01
Impartiality
Recognition activities should be conducted objectively and without inappropriate influence or conflicts of interest.
MRA
Mutual Recognition Arrangement
A structured framework for cooperation and recognition of conformity assessment activities, supporting confidence in the competence and reliability of participating organizations within the applicable PACI framework.
PACI Recognition Framework
Building confidence across borders
A Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) is a structured arrangement through which participating parties establish a basis for recognizing specified conformity assessment activities or results within an agreed framework.
For PACI, the MRA concept supports cooperation, consistency and confidence in conformity assessment while maintaining clearly defined responsibilities, scopes and applicable requirements.
Recognition under an arrangement should always be understood within the exact scope and conditions established by the applicable arrangement and related PACI documents.
International Recognition
Recognition arrangements can provide a structured basis for cooperation between accreditation, conformity assessment and related organizations, helping establish greater confidence in results covered by the applicable scope.
MRA Framework
What is an MRA?
A Mutual Recognition Arrangement is an agreement or framework under which participating parties recognize specified conformity assessment activities, results, decisions or related outputs according to defined criteria, scopes, responsibilities and conditions. Its purpose is to establish confidence and facilitate appropriate acceptance without removing the technical requirements applicable to the recognized activity.
Core Principles
Principles of recognition
Effective recognition arrangements depend on transparent requirements, competent evaluation, defined scopes and confidence in the integrity of the participating organizations.
02
Confidence
The arrangement is intended to strengthen confidence in the competence and reliability of participating conformity assessment organizations.
03
Defined Scope
Recognition applies to defined activities and scopes. Organizations should not represent recognition beyond the scope formally covered.
04
Continued Oversight
Recognition arrangements may include continuing evaluation, monitoring and review according to applicable PACI requirements.
Recognition Process
How recognition works
The exact procedure depends on the applicable PACI arrangement and requirements. The following represents a high-level framework for understanding the typical stages of recognition.
01
Application
An eligible organization submits an application and relevant information describing its legal status, activities, competence and intended recognition scope.
02
Document Review
Relevant policies, procedures, technical documentation and supporting records are reviewed against applicable requirements.
03
Evaluation
The organization may undergo technical evaluation or assessment activities appropriate to the applicable recognition framework.
04
Decision
The available evaluation evidence is considered before a recognition decision is made in accordance with the applicable PACI process.
05
Recognition
Where requirements are fulfilled, recognition may be granted for the defined scope and under the applicable terms and conditions.
06
Continued Monitoring
Continued oversight, reassessment or review may be required to maintain confidence in the recognized activities.
Value of Recognition
Why recognition matters
A credible recognition framework can support cooperation and confidence while helping organizations work within a consistent conformity assessment infrastructure.
International Cooperation
Supports cooperation between organizations operating in different countries and regions.
Reduced Duplication
Appropriate recognition arrangements can help reduce unnecessary duplication of conformity assessment activities.
Market Confidence
A credible recognition framework can contribute to greater confidence in conformity assessment results.
Facilitated Acceptance
Recognition arrangements may support the wider acceptance of conformity assessment results within the applicable framework.
Important Recognition Notice
PACI recognition and MRA-related statements should be interpreted only within the specific arrangement, scope, status and conditions formally established by PACI. Participation in a PACI arrangement should not be represented as recognition by another accreditation or international organization unless such recognition is independently established and documented.
Interested in PACI Recognition?
Contact PACI to discuss recognition, conformity assessment cooperation and applicable MRA requirements.