International cooperation removes technical barriers to trade and makes it easier for countries to do business with one another. This helps boost economies, streamline operations, save money and build confidence in the marketplace.
IABSI supports international cooperation by establishing arrangements with accreditation bodies operating around the world.
These arrangements mean countries recognize and accept each other’s certificates and inspection reports. This reduces the time, money, and effort involved in re-certifying or re-inspecting. It makes it more efficient for one country to do business with another country.
IABSI is an active member of and signatory to several cooperative arrangements between accreditors.
We have established arrangements with:
- Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC)—an association of accreditation bodies and other interested parties whose objective is to facilitate trade and commerce among economies in the Asia Pacific region. Formerly known as two separate bodies. IABSI was a member and signatory to PAC MLAs for quality management systems, environmental management systems, and product certification; we became an APLAC member in 2005.
IABSI works within an international framework under the World Trade Organisation to support the flow of goods and services by eliminating technical barriers to trade. Our accreditation framework and systems are recognized internationally as being consistent with World Trade Organisation principles and supporting good regulatory practice and market acceptance.
A scheme provides the rules and processes to be followed by those determining if a product, system, or person satisfies the requirements specified in a standard. A well-designed scheme will support the market transactions or the delivery of public services. Consequently, we take care in the work we do with scheme owners on the design and development of schemes.