Introduction
Natural gas is widely recognized as an eco-friendly and clean energy source, offering significant potential to address environmental concerns while meeting the increasing demand for energy sustainably. The Government of India has placed emphasis on encouraging the adoption of natural gas as both a fuel and feedstock nationwide, aiming to elevate its proportion in the primary energy mix from its current level to 15% by 2030. At present, about 23,500 Km long gas pipeline network is under operation in the country and around 12,000 KM pipeline is approved/under construction. The GoI plans to complete the vision of One Nation One Gas Grid by 2030.

Understanding Accreditation
Accreditation is the process by which an authoritative body evaluates and certifies the competence, integrity, and performance of organizations, laboratories, and individuals. First and foremost, accreditation fosters confidence among stakeholders, and also acts as a catalyst for continuous improvement. By adhering to internationally recognized standards and best practices, stakeholders are compelled to enhance their processes, technologies, and workforce competence. This not only leads to higher efficiency but also promotes innovation and sustainability in the sector.

India is among the top nations working towards enhancing the quality infrastructure within the country & beyond. India’s national accreditation system under the Quality Council of India (QCI) ranked 5th in the world in the recent Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII) 2021. The GQII ranks the 184 economies in the world on the basis of the quality infrastructure (QI).

The responsibility of the accreditation procedure in India rests on the shoulders of National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB) which is a constituent board under the Quality Council of India. It is mandated to provide accreditation to Conformity Assessment Bodies (Certification, Inspection & Validation/Verification Bodies) as per international standards, generally ISO standards for various Conformity Assessment Schemes / Standards.
CGD System across the Globe: A Comparative Study
CGD System in USA:- Approximately two-thirds of crude oil and refined products in the United States are transported through pipelines, while almost all natural gas is conveyed via the same means. Various everyday essentials such as stoves, automobiles, ovens, planes, and dryers rely on products derived from oil and natural gas. ASME B31.8-2022: Gas Transmission And Distribution Piping Systems outlines specifications aimed at ensuring the secure transportation of gas within pipeline infrastructures.
ASME B31.8-2022 addresses the entire process from design and fabrication to installation, inspection, examination, and testing of pipeline facilities utilized in gas transportation. It encompasses engineering prerequisites essential for the secure design and construction of pressure piping. Furthermore, the standard delineates safety considerations regarding the operation and maintenance of such pipeline facilities, aiming to safeguard both the general public and workers.

CGD System in the European Union:- National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) is the regulatory body for Gas distribution in the EU. Over the past few years, Ukraine has made a number of important changes in the regulation of the gas market. One of the main achievements was the adoption in 2015 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Natural Gas Market”. The new law enshrined in the EU’s economically sound approaches to the organization of the natural gas market, separate’s the functions of the operator from the functions of gas production and supply, clearly outline the functions of the state and the independence of the regulator, and establishes the principle of regulating natural monopolies and free pricing in competitive gas market segments.

Role of Inspection Bodies in ensuring Accreditation
The Inspection body accreditation is a formal means of demonstrating the technical competence to perform specific types of inspections, thereby providing a ready means for the customers to gain confidence in the quality of inspection services they will receive. Inspection aims at demonstrating the safety and functionality of the inspected target. Typical examples of inspected targets include boilers, pressure vessels, transformers, oil and gas sectors, machinery and equipment, and food processes.

The article specifically focuses on the role of Inspection Bodies in ensuring quality & competency of bodies in supply technical cluster specifically to City Gas Distribution. The City Gas Distribution (CGD) is the last component of the Natural Gas value chain delivering Natural Gas to end users in the town and cities to meet in demand for a cleaner and more efficient, economical and environment friendly energy source.
One of the primary benefits of accreditation is its role in ensuring safety. Natural gas, while a clean and efficient fuel, can pose significant risks if not handled properly. Accredited CGD operators undergo stringent assessments of their safety protocols, infrastructure, and emergency response capabilities. This results in a safer operating environment for both employees and the public, reducing the likelihood of accidents and minimizing their impact if they occur.

The Inspection Bodies seeking accreditation for Inspection comply with the requirements as specified in the international standard ISO/IEC 17020:2012 “Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection” and other requirements. The National Accreditation Board for Certification Body (NABCB) provides accreditation to various conformity bodies in Scope sector 26 (Gas Supply as per IAF ID1:2014) that demonstrates sound capacity to conduct inspections based on three categories Type A, Type B, Type C. NABCB plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of the CGD system via accrediting various inspection bodies such as Bureau Veritas, Tata Projects Ltd., SGS India, TÜV SÜD South Asia etc. in India. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) acts as a regulator that allows Technical Standards and Specifications including Safety Standards (T4S) audits according to Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.

Challenges and Opportunities
While accreditation brings numerous benefits to the CGD sector, it also poses certain challenges. Maintaining accreditation requires ongoing investment in staff training, equipment, and quality management systems, which can be resource-intensive for smaller inspection bodies. Furthermore, keeping pace with evolving technologies, regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices necessitates continuous improvement and adaptation.
However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to drive excellence in CGD.

Way Forward
The accreditation of inspection bodies is crucial for elevating the quality, safety, and dependability of city gas distribution infrastructure and operations. Through adherence to globally acknowledged standards and optimal practices, accredited inspection bodies offer assurance to regulators such as PNGRB, investors, and the public that CGD networks are engineered, built, and managed to the utmost standards of excellence and safety. This endeavor not only aligns with India’s pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11, and 13 but also reinforces the nation’s commitments to climate action as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The confidence in our lives is our daily routine and our regular activities in all aspects of life. There are significant and systemic issues that require evaluations and especially the implementation of changes.

One recent and very significant change for ILAC, was to farewell the previous Secretariat at the end of 2023.  The staff, led by former Secretary Annette Dever, and Senior Coordinator Sharon Kelly, worked with us for many years, with professional efficiency and unfailing pleasantness.

I would also like to welcome, and to express my special appreciation to the members of the new ILAC Secretariat who are involved in bringing professional and stable continuity to ILAC.

It was good that we met face to face in November 2023. There is no doubt that these meetings speed up processes. As agreed, once a year we will meet virtually (2024 mid-year meetings) and then autumn meetings and ILAC GA meeting will take place face to face.  This year they are scheduled for the period 1 – 10 October, in Berlin. Further details will be circulated to members and interested parties as they become available.

There are still many significant issues to resolve, before we can complete the process of establishing one international organization dealing with accreditation and certification. We need to make the necessary changes within the legal requirements for the upcoming registration of the new organization in New Zealand, The latest round of comments by members on the draft GLOBAC Constitution and General Rules will be thoroughly reviewed and then forwarded to the Steering Committee overseeing the project and the joint IAF and ILAC Executive Committee for evaluation. Our goal is to vote on the revised drafts of the main documents prior to the Joint IAF/ILAC General Assembly in Berlin.

We who volunteer to take part in the management of the organization, maintain direct contact and active participation with the international organizations with which we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. To this end, in the past few months I have re-signed the existing MoU between ILAC, IAF and OIML. A new MoU with International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) is being finalized, to formalize our longstanding relationship.

In conclusion, as we approach World Accreditation Day (9 June, 2024) we as ILAC members can feel positive that by embracing the formation of the new organization we are indeed “Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future” to ensure an improvement in efficiency, development and increased exposure of our activity worldwide by professional people, for the benefit of international recognition of accreditation.

Last February, the National Accreditation Body of Colombia (Organismo Nacional de Acreditación de Colombia – ONAC) embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to elevate the standards of sustainability in the tourism sector through the implementation of Colombian Technical Standards (Normas Técnicas Colombianas – NTC) in Tourism Sustainability Management Systems. This move not only signifies a strategic pivot from Sectoral Technical Standards (Normas Técnicas Sectoriales – NTS) but also underscores Colombia’s commitment to harmonizing with global benchmarks, thereby enhancing the quality and sustainability of its tourism industry.

The new sustainable tourism accreditation service was presented to the Colombian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies (ANATO), some tourism service providers, and other stakeholders. The event served as a meeting between different stakeholders in the tourism sector, among them the Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), one of the key stakeholders and the ones directly interested in acquiring sustainable tourism accreditation services.

Additionally, the event served to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation, particularly in the tourism sector. Accreditation has the potential to contribute to the internationalization of tourism services provided within the country and to make Colombian tourism service providers known to a global audience.

Tourism, a rapidly growing industry, holds the promise of economic prosperity, employment generation, and the promotion of cultural and environmental awareness. However, its unchecked expansion can lead to adverse impacts, including cultural dilution, environmental degradation, and the depletion of local resources. Recognizing these dual facets of tourism, the World Tourism Organization has defined sustainable tourism as a model that fully considers its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.

This model aligns seamlessly with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly targeting the promotion of sustainable tourism that fosters job creation and local culture and products. In this light, the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (MinCIT), in collaboration with the Colombian Institute for Technical Standards (ICONTEC), has spearheaded the transition to NTC in tourism sustainability management, heralding a new era of standardized, high-quality, and sustainable tourism practices.

The transition from NTS to NTC reflects a profound evolution towards a more integrated and formalized framework of standardization within Colombia, setting a new benchmark for quality and sustainability in tourism at a national level. This evolution is a testament to Colombia’s deep-seated commitment to excellence and responsibility in its tourism sector. By aligning with NTC, service providers are not only adhering to national standards but are also positioning themselves competitively in the global market, enhancing their appeal to a more sustainability-conscious clientele.

The significance of this shift cannot be overstated, as it paves the way for a more resilient and competitive tourism industry that is in harmony with environmental conservation, cultural respect, and social responsibility. Moreover, the certification under NTC for sustainability in tourism acts as a catalyst for innovation, fostering economic resilience, attracting investment, and raising awareness about sustainable practices among both providers and tourists alike.

Despite the promising outlook, the heterogeneity of Tourism Service Providers (PSTs) and the financial burden of certification pose considerable challenges. The ONAC’s market study reveals a pressing need for collaborative efforts between government entities and accreditation body to facilitate certification for PSTs, overcoming financial and technical barriers. It suggests tailored incentives, tiered fee structures, and comprehensive support programs to democratize access to certification, ensuring that all segments of the tourism industry can embark on the journey towards sustainability.

This study was prepared by the Coordination of Socioeconomic Studies for Quality Infrastructure, a new area of ONAC in charge of conducting economic research and generating valuable information to support decision-making by ONAC, the CABs, the other actors of the quality infrastructure, as well as other stakeholders. The study can be consulted both in Spanish and English in the following website: https://onac.org.co/en/market-study-of-accreditation-services-in-colombian-technical-standards-for-tourism-sustainability-management-systems/onacs-blog/

There have been several studies conducted by the area, including market analysis studies for the opening of new accreditation services, review of sources that allow understanding the current state and opportunities for improvement of the quality infrastructure in Colombia, reviews of the impact of accreditation on aspects such as energy efficiency or international trade, among other documents. All these studies will be available for public consultation through ONAC’s website.

ONAC’s initiative to offer accreditation services in NTC for Tourism Sustainability Management Systems represents a significant leap towards aligning Colombia’s tourism sector with global sustainability standards. This endeavor not only enhances the competitiveness and attractiveness of Colombia as a sustainable tourism destination but also reaffirms the country’s commitment to responsible tourism practices that safeguard its cultural and natural heritage for future generations. The journey ahead is challenging, yet with strategic partnerships and sustained efforts, Colombia is poised to become a beacon of sustainable tourism on the global stage.

Italy, like most countries, is facing increasingly grave environmental and climate crises, which can affect the availability of potable water. There are also issues with partly obsolete water infrastructure, which lead to leaks and dispersion. The availability and sustainable management of water and of health and hygiene structures, have become one of the 17 objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, and the European legislator intervened on the topic with the EU Directive 2020/2184. The EU Directive was implemented in Italy in March 2023, through Legislative Decree 18/2023 (the Decree).

The Decree was developed thanks to an extensive partnership between institutions, public and private stakeholders and Accredia, the Italian Accreditation Body. Federico Pecoraro, Deputy Director of Accredia’s Testing Laboratories Department, underlined the important role of tests carried out under accreditation: “In this area, accreditation continues to be a valid tool used by the authorities to establish the level of competence, impartiality and good organizational functioning of those who must ensure a high level of protection of public interests.”

Italian law and EU regulation
Water intended for human consumption can be processed or non-processed water used for drinking, preparing food and drinks or other uses, supplied through a distribution network or in tanks, bottles or containers. This also includes water used for food production and other substances for human consumption, but natural mineral waters are excluded. With the aim of ensuring healthy and clean water, Legislative Decree 18/2023 introduced important innovations for operators of potable water systems, for people involved in water treatment, and for citizens. Accreditation was already mandatory in line with the previous Decree of the Ministry of Health of 14 June 2017, but with the Legislative Decree of 2023 it has become central.

In this way, the role of accreditation for testing laboratories according to the standard ISO/IEC 17025 “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories” was strengthened in the areas involving accredited tests on water and the certification of materials in contact with water, as well as management systems of potable water companies and the inspection of distribution networks. Article 6 of the Decree – “General obligations for a risk-based approach to water safety” explains how this approach is aimed at covering “the entire potable water supply chain, including compliance with the specifications in article 5″, and to guarantee “the continuous exchange of information between the operators of potable water distribution systems and the competent authorities in health and environmental matters.”

