The TIC Council (Testing, Inspection, and Certification Council) is an international non-profit association that represents the independent testing, inspection, and certification industry. It was formed through the merger of the International Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA) and the European Compliance Organizations (CEOC). The TIC Council serves as the voice of this industry, representing over 100 member companies and organizations operating in more than 160 countries across all continents.

The TIC Council engages governments and stakeholders to advocate for effective solutions that protect the public, support innovation, and facilitate trade. Its mission emphasizes promoting best practices in safety, quality, health, ethics, and sustainability. Members of the TIC Council are required to uphold high standards of ethics and integrity by implementing a compliance code, which is verified annually by an external audit.

The Council’s membership brings together technical expertise from traditional sectors such as industrial inspection, commodities, product testing, and certification, as well as emerging fields like blockchain, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This expertise supports policymakers by demonstrating how independent TIC services add value to society, protect consumers, and enhance safety and sustainability without hindering innovation or placing unnecessary burdens on industries.

The TIC sector employs approximately one million people worldwide and generates annual sales of about USD 200 billion. Services provided by TIC companies include conformity assessments, such as product testing, management system certification, supply chain audits, and regulatory inspections. These services ensure consumer safety, protect the environment, and help businesses navigate complex global trade landscapes.

The governance of the TIC Council is overseen by its General Assembly, which delegates strategy development and operations to the Global Board. The organization also includes Regional Steering Committees, Horizontal Committees (focused on areas like accreditation, ethics, and digitalization), and Sectoral Committees (covering topics like commodities, food testing, and industrial life cycle services). For more detailed information about the TIC Council and its initiatives, please visit their official website.