International recognition

Accreditations granted by PCA are widely recognized in Europe and around the World. This is related to agreements on mutual recognition of the results of accredited activities (EA MLA, ILAC MRA, IAF MLA) signed by PCA.

Mutual recognition is a core function of the regional and international organisations which operate an effective and globally recognised MLA system, underpinned by peer evaluation against the requirements of the International Standard for the operation of accreditation bodies (ISO/IEC 17011). As a full signatory to these agreements, PCA is able to provide its accredited bodies with global recognition, with PCA accredited reports and certificates being accepted as technically equivalent to other signatories. In this way the multilateral agreements support international trade and the free-trade concept of “accredited once, accepted everywhere” can be realized.