UKAS Accreditation
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification services.
Accreditation by UKAS means that certification bodies have been assessed against internationally recognised standards to demonstrate their competence, impartiality and performance capability
UKAS is licensed by BIS to use and confer the national accreditation symbols (formerly national accreditation marks) which symbolise Government recognition of the accreditation process.
UKAS accreditation provides an assurance of the competence, impartiality and integrity of conformity assessment bodies. UKAS accredited certification, testing and calibration and inspection reduces the need for suppliers to be assessed by each of their customers. UKAS’ involvement in international groups provides for mutual recognition which further reduces the need for multiple assessments of suppliers and as a consequence helps to reduce barriers to trade. It is therefore BIS policy to recommend the use of UKAS accredited conformity assessment services whenever this is an option
Please check out the British Government Department BIS for clarification: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/innovation/standardisation/non-accredited-certification
As an IAF (International Accreditation Forum) member, UKAS accreditation is recognised internationally.
Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and performance capability of these evaluators and operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with the UK Government through the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and is guaranteed to be recognised by ALL EU Member States.
