NIST Announces Accreditