- Welcome Guest
-
EUROLAB is currently working on several initiatives, collaborative actions and compelling projects that we’ve embarked on with various stakeholders, exploring relevant fields such as food quality, digitalisation, and sustainable laboratory practices. These are crucial for sharing knowledge, and aligning our efforts with the broader goals of the laboratory community.
A recent example is the project 23IND13 ScreenFood – Metrology for food safety in the circular economy: targeted and screening methods for contaminants in food and recycled packaging, funded under the EURAMET Metrology Partnership Program.
EUROLAB National Members’ Meeting 2024 was held on 17-18 October in Athens, Greece, kindly hosted by HellasLab. It brought together EUROLAB members from across Europe for two days of insightful discussions, updates and planning of EUROLAB’s strategic priorities, technical outputs and stakeholders’ engagement. The meetings provided a collaborative platform for members to reflect on recent achievements and set the course for the coming year, as well as to address key topics related to laboratory accreditation, quality assurance, and EUROLAB’s future strategies. It also offered members the chance to strengthen relationships and exchange insights within the community. The event was also an opportunity to meet our local members’ representatives and brainstorm new collaboration opportunities. The meeting, taking place in the historic city of Athens, offered participants the opportunity to explore the cultural and historical treasures of one of the world’s oldest cities.
Additionally, a new Technical Report has been published! Technical Report No. 1/2024 is titled “Guidelines for the Management of Digitalised Systems in Laboratories Accredited to ISO/IEC17025”. The document, developed by EUROLAB in collaboration with experts from across the laboratory and accreditation sectors, provide practical recommendations for managing digital systems in laboratories while ensuring compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. The guidelines address critical topics such as risk assessment and data security, system validation, and the use of digital technologies to improve efficiency and accuracy. The document is available on EUROLAB website, in the Technical Reports section.
Our international outreach continues to expand as well, as the training opportunities offered to our members and interested audience. We are pleased to invite the laboratory community to our next webinar on the newly published “Guidelines for the Management of Digitalised Systems in Laboratories Accredited to ISO/IEC17025” taking place on 27 November 2024. This webinar will be dedicated to the official presentation of the newly published EUROLAB Technical Report and its in-depth analysis. It will be a unique opportunity to delve into the subject of the paper with its authors, clarify uncertainties and engage in the discussion.
To be kept updated on the EUROLAB activities, you can follow us on LinkedIn and check our website with all latest news. To be added to our mailing list, please contact info@eurolab.org
It is common practice, according to ISO/IEC 17011, for the accreditation body (AB) to sample the activities of the conformity assessment body (CAB) when conducting the assessment. This is done under the understanding that in some cases it is not realistic to cover the entire scope of CAB activity. Selecting an appropriate sample through risk-based thinking is considered sufficient to establish whether the organization adheres to the requirements of the relevant level 3 standard or standards.
Of course, as risk-based activities go, there is always the possibility that we, as assessors, will miss some nonconformities. There are some mechanisms in AB’s processes to minimize such risks, such as getting a full, broad analysis from the CAB on any non-conformities that were raised. However, these are not foolproof. Healthy communication with other bodies is crucial to have a bigger picture and establish a continuous monitoring of CABs. Here are some examples of such providers of information:
Complaints and inquiries from customers – Although it is our policy to refer complainants to the relevant CAB first, there are some flags that can be raised from such communications. For example, ambiguity of the scope, contract or report, changes made to a standard method or issues regarding confidentiality. Such inquiries, even if handled by the CAB to the satisfaction of the complainant, should directly affect the risk analysis concerning the assessment of the organization, to the extent of conducting a surprise assessment or a document-based assessment regarding the requirements of the relevant clause in the specific field in which the subject was raised or it’s general application in the CAB’s activities.
Parallel assessments from regulators and other interested parties – Not all regulators rely exclusively on the assessment activities of the AB to assess laboratory activities, and apply an inspection system of their own, with emphasis on specific methods and adherence to regulatory requirements. Such assessment systems are usually field-specific. As such, the sample of activities assessed is taken from a smaller population of activities, and may certainly include activities that were not recently assessed by the AB. Such issues as required accuracy, sensitivity and measurement uncertainty and scope of the validation (i.e method limits) done by the laboratory may be raised. Other interested parties may raise other subjects such as problems with impartiality and confidentiality.
Proper communication between the AB and the mentioned parties is crucial, and provides a way to further the supervisory activities of the AB. However, there are some conditions for such a mechanism to be effective. The role of the AB needs to be fully understood by the interested parties, regulators and the CABs themselves. It should be clear that the supervision of the AB is not limited to the regular assessments, and if problems and issues are raised between assessment, it is not only allowed but expected that the AB examine such issues. Related to that, the strict confidentiality requirements between the AB and the CAB needs to be clear. This requires a level of trust from all sides. i.e, it is more than likely that the interested party will not get a report on how the CAB addressed and corrected the issue and would only get a response from the AB that the issue was corrected. Furthermore, it should be understood that the AB is not targeting one CAB or another. If the reason for the issue is ambiguity of the requirements, these should be clarified to all relevant CABs, either directly by the AB or the body (regulatory or otherwise) that is in charge of these requirements.
If the role and scope of responsibility of each of the interested parties is clear, and issues are handled with respect to all concerned sides, including the customers of the laboratory (who should be the major benefactors of CAB accreditation), such cooperation will benefit all sides, and all but ensure the clarity or requirements for such CABs and the continued improvement of the CABs activity.
The floriculture sector in Colombia plays a key role economic, social and environmental terms. It contributes significantly to job creation, especially in rural regions, and contributes to the country’s exports. Flower farming drives economic growth and projects a positive image of the country in international markets, consolidating itself as one of the leading players in the world flower trade.
In 2023, flowers were Colombia’s sixth largest export, making up 4.2% of total exports. The sector saw a 1% increase in export value, reaching $2.08 billion, and a decrease of 3.2% in volume to 310,000 tons compared to 2022. Over the past 32 years, flower exports have generally grown. In 2023, 10,500 hectares were dedicated to flower cultivation, with fresh-cut flowers for bouquets, roses, carnations, and pompons being the most widely grown.[1].
Source: MinCIT – DANE – Ceniflores. Own estimates. Research coordination for economic and social studies related to quality infrastructure.
The floriculture sector is a vital pillar in employment generation. By 2023, this industry contributed to creating around 200,000 jobs, of which 110,000 were directly employed, while the remaining 90,000 were attributed to indirect jobs. It is remarkable that, of the total staff, a significant 60% were women. This highlights the importance and empowerment of women in the field of floriculture, highlighting their essential contribution to the economic and social development of the sector.
Regarding the analysis of export destinations, in 2023, the United States was the largest buyer of Colombian flowers with 79.5%, as seen in Figure 2, followed by countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, Spain and Poland, with less than 4%. According to Procolombia, it is during the Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day seasons that flowers in the sector[2] are most in demand. Other important dates are Thanksgiving Day and the Christmas season.
Source: DIAN – MinCIT. Own estimates. Research coordination for economic and social studies related to quality infrastructure.
In 2023, the total amount requested for appropriations reached 2,291, valued at 799 billion pesos. This marks a notable increase since 2016, reflecting the sector’s growth in exports. The rise in export value appears to encourage florists to seek higher foreign currency earnings, leading to increased investment in infrastructure and productivity-enhancing projects.
The growth of Colombia’s flower sector can also be seen in the increasing hectares dedicated to flower production. By 2023, the area reached approximately 10,000 hectares, despite a notable decrease in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This overall upward trend indicates rising demand for floral products and underscores the sector’s resilience and ongoing expansion, even amid challenges.
Florverde Sustainable Flowers is a private organization dedicated to the certification of a social and environmental standard for the flower sector. Founded by Asocolflores in 1996, it began as a social and environmental floriculture program. In 2002 it became a second-party verifier and the following year; it implemented elements of ISO 14000. In 2005 it included elements of a certification and a standard. In 2013 they changed the brand to Florverde Sustainable Flowers and in 2019 they sealed alliances and agreements with different entities for the recognition and improvement of standards.[3].
The main objectives of Florverde Seal are to promote sustainable agricultural practices within the flower industry and encourage sustainable development in the areas where flowers are grown. Some of the specific objectives are:
The criteria and standards that companies must meet to obtain Florverde certification cover various areas, including environmental, social and product quality aspects. Some of the general criteria that are usually part of this certification are:
To date, Florverde claims to have certified 4,682 hectares from 119 farms in Colombia and Ecuador for a total of 2.2 billion certified stems from these countries. [4]. They also have approval with the standards of the Rainforest Alliance and Global Social Compliance Programme. [5]. The final market for Florverde-certified flowers is in retailers and large stores in the United States such as Kroger, Wal-Mart and Costco, as well as wholesale sales.
Potential accreditation market
Being certified with the Florverde seal signifies a commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility for flower industry companies. This certification reflects adherence to sustainable agricultural practices, environmental conservation, and resource management. It also ensures product quality and safety, promotes fair and safe working conditions, and can enhance the company’s reputation and market access among consumers who prioritize sustainability and ethical business practices.
Additionally, ONAC provides accreditation services to support good agricultural practices across crops, animal production, and aquaculture, structured under 16 standards within the CPR framework for agriculture, forestry, and fishing.
For more detailed information, we invite you to visit our webpage and read the full study. Available in both English and Spanish, it offers comprehensive insights into the benefits and impact of the Florverde certification and ONAC’s accreditation services.
Visit our webpage to explore the full study:
English: https://onac.org.co/en/market-study-of-accreditation-services-in-flor-verde-seal/onacs-blog/
Spanish: https://onac.org.co/estudio-de-mercado-de-servicios-de-acreditacion-en-sello-florverde/blog-onac/
___________________________________________________
[1] Informe Asocolflores 2023. Available in: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RIj7S4yVqhn9Ka92G9HZlcQSU9sdyL1O/view
[2] Procolombia. Available in: https://prensa.procolombia.co/gracias-al-trabajo-de-procolombia-con-empresarios-las-flores-colombianas-son-protagonistas-del-dia
[3] https://www.florverde.org/en/about-us-who-are-we/#history
[4] https://www.florverde.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Brochure-Florverde-2024.pdf
[5] https://www.florverde.org/en/how-to-get-fsf-recognition-with-others/
Mexico City, October 24, 2024 – In commemoration of the International Day Against Climate Change, ema held a landmark event that brought together business leaders, representatives from Chambers and Associations, as well as accredited organizations to reaffirm their commitment to combating climate change. Under the initiative “Together with ema to Mitigate Climate Change,” this gathering marks a decisive step toward building a more sustainable and secure environment.
With over 25 years of experience, ema has become a cornerstone of Mexico’s quality infrastructure, promoting accreditation as a tool for sustainability. Today, ema holds over 8,100 accreditations more than 2,300 of them are directly focused on environmental issues, such as emissions control, water laboratory testing, and certification of resource-saving products. This reaffirms the importance of accreditation in climate management.
Concrete Commitments and Ambitious Goals
This event not only commemorated the day but also provided a platform for significant commitments. During the ceremony, more than 55 organizations expanded their accreditations in environmental standards, and 29 signatories, including accredited entities, chambers, and clusters, pledged to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve impactful results by 2030. These 17 goals, adopted by all United Nations Member States, including Mexico, in 2015, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all, focusing specifically on SDG 13: Climate Action.
Experts in Environmental Issues Across Various Sectors
The event featured three keynote speakers, each an expert in their field. The representative from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) discussed the increasing number and severity of environmental challenges. The representative from Sigma Alimentos shared strategies and alternatives for responsible food production, and finally, an expert in Mexico’s financial sector explained new regulations the government will implement to boost the fight against climate change.
Driving Our Initiative Forward
With more than 30 national and international standards available to mitigate climate change, ema and the productive sectors present acknowledged the importance of not only meeting but leading environmental practices that ensure quality and foster consumer confidence. The Mexican Accreditation Entity invited all sectors to integrate sustainable actions into their processes and adopt accredited services that certify the environmental quality of their products. The initiative “Together with ema to Mitigate Climate Change” represents a collective movement towards a more conscious and committed Mexico in the protection of our planet.
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of quality assurance in various sectors cannot be overstated. To meet this demand, the Quality and Accreditation Institute (QAI) was established with a clear mission: to create a robust ecosystem that promotes education, training, quality improvement, and accreditation.
At QAI, we believe that sharing knowledge and experiences among professionals and organisations is crucial for advancing quality standards. Our goal is to provide a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, exchange insights, and ultimately realize our vision of enhanced quality across industries.
A significant initiative under QAI is the establishment of the accreditation of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) under Centre for International Accreditation (CIA). This vertical of QAI aims to offer a comprehensive accreditation programme tailored to the needs of various stakeholders, including government bodies, industry associations, and businesses. We provide accreditation to CABs across several key areas, ensuring that quality standards are maintained and recognised globally.
Our accreditation covers:
|
Medical Laboratories (ISO 15189): Ensuring that the labs provide accurate and reliable results, which is vital for patient safety. |
 |
|
Certification of Medical Laboratories as per the requirements of the Central Clinical Establishments Act. |
 |
|
Biobanks (ISO 20387): Our accreditation guarantees that biobanks operate under stringent quality controls, ensuring the integrity of biological samples. |
 |
|
Proficiency Testing Providers (ISO/ IEC 17043): PT providers help organisations evaluate their testing processes and outcomes. |
 |
|
Testing Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025): Ensuring rigorous testing processes that uphold quality and reliability in results. |
 |
|
Calibration Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025): These labs play a crucial role in maintaining the accuracy of measuring instruments. |
 |
|
Inspection Bodies (ISO/ IEC 17020): We ensure that inspection bodies conduct their evaluations with a high degree of reliability and integrity. |
 |
|
Reference Material Producers (IS/ISO 17034): This ensures that producers of reference materials maintain the highest standards for the materials used in testing and calibration. |
 |
Through these initiatives, QAI is committed to fostering a culture of quality that transcends industries. We invite professionals and organizations to join us in this endeavour, sharing their expertise and collaborating towards a common goal of excellence.
Together, we can build a future where quality is not just an aspiration, but a fundamental standard across all sectors.
Milestones Achieved by QAI: Paving the Way for Excellence
As we look back on our journey, QAI is proud to highlight a series of significant milestones that reflect our commitment to advancing quality and accreditation:
As we celebrate these remarkable milestones together, we want you to remember that quality is a journey, not a destination. Here at the Quality and Accreditation Institute, we envision a world where excellence is truly embedded in every industry.
By collaborating—sharing our knowledge, experiences, and best practices—we can elevate standards and inspire the next generation of quality leaders. It’s exciting to think about the potential we have to drive progress and make a real impact.
Let’s embrace the future with optimism. Each step we take towards enhancing quality brings us closer to a brighter, more accountable world. Together, we can create a legacy of excellence that resonates for years to come. Quality isn’t just our goal; it’s our commitment to a better tomorrow.
Jordan Accreditation and Standardization Systems – Accreditation Unit (JAS-AU) hosted the closing ceremony of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization -The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
Closing ceremony of the UNIDO-SIDA regional project “Enhancing Accreditation Value Chain in the Arab Region”
4 March 2024 – Amman, Jordan
(UNIDO-SIDA) project “Enhancing Accreditation Value Chain in the Arab Region.” This was a pivotal event for all project stakeholders, as it gave a unique opportunity to show the transformative changes achieved by the UNIDO-SIDA project in the area of quality infrastructure and regional trade integration for the benefits of Arab countries.
The event successfully brought together more than 100 participants to discuss achievements and prospects for regional trade integration during a strategic event organized on 4 March 2024, in Amman, Jordan. The event was held under the patronage of, The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply of Jordan. It marked a key milestone in strengthening the regional quality infrastructure after years of collaborative efforts between ARAC and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), and the Arab Industrial Development, Standards, and Mining Organizations (AIDSMO).
Throughout the event, sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and best practices generated by the project, in particular by demonstrating how project interventions at three different layers (institutional support to Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) and its members, intermediary support to Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs), and enterprise-level support) are interrelated and interdependent and all contributed to achieving the same objective.
The event explored the way forward and discussed recommendations for accelerating regional trade integration through potential replication/scale-up in Jordan and the entire Arab region.
The different sessions were conducted in a highly visual and interactive format by giving the floor to key project stakeholders, with a special emphasis on beneficiaries, including ARAC, CABs, and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
ILAC 2024 Annual Summary and GLOBAC Establishment Activities
As we close the year 2024, I extend my deepest gratitude to our member organizations, stakeholders, and international partners. This year has seen tremendous progress toward our mission to harmonize accreditation, facilitating trust in CABs and CABs’ results. Notably, the year 2024 has been pivotal in the development of GLOBAC (Global Accreditation Cooperation), an initiative poised to reshape and unify international laboratory accreditation.
Enhanced Global Recognition through Expanded MRAs
ILAC has successfully expanded the Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs) network, making accreditation more accessible and recognized across borders. This expansion ensures CABs’ results are accepted globally, significantly benefiting international trade and compliance.
Digital Integration in Accreditation
With an emphasis on streamlining accreditation processes, ILAC members have implemented advanced digital tools this year, facilitating remote assessments and digital certifications. This digital integration not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with ILAC’ s commitments.
The formation of GLOBAC (Global Accreditation Cooperation) has been a key focus this year. As a partnership effort among ILAC, IAF, regional accreditation bodies, and several international standard-setting organizations, GLOBAC aims to create a unified accreditation framework. This initiative seeks to streamline accreditation requirements and facilitate seamless international cooperation.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
ILAC acknowledges the contributions of each member and partner in achieving these milestones. Your dedication to excellence is pivotal as we move forward with GLOBAC and work toward a truly unified global accreditation system. Together, we are setting a new standard for international trust, quality, and collaboration.
On 1 March 2024, Cofrac opened up accreditation for the inspection of independent operators, remote service providers and their employees who need to access to information relating to the repair and maintenance of vehicles with regard to safety.
What is SERMI ?
SERMI is a European association set up to develop, operate and maintain a specific system aimed at regulating the terms of access to information and security data concerning the repair and maintenance of vehicles made available to independent operators. It is jointly managed by vehicle manufacturers and independent operators as stakeholders. The aim of the system developed by SERMI is to approve and authorize independent operators working in the European automotive aftermarket to allow them to access sensitive vehicle data, related to security, for repair and vehicle maintenance.
How was this new accreditation developed?
This system is a European initiative driven by Regulation (EC) No. 692/20081 and taken up by Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1152. The foundations laid in 2017 were reinforced by Regulation (EU) No. 2018/8583 which specifies the forum’s activities and responsibilities in Annex 10.
In 2018, the forum, now SERMI drew up the accreditation scheme and asked ENAC, the Spanish national accreditation body, to analyse and validate it at the European level. The publication of delegated regulation (EU) n°2021/12444, which will modify Annex 10, clarifies responsibilities and the implementation of the SERMI scheme, in particular with the addition of Appendix 3 on the approval and authorization procedure for independent operators’ access to safety devices.
Following these changes, SERMI amended the accreditation scheme which was formally approved by the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) in May 2023.
How does the SERMI scheme work
To meet the obligation to publish the security data required for vehicle maintenance, each manufacturer has a dedicated website with secure access. To log in and access the safety information he needs, the technician working for an independent operator needs secure authentication. The Trust Center plays a crucial role in the system. Established in the context of the implementation of this European regulation, it validates access to manufacturers’ data by authorizing requests only if they come from authorized persons. To obtain authorization keys, operators and their employees must be inspected by an accredited inspection body.
How does the introduction of the accreditation system mean?
Cofrac introduced accreditation on March 1 2024 for type A inspection bodies in compliance with EN ISO/IEC 17020 standard. Under this accreditation system, the independent operator applies to the accredited inspection body for the approval and authorization for one or more of its employees.
The inspection is carried out in two stages:
For the operational implementation of the accreditation system, the Inspection department has trained and qualified a technical assessor r with solid experience of the context and operation of operators involved in vehicle maintenance and repair. Since June 21, the first inspection body has been accredited to carry out SERMI inspections.
National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL), India PTP/RMP Conclave, 2024
The 8th PTP/RMP Conclave was held on the 30th and 31st of August 2024, organized by the NABL at Mysuru, Karnataka, India.
NABL has been hosting this annual conclave for Proficiency Testing Providers (PTPs) and Reference Material Producers (RMPs) since 2017, consistently in the month of August.
The Objective of the conclave is to address key challenges and promoting continuous improvement through competition among PTPs & RMPs. Also, the event provides the latest developments and innovations relevant to PTPs and RMPs, ensuring they stay informed and aligned with industry advancements.
The conclave was attended by about 140 delegates, including representatives from PTPs, RMPs, laboratories, distinguished dignitaries from various government and regulatory bodies.
This conclave serves as a collaborative platform for PTPs, RMPs and other stakeholders, facilitating the exchange of ideas and expertise through case study presentations.
