One of the most important tasks in each state is to increase the export potential and enter new global markets.
However, countries, including Uzbekistan, have their legislative acts, requirements regarding the receipt of goods and products. In industry terms, there are technical barriers.
They provide for ensuring the quality and purity of the domestic market, consumer rights. In this regard, each country must join ILAC – International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and sign multilateral acts.
What does membership in ILAC give? Member countries that have signed multilateral agreements mutually recognize product quality tests. That is, the work will be carried out based on the principle of “one test – recognition throughout the world”. This will allow free access to global markets and contribute to the development of the country’s economy, increase the export potential, ensure the proper quality of goods and services of domestic producers at the level of the requirements of the economy and society, and eliminate technical trade barriers.
International experience shows that it takes an average of 5-6 years for accreditation bodies of foreign countries to become full members of ILAC (Kazakhstan, Colombia – 4 years, Thailand – 5 years, Russia, Jamaica – 6 years, Belarus, Turkey, Chile – 7 years). However, an analysis of the system assessment conducted by international experts (Turkey, Germany, India) showed that the State Unitary Enterprise “Uzbek Accreditation Center” can become a member of prestigious organizations within 3-4 years (in 2019-2022). As a result of the work carried out, the Uzbek Accreditation Center joined ILAC as a corresponding member on March 19, 2018. In April 2020, it was recognized as a full corresponding member of ILAC.
The next tasks facing the center was to join the ILAC-MRA, which would help increase the export potential of local products and ensure their unhindered recognition in the global market.
To achieve this goal, the center focused its work on radically adapting its activities to international standards, fulfilling all the required tasks, studying the experience of member countries, organizing workshops and master classes with international experts. The qualifications of specialists were improved. Courses were organized for laboratory workers.
From January to March this year, 8 international experts (representatives of Hong Kong, India, Taiwan, Iran, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Indonesia) evaluated the activities of the Uzbek Accreditation Center and gave their conclusions. In general, the activities of the center were assessed as satisfactory, recommendations for eliminating shortcomings were carefully studied and measures were taken to eliminate them. The results were presented in writing to international organizations. As a result of all efforts, on 14 September 2022, the Uzbek Accreditation Center was accepted as a full member of ILAC. Following the requirements of the international standard ISO/IEC 17011:2017 and ILAC procedures, the Uzbek Accreditation Center joined the ILAC-MRA in such areas as testing according to ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17025.
Tests carried out in Uzbekistan are now recognized in 116 countries.
The Uzbek Accreditation Center pays special attention to joint activities with ILAC. Strengthening ties with this authoritative organization is defined as one of the priority areas for the development of the national accreditation system. Based on the goals, principles and objectives of ILAC, the Uzbek Accreditation Center takes responsibility for the unquestioning and complete fulfillment of all obligations. Membership in ILAC is the key to the operation of the accreditation system based on international standards.
ILAC consists of 4 major regional bodies (Europe, Central America, Africa and Asia-Pacific). Accreditation agencies from 116 countries are full members of ILAC. They work in accordance with the ILAC-MRA.
UzA