European Accreditation (EA) is the regional body responsible for the harmonization and oversight of national accreditation systems across Europe.

It ensures that certification, inspection, testing, and calibration services are carried out according to international standards, enhancing trust in the quality and reliability of services and products within the European market. Established in 2000, EA plays a crucial role in removing technical barriers to trade, ensuring that conformity assessments conducted by accredited bodies are recognized throughout Europe. This mutual recognition reduces the need for repeated assessments, benefiting industries and consumers alike.

EA’s membership comprises national accreditation bodies (NABs) from across Europe, each responsible for accrediting conformity assessment bodies within their respective countries. These national bodies, such as the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) and the Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS), are regularly evaluated by EA to ensure they maintain compliance with international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17011. EA operates through a series of committees and working groups, providing guidance, peer reviews, and technical support to its members to ensure uniformity and consistency in accreditation practices across Europe.

Accreditation by an EA-recognized national body guarantees that products and services meet European regulatory requirements, offering confidence to businesses, consumers, and regulatory authorities. EA's influence extends beyond Europe, as it cooperates with other regional accreditation groups worldwide through its participation in the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). This global collaboration fosters further international acceptance of European accredited services.

For more information, you can visit the official European Accreditation website.