In a significant push towards enhancing international recognition and trade facilitation, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is actively guiding its accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to apply for permission to use the NABL Accredited CAB Combined ILAC MRA Mark. This move is aimed at reducing technical barriers to trade by reinforcing the global acceptance of accredited testing, calibration, and related services.
A senior official from NABL said, “The Combined ILAC MRA Mark is not just a symbol. It is a globally recognized endorsement of competence, and its use by Indian CABs will significantly ease the cross-border acceptance of testing reports, thereby eliminating repetitive testing requirements in different markets.”
NABL accredited CABs including Testing Laboratories, Medical Testing Laboratories, Calibration Laboratories, Proficiency Testing Providers (PTPs), and Reference Material Producers (RMPs) are encouraged to apply for the use of the NABL Accredited CAB Combined ILAC MRA Mark through the NABL web portal. The application involves either submitting a formal permission request or signing an agreement outlined in NABL document 133.
The official emphasized, “Only those CABs established in economies where the ILAC MRA Mark is already registered, or where its registration is pending, are eligible to use the combined mark. This is in accordance with international intellectual property and regulatory norms.”
Furthermore, NABL maintains strict integrity and quality oversight. If a CAB has an ongoing complaint or unresolved issue, the application for the use of the Combined ILAC MRA Mark will be automatically withheld until full resolution.
The NABL official elaborated on the strategic impact of this initiative stating, “By facilitating the use of the Combined ILAC MRA Mark, NABL is strengthening India’s commitment to international standards. It helps eliminate duplication of product testing across different markets, thereby reducing costs, saving time, and boosting competitiveness of Indian exports.”
The fundamental purpose of adopting this mark is to ensure international confidence in testing, calibration, and inspection outcomes; promote mutual recognition of test reports, calibration certificates, and reference materials and support the global goal of "Accredited Once, Accepted Everywhere", which allows businesses to expand into new markets without additional conformity assessments; demonstrate competence and equivalence among accredited laboratories worldwide, strict protocols for approval and usage.
According to the guidelines, CABs must seek written approval from NABL and agree to the rules governing the use of the ILAC MRA Mark. The mark can only be used after NABL’s explicit authorization, reinforcing the importance of compliance and quality management. Misuse or unauthorized use of the mark will lead to disciplinary action, including suspension or withdrawal of accreditation.
This initiative aligns with India’s larger trade and export strategy, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals and medical devices, where technical testing and regulatory compliance are critical for market entry.
“With India's growing footprint in international trade, it is essential that our laboratories and testing bodies are recognized and trusted globally. The Combined ILAC MRA Mark is a powerful tool to build that trust,” the NABL official concluded.
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