Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC)


The Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) is a regional cooperation of accreditation bodies and other organizations involved in conformity assessment activities in the Asia-Pacific region. Established to enhance accreditation practices and conformity assessment systems, APAC plays a critical role in facilitating trade and ensuring the quality, safety, and environmental suitability of products and services within and outside the region.

It was established in 2019 by the amalgamation of two former regional accreditation cooperations – the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC), initiated in 1992, and the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC), initiated in 1995.

APAC's mission is to ensure that organizations involved in certification, testing, inspection, and calibration services meet stringent standards of competence and integrity. This harmonization of standards helps reduce technical barriers to trade, thereby promoting economic integration and market access throughout the Asia-Pacific region. As a recognized regional cooperation body under the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), APAC members participate in mutual recognition arrangements (MRAs). These arrangements are essential for ensuring that test results and certifications issued in one member economy are accepted in others without the need for further testing, which significantly streamlines international trade.

The cooperation also focuses on capacity building among its members through training, peer evaluations, and sharing of best practices. These activities are crucial for maintaining the credibility and reliability of accreditation services across different countries in the region. By upholding robust accreditation practices, APAC enhances consumer protection, supports public health and safety, and fosters environmental conservation. For more detailed information about APAC’s initiatives, governance, and the benefits of accreditation, please visit their official website.

Institutions

We use Cookies