Accreditation
Accreditation is the formal recognition that a laboratory, certification body, or inspection body is technically competent and impartial to perform specific conformity assessment tasks in accordance with international standards. It establishes confidence in the reliability of testing, inspection, and certification activities and is a cornerstone of internationally accepted compliance procedures.
Scope and Application
Accreditation applies to organizations performing testing, inspection, or certification in a wide range of sectors, including:
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing
Medical device certification
Environmental and chemical analysis
Product safety evaluation
It is essential for demonstrating competence under schemes such as CE marking, FCC certification, and national or international conformity assessment programs.
Accreditation is typically granted by a national accreditation body (NAB), such as:
DAkkS (Germany)
UKAS (United Kingdom)
ANAB (United States)
JAB (Japan)
These bodies operate in accordance with international standards and are members of ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) or IAF (International Accreditation Forum).
Key Technical Requirements
Accredited bodies must comply with specific requirements depending on their function. Common accreditation standards include:
ISO/IEC 17025: For testing and calibration laboratories
ISO/IEC 17065: For product certification bodies
ISO/IEC 17020: For inspection bodies
Accreditation is granted following a rigorous process involving:
Document review and quality system evaluation
On-site audits to verify infrastructure and competence
Technical assessments by subject-matter experts
Ongoing surveillance to confirm consistent performance and impartiality over time
Certification and Compliance
Accreditation should not be confused with product certification. It does not certify a product but rather validates the competence and neutrality of the organization conducting conformity assessments.
In the EU, accreditation is often a precondition for designation as a Notified Body under certain directives (e.g., RED, MDR). However, not all accredited bodies are Notified Bodies. Only those officially designated by an EU member state for specific legislative scopes may act as Notified Bodies.
Role in International Recognition and Market Access
Accreditation ensures that test reports and certificates issued by a body are accepted across jurisdictions under mutual recognition agreements (MRAs). This minimizes redundant testing and facilitates smoother global market access.
It also supports legal compliance and traceability, especially in sectors subject to regulatory oversight and market surveillance. Accreditation contributes to global supply chain efficiency by ensuring consistent technical quality across national boundaries.
IB-Lenhardt AG is accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025 for a broad range of EMC, RF, and electrical safety testing procedures.
→ View our accreditations and scope of services