The Portuguese Institute for Accreditation (IPAC) is Portugal’s national accreditation body, responsible for accrediting organizations involved in testing, calibration, certification, and inspection services. Established in 1996, IPAC operates under the Ministry of Economy and Maritime Affairs. Its primary mission is to ensure that conformity assessment bodies in Portugal meet international standards of competence and reliability, thereby supporting the quality, safety, and efficiency of products and services across various industries.

IPAC collaborates with national and international organizations to uphold high standards of accreditation. It is a full member of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). Through these memberships, IPAC participates in mutual recognition arrangements that facilitate the global acceptance of test and calibration results, certifications, and inspection reports issued by accredited Portuguese bodies. These international partnerships help reduce technical barriers to trade and enhance the global competitiveness of Portuguese products and services.

To maintain its leadership in accreditation, IPAC continuously updates its accreditation criteria and processes to align with international best practices. It provides essential services, including the accreditation of laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection agencies. By ensuring the quality and reliability of these services, IPAC supports regulatory compliance, consumer protection, and industrial innovation. For more detailed information about IPAC’s initiatives and impact, please visit their official website.