Conclave Highlights
To address key challenges and promoting continuous improvement through competition among PTPs & RMPs, the participation of accredited PTPs and RMPs showcased expertise in proficiency testing and reference material production. Each RMP presented their specific production strategies. They presented their comprehensive production plans for reference materials, detailing their methodologies and approaches to ensure quality & consistency of production. In parallel, each PTP demonstrated their proficiency testing schemes, emphasizing the design and conduct of Proficiency testing. They discussed the challenges they encountered and the strategies employed to address them.
Panel of Experts evaluated the presentations and the top presenters were awarded trophies.
PTPs and RMPs also showcased their work through Posters. Best poster was awarded.
Announcement of 2025 Conclave
Contact Details of NABL
Ms Anita Rani
Joint Director & Head – PTP & RMP Accreditation Program
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
Plot No. 45, Sector 44, Gurugram – 122003, Haryana, India
Phone: 91-124-4679700 (30 lines); 91-124-4594800/801/802;
Fax: 91-124-4679799
Website: www.nabl-india.org
Email: anita@nabl.qcin.org
Ouagadougou, October 10, 2024
Workshop on the accreditation needs of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Regulators
A SOAC delegation, composed of the Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr. Aboubacry BARO, the Resident Representative – Director General, Marcel GBAGUIDI and the Competences Coordinator, Jean Philippe GORI, went to Ouagadougou on October 10, 2024, notably to present, during a workshop, the accreditation services which participate in implementing the priorities set by UEMOA, a West Africa Regional Regulator, to support the development of member states.
The representatives of UEMOA were the Directors and executives of the technical departments of the UEMOA Commission, notably the Department of Business Development, Mines, Energy and Digital Economy (DEMEN), the Department of Agriculture, Water Resources and Environment (DAREN), the Department of Community Land Use Planning and Transport (DATC), the Department of Human Development (DDH), the Department of Economic Policies and Domestic Taxation (DPE), and the Department of Regional Market and Cooperation (DMRC).
It should be recalled that UEMOA is a regional institution created 30 years ago that advocates the economic integration of eight West African states (Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo). As such, UEMOA bodies such as the Conference of Heads of State, the Council of Ministers and the Presidency of the Commission have the necessary authority to take legal acts that are mandatory in the member states. The Commission is the executive body of UEMOA. The Commission is headed by a President assisted by a college of Commissioners; the latter head specialized Departments.
Under the leadership of the current President of the Commission, Mr. Abdoulaye DIOP, the last college of Commissioners, in office since 2021, adopted a strategic document entitled “UEMOA Priority Action Framework 2021-2025 (CAP 25)”. CAP 25 identified three areas of intervention, in particular the axis 1 “Deepening the foundations of economic integration”, one of the flagship actions of which will be the development of efficient transport and transit infrastructure in the States; Axis 2 focuses on “Improving the effectiveness of sectoral interventions” with, among the flagship actions, the promotion of sustainable agriculture and the strengthening of nutritional food / food security;
Finally, axis 3 focuses on “the consolidation of institutional governance”, in particular with the establishment and operationalization of strategic steering tools, but also the establishment of steering and monitoring systems for the policies, programs and reforms of the Union.
The workshop of October 10th showed that the mobilization of testing and calibration laboratories accredited according to ISO IEC 17025 and inspection bodies accredited according to ISO IEC 17020 contributes to the development of quality transport and transit infrastructures (Axis 1). The use of these accredited bodies, in fact, makes it possible to guarantee that the service providers in charge of carrying out the infrastructures to be built will do so in accordance with the applicable standards.
The ISO IEC 17065 and ISO IEC 17021-1 accreditation standards are, for their part, intrinsically linked to the promotion of sustainable agriculture and the strengthening of nutritional food / food security (axis 2). It is, in fact, the accredited product and service certifiers who give credibility to the companies that operate in this field by certifying their products and/or their service and/or their management system.
Finally, the effectiveness of governance can be materialized by certifiers of management systems or persons respectively accredited according to ISO IEC17021-1 and ISO IEC 17024, to name but a few.
At the end of the workshop, tSOAC and UEMOA parties decided to meet again to better refine the needs in relation to the axes of CAP 25 but also in relation to the 2030 strategic plan currently being developed.