Accreditation of tests conducted on water
Accreditation of tests on tap water guarantees its healthiness and increases the competences of those who have a key role in the protection, control and monitoring of water resources and their natural environments. Accredited tests guarantee the safety and effectiveness of periodic monitoring of water quality by water service operators, i.e. anyone who supplies water intended for human consumption to third parties.

Out of a total of 1,353 testing laboratories accredited by Accredia (as of 31 December 2023), approximately 60% also conduct tests on water for human consumption. The Decree defined a new list of parameter values to evaluate the quality of water, determined by means of tests carried out by laboratories accredited by Accredia according to ISO/IEC 17025.

Accreditation to certify chemical reagents
The Decree also introduced important innovations regarding the so-called ReMaf, i.e. the chemical reagents and active and passive filtering materials to be used in the processing of water for human consumption. By 12 January 2036 the ReMaf will have to be certified under accreditation and subsequently authorized by the National Center for Water Safety (CeNSiA) and registered in the AnTeA system, in order to be placed on the market.

From a technical point of view, ReMaF are certified by accredited bodies that perform periodic inspections of the production plants, taking samples to be analysed and, for the analyses necessary for certification, they rely on accredited testing laboratories.

09 June 2024 marks World Accreditation Day (WAD), a global initiative established by IAF and ILAC to highlight the value of accreditation. This year’s theme, Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future, examines the impact of accreditation as digitalization, new technologies and sustainability concerns continue to change our world.

Accreditation has been a key pillar of societal assurance for decades, and now underpins trust in almost every aspect of everyday life. Accredited conformity assessment can enable the development and adoption of new technologies, particularly in industries and supply chains where precision, safety and quality are critical. It can support cybersecurity and privacy in an increasingly connected world. As sustainability remains a major concern, accreditation can help consumers and businesses make informed decisions.

In each of these areas, mutual recognition arrangements such as the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) and the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) play a vital role in helping businesses to transcend geographical borders and industry boundaries.

IAF and ILAC have published a set of materials to celebrate WAD 2024, including a joint statement from the IAF and ILAC Chairs, a poster, a brochure and a video. Download the materials here, or view the video on the IAF/ILAC YouTube channel.

The Public Sector Assurance and Business Benefits websites, which contain case studies, research and supporting materials demonstrating the benefits of accreditation, can provide more information on how accreditation can support our 2024 theme.

IAF and ILAC will also be holding a virtual event on 10 June, with more information to be released closer to the date. We encourage everyone to attend the virtual event, celebrate with us online using the hashtag #WAD2024, and contact your local accreditation body for details on local media and online seminars and programs they may be organising. A list of IAF Members is available here, and a list of ILAC Members is available here.

Follow IAF (@IAF_Global) and ILAC (@ILAC_Official) on Twitter, and IAF on LinkedIn (International Accreditation Forum Inc) for the latest updates.

Following approval by the ISO Technical Management Board of the above referenced IWA proposal from the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) and Standards Council of Canada (SCC), ISO is pleased to invite you to develop an International Workshop Agreement (IWA 48) Framework for Implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Principles.

Briefing meetings will be held online in May, to outline purpose of IWA, introduce the initial draft and confirm IWA process. All registered participants will be advised of the dates in due course.

A series of international workshops will take place between July and September 2024. The initial Workshop meeting dates are:

Workshop 1 (virtual)
• 8th July 2024, 11:00 – 14:30 UTC

Workshop 2 (virtual)
• 10th July 2024, 18:00 – 21:30 UTC

These first two workshops will focus on the draft IWA 48 and stakeholder comments received.Stakeholders are requested to attend both workshops as these are not intended to be duplicate sessions.

There will be further workshops in August and September on dates to be announced. Different time zones will be accommodated for these further workshops.

Meeting credentials will be distributed to registered individuals near the date of the meetings. Please visit the ESG IWA registration page (which is being hosted by BSI) to register your interest and participate in the workshops and receive updates, including relevant research and documentation.

An initial draft of the IWA will be shared for feedback to registered stakeholders by 1 May 2024 and details on how to submit comments will accompany the draft.

Further information is available in the Summary Note and Proposal for an International Workshop Agreement. Click 2024-04-05 Circular letter TMB IWA 48 Framework for implementing ESG principles with Annexes for details.

