Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) is a formal arrangement between two or more countries to recognize each other’s conformity assessment results, such as test reports and certifications. MRAs aim to reduce technical barriers to trade by minimizing redundant testing and approval procedures for products intended for international markets.
Scope and Application
MRAs are particularly relevant for industries subject to regulatory approvals, including:
Radio and telecommunications equipment
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety
Medical and measurement devices
Such agreements are typically established between regulatory authorities or trade blocs (e.g., EU–USA, EU–Japan, APEC TEL) and may cover:
Testing laboratory recognition
Certification body recognition
Equivalence of regulatory frameworks
Acceptance of compliance documentation
Key Technical Requirements
The scope of an MRA usually includes:
Mutual recognition of accredited laboratories (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025)
Designation of certification bodies authorized to issue approvals valid in both jurisdictions
Harmonization of procedures and technical standards where feasible
Ongoing information exchange and regulatory cooperation
Each party must maintain a list of recognized bodies and ensure they comply with the agreed-upon criteria.
Certification and Compliance
Under an MRA, manufacturers may submit their products for testing or certification in their own country and have the results accepted in the partner country without further assessment. This simplifies the conformity assessment process and reduces time-to-market.
Examples:
EU–USA MRA on Telecommunications Equipment: Allows EU-recognized laboratories to perform testing accepted by the FCC for specific categories.
EU–USA MRA on Medical Devices: Limited to mutual recognition of quality system audits, not full product approval.
EU–Japan MRA: Covers selected electrical and electronic equipment, including VCCI and radio certification.
APEC TEL MRA: Facilitates telecom approvals across Asia-Pacific economies.
Limitations may include:
Exclusion of high-risk product categories (e.g., implantable medical devices)
Requirements for local testing due to national security or health concerns
Additional administrative procedures despite mutual recognition of results
Role in Global Market Access
MRAs enhance regulatory cooperation and trust between countries. They:
Eliminate duplicate testing and certification
Lower administrative burdens and costs
Promote international trade in regulated sectors
Support manufacturers aiming for simultaneous multi-market entry
MRAs are supported by international frameworks such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement and rely on technical alignment through bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
They are particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking efficient access to global markets without a local presence.