The Benefits of Accreditation

The single European Market is of fundamental importance to Ireland, as more than 65% of our total exports are sold to Europe. DAC is part of the European network of accreditation bodies and plays a pivotal role in securing the access of Irish products and services to the EU market.

DAC accreditation ensures that certificates and test results are acceptable worldwide. Accreditation eliminates the need for multiple assessments when goods cross frontiers, giving Irish industry the best competitive advantage possible in what is an ever-expanding and aggressive marketplace.

Government
Accreditation is the preferred mechanism for ensuring public confidence in the reliability of activities that impact on health, welfare, security and the environment. Accreditation is used, therefore, to identify bodies competent for the implementation of government policies and regulations.

Consumer
Accreditation gives consumers confidence through ensuring consistently high standards in the quality and safety of products or services purchased.

Industry
Accreditation is an essential tool for decision making and risk management. Organisations can save time and money by selecting an accredited (and therefore competent) supplier.

Accreditation can provide a competitive advantage and facilitates access to export markets within Europe and beyond – with the aim of “tested or certified once, accepted everywhere”.

Accurate measurements and tests carried out in compliance with best practices limit product failure, control manufacturing costs and foster innovation.

Accredited Members
Accreditation is chosen by an organisation because of the competitive advantages it affords, through access to a given market via independent assessment and demonstration of compliance with international requirements.

Accreditation is objective proof that organisations have the competence to comply with best practice. It is the internationally recognised system that is used to develop and sustain high standards of performance. It is often a prerequisite for eligibility to tender for international projects.

Who can be accredited?

Organisations can be accredited to carry out a defined conformity assessment activity, such as:

• Testing
• Calibration
• Inspection
• Reference Material Producers

Certification of:

• Persons
• Product, service or process
• EMAS Verification
• Management systems:
• Environmental
• Energy
• Quality
• Food Safety
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Information Security
• Electronic Signatures