On 18 April, Ms Ileana Martinez, Trade and Accreditation Director of the TIC Council presented at the INetQI meeting. You can find a copy of her presentation Here TIC Council presentation – INetQI meeting

“In closing Ileana mentioned the open session of the TIC Council Summit in May and requested the INetQI members to share the information on the Summit with their membership.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming our lives. From optimising decision-making processes to enhancing productivity, the potential benefits are vast and undeniable.

To fully grasp the implications of AI, we must consider not only its potential benefits but also the ethical and societal dilemmas it presents. Imagine a world where our every move is monitored, our decisions influenced, and our freedoms curtailed by algorithms. This dystopian scenario is not science fiction but a stark possibility if we fail to act responsibly and build appropriate guardrails.

The TIC Summit 2024 will bring together global voices currently working on AI from academia, industry, and regulatory points of view to discuss what it takes to build trust in AI.

Please note that the deadline to register is 1 May.

For further enquiries, please contact the TIC Council Secretariat

To access the full program and register for the Summit, click Here

2024 Annual Meeting of the International Seed Testing Association Set to Commemorate Centennial Milestone in Cambridge, UK

Wallisellen, Switzerland – April 05, 2024 – The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) is thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated 2024 Annual Meeting will be held in the historic city of Cambridge, UK, from July 1st to July 4th, at the Cambridge Union Society in Cambridge, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This year’s gathering holds special significance as it coincides with the remarkable centennial anniversary of ISTA, marking a century of progress in seed quality assurance.

ISTA, a globally renowned association dedicated to promoting uniformity in seed testing procedures and standards, has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and ensuring the quality and reliability of seeds worldwide since its inception in 1924. As it celebrates its hundredth year of advancing the science and practice of seed testing, the 2024 Annual Meeting promises to be an event of unparalleled significance and impact.

Set against the backdrop of the illustrious University of Cambridge, this year’s meeting will bring together leading experts, researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders from around the world. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program featuring insightful presentations, engaging meetings, and interactive discussions on the latest advancements, trends, and challenges in seed testing, quality assurance, and seed technology.

In addition to the academic and professional sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to explore the picturesque city of Cambridge, renowned for its historic architecture, cultural heritage, and world-class research institutions. The meeting venue, nestled amidst the stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks of Cambridge, will provide an inspiring setting for networking and fostering collaborations among participants.

Registration for the 2024 Annual Meeting of ISTA is open, with early bird discounts available for a limited time, until 30 April 2024.

For more information about the program, registration, venues and accommodations, please visit the official conference website at ISTA2024.

Join us in Cambridge from July 1st to June 4th, 2024, as we commemorate a hundred years of excellence in seed testing and embark on a new era of innovation and collaboration in ensuring global food security and sustainability.

To register click Here

The BIML is pleased to inform you that a series of webinars has been planned, organised by the OIML Digitalisation Task Group (OIML DTG).

The first webinar in the series will be held on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 from 12:00 to 14:00 CEST (“Paris time”) on “The fundamentals of digitalisation in the quality infrastructure”.

It will be based on the January 2024 OIML Bulletin article which reported on the Chiang Mai Seminar, and the main speaker will be Dr Sascha Eichstädt, Chair of the OIML DTG.

The webinar will last approximately two hours and will include presentations followed by an open discussion session.

Please distribute this information within your organisations. To pre-register for the webinar, please click Here

Event: 45-minute Discussion Club “IMEKO Talks on Chemical Measurements”
Organised by: IMEKO TC24 “Chemical Measurements”

Topic: An Overview of Chemical Metrology Activities in the Philippines

Chemical metrology in the Philippines encompasses a broad spectrum of activities aimed at ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of chemical measurements. The focus lies on developing reference materials and implementing proficiency testing schemes for the accurate measurement of contaminants and additives in food and water. These efforts are crucial for safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety and quality of food products consumed by the population. Reference materials play a pivotal role in calibrating analytical instruments and validating measurement methods, thus enabling consistent and reliable results across different testing laboratories. Proficiency testing schemes further enhance the competency of local testing laboratories, including those in private, academic, and government institutions, by providing regular assessments of their measurement capabilities. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the country’s capacity to monitor and regulate food safety but also fosters trust in the integrity of the Philippine food industry both domestically and internationally.

Moderator:
Alleni T. Junsay graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a master’s degree in Chemistry, now serving as the head of the Metrology in Chemistry Section within the National Metrology Division of the Industrial Technology Development Institute, under the Department of Science and Technology. Her role involves overseeing the production of reference materials and implementing proficiency testing schemes for chemical measurements, ensuring accuracy and reliability in scientific endeavours.

To join the meeting, please click Here.