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UKAS is the only UK based accreditation body recognised by Government. It accredits bodies to offer certification of management systems, products, personnel, inspection, testing and calibration. It belongs to a network of European and international accreditation bodies through its formal involvement in global multinational recognition arrangements [MLAs]. It operates under a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
European Federation of Associations of Certification Bodies [EFAC]
EFAC is a pan-European federation of associations of accredited certification bodies. It acts as a focus for the development of policy reflecting the interests of its members and provides representation within the decision-making fora of the global conformity assessment community.
The IAF is the world association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies and other bodies interested in conformity assessment in the fields of management systems, products, services, personnel and other similar programmes of conformity assessment. Its primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment which reduces risk for business and its customers by assuring them that accredited certificates may be relied upon. Accreditation assures users of the competence and impartiality of the body accredited.
BEIS has responsibility for UK conformity assessment policy. It also manages the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UKAS on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.