Australia has taken a leading role in the development of government to government (G2G) mutual recognition agreements (MRAs). These MRAs facilitate trade by allowing conformity assessment (testing, inspection, certification) of products traded between countries to be undertaken in an exporting country rather than have the assessment carried out at destination. The conformity assessments are undertaken in accordance with the importing country's rules and regulations.

Under G2G MRAs each government appoints "designating authorities" to "designate" conformity assessment bodies. In Australia the relevant government authority may be the designating authority, but in many cases is NATA for laboratories and inspection services and JAS-ANZ for product and quality certifiers.

All NATA designations are underpinned by accreditation for the conformity assessments involved.

NATA has designated CABs in five sectors of the Australian MRAs with the European Commission and the EFTA EEA States. For these MRAs the CAB's role is to assist exporters with CE marking of relevant products and thus give easier access to European markets and increased status of these products in other markets.

NATA has also been appointed the designating authority for laboratories under the Australia-Singapore MRA and the APEC Electrical and Electronic Equipment MRA. As yet there are no designations under these MRAs.

A summary of NATA designations is provided in the Designated CABs list and full details of each CAB's scope of designation is given in the Download list. A recent analysis of the benefits of the Australia-European Community MRA is given in Opening the Door to European Markets.

If you require more information, contact CE Marketing or Designation of CABs at NATA.

Sources of Information

See our links page for other websites containing information on current Australian government to government mutual recognition agreements and associated issues.