The NAB-Malta has become a signatory for the EA MLA in testing as from 2nd April 2008
What is the EA MLA?
 The EA multilateral agreement (MLA) provides a means for goods and services to cross boundaries in Europe and throughout the world.
A test report or certificate issued by an accredited body in one country is recognised as equivalent to a report or a certificate issued by an accredited body in any of the countries signatories to the EA MLA. Accreditation bodies recognise that they operate in an equivalent way and that they deliver equivalent accreditations, providing the same level of competence and confidence. The MLA makes accreditation a "passport" which facilitates access to the EU and international markets through co-operation with ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation) and IAF (International Accreditation Forum).
What does this mean for NAB-MALTA?
This in essence means that the NAB-MALTA is recognised by its European peers as having a system which meets all the requirements of the international standard for accreditation bodies, namely ISO17011. This also means that the level of competence of the NAB-MALTA is equivalent to its European peers.
What is the value of the EA MLA for NAB-MALTA clients?
 Tests reports and certificates issued by laboratories accredited by the NAB-MALTA now have free circulation and acceptance in Europe as well as throughout the whole world thanks to the international agreements between EA and other regions such as USA, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. This will primarily add value to the services which the NAB-MALTA provides to its clients.
What is the value of the EA MLA for the Consumers?
The MLA provides additional confidence to the general public and consumers purchasing testing services on their sample, instrument or product. By insisting that the test results are from an accredited facility, they can be confident the laboratory has been assessed by an independent accreditation body, that itself has been recognised as meeting international standards of competence.
What is the value of the MLA for the Regulators?
 The MLA acts as an internationally recognised ‘stamp of approval’ to demonstrate compliance against agreed standards and requirements. Consequently, risk is minimised, as decisions will be based on reliable test results. Duplication is also minimised as test data included in submissions for product approvals can be evaluated without re-testing. Many specifiers, such as government agencies, have recognised the importance of credible accreditation programs that are developed against internationally recognised standards. Accreditation and the EA MLA help regulators meet their own legislated responsibilities by providing a globally recognised system to accept accredited test reports.
What is the value of the EA MLA for Industry?
The MLA ensures that businesses that depend on test and calibration data have greater confidence in the accuracy of the test reports they purchase, because they have been generated by facilities assessed as being competent to carry out these specific activities. Users should check the current scope of the laboratory’s accreditation when purchasing such services.
What makes the MLA sound and reliable?
Individual EA members that are signatories to the EA MLA are subject to regular and stringent multi-national peer evaluations. The purpose of these routine on-site evaluations is to verify the signatories' continuing conformity with the internationally accepted criteria (ISO/IEC 17011 and applicable guidance documents).These peer evaluations ensure consistent, harmonised accreditation practices and also facilitate the exchange of information and experience between the signatories.
What is EA?
 EA stands for European Co-operation for Accreditation and it is composed of the accreditation bodies from all the EU Members States, EFTA Countries and EU Candidate Countries. EA also has a number of contracts of co-operation and bilateral agreements with a number of other countries including Israel, Jordan, Tunisia, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil. The EA MAC (Multi Lateral Agreements Committee) is responsible for operation the peer evaluation process and for reviewing the reports issued on the accreditation bodies and for deciding whether to accept the accreditation bodies to sign the MLA or not. The EA MLA process is a continuous one and Accreditation Bodies are kept under surveillance through surveillance visit by EA appointed teams.
ILAC which is the International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation recognises the EA MLA process operated by EA.
EA and its members are neutral from commercial pressure. EA develops and maintains a high level of service for the benefit of the European economy: the European Commission and EFTA, the European industries, the European governments and citizens. All interested parties and stakeholders are involved in the EA activities; they can and do contribute to the EA work through membership in the committees and working groups.
EA has 35 full members representing 33 European countries. Sixteen (16) non European accreditation bodies have signed a contract of co-operation with EA out of which 9 have entered into a bilateral agreement with EA which, as far as recognition and mutual acceptance are concerned, conveys the same rights and duties and benefits as the EA multilateral agreements.
Do you need further information?
Should you need further information you are encourage to contact us either via e-mail through info@nabmalta.org.mt or via telephone on +356 21255548. |
