The Government’s Mutual Recognition Agreement team has released its updated CAB Designation Material.
Applying for accreditation under a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
CAB designation under UK mutual recognition agreements is a vital process that enhances export opportunities for British businesses. This process allows UK-based conformity assessment bodies (CABs) to test products against partner countries’ regulations, streamlining the export process and reducing barriers to international trade.
What is a conformity assessment MRA?
A conformity assessment mutual recognition agreement (MRA) is an agreement that allows UK-based CABs to test products according to the regulations of partner countries, and vice versa. This reciprocity means that UK businesses can export products tested by UK CABs, provided they meet the importing country’s standards. The agreements cover various sectors, including machinery, electrical equipment, and telecommunications, among others.
The UK has signed MRAs with several countries, each covering specific sectors:
- UK-Australia & UK-New Zealand: machinery, low voltage equipment, pressure equipment, telecommunications terminal equipment, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). These MRAs also cover medical devices, although this sector is yet to be operationalised.
- UK-Switzerland: radio equipment, noise emitting equipment for use outdoors, transportable pressure equipment, measuring instruments, and electrical equipment and electromagnetic compatibility.
- UK-Canada: electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radio and telecommunication terminal equipment, and equipment for explosive atmospheres (ATEX). The UK-Canada MRA also covers sectors that are yet to be operationalised, including construction products, electrical and electronic equipment, hot water boilers, machinery, measuring instruments, noise emitting equipment for use outdoors, recreational craft, and toys.
- UK-USA (marine equipment MRA): telecommunication equipment, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and marine equipment.
- UK-Japan: telecommunications and radio equipment.
Process for CAB accreditation
For a CAB to become accredited under an MRA, the following steps are involved:
- Familiarisation with regulations: the CAB must familiarise itself with the partner country’s regulations. Assistance is available from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), which provides lists of regulations by country and sector.
- Expression of interest: the CAB expresses its interest to the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) via email at sales@ukas.com. UKAS then works with the partner country’s accreditation bodies to ensure understanding of the requirements.
- Accreditation process: a formal application follows and UKAS conducts assessments to ensure the CAB meets the partner country’s standards. This may include a pre-assessment visit and a compulsory assessment visit.
- Designation: once accredited, UKAS recommends the CAB to the UK government for designation under the MRA. The partner country confirms this designation, completing the process.
Benefits for exporters
CAB designation under MRAs offers several benefits to UK exporters:
- Streamlined export process: products can be tested in the UK, reducing the need for additional testing in the importing country.
- Cost savings: by avoiding duplicate testing, businesses can save on costs associated with conformity assessment.
- Enhanced market access: MRAs facilitate entry into new markets by ensuring compliance with local regulations.
For more information on MRAs and the accreditation process, visit www.ukas.com
