

IMEKO Joint Conference TC8, TC11, TC24 and EUROLAB National Members’ Meeting 2023

The Joint Conference of IMEKO TC8 Traceability in Metrology, TC11 Measurement in Testing and TC24 Chemical Measurements is taking place in Funchal, on the Island of Madeira in Portugal, from 11 to 13 October 2023.

Following the success of the Joint Conference held in Cavtat-Dubrovnik (Croatia) in 2022, and to strengthen the long tradition of cooperation between IMEKO Technical Committees, RELACRE (the Portuguese Association of Accredited Laboratories) is organising the 2023 Joint Conference, together with IMEKO TC8, TC11 and TC24, LNEC and EUROLAB.

The event will bring together the TIC community, academia and industry, promoting the latest advancements in science and technology in many fields of measurement.
More information on the program is available here.

EUROLAB National Members’ Meeting will take place along with the International IMEKO Conference, kindly hosted by RELACRE. It will be an important occasion for our members and stakeholders not only to discuss the latest key issues for EUROLAB and the world of laboratories, but also to attend the IMEKO Joint Conference TC8, TC11, TC24 and anticipate the celebrations for the World Standards Day on 14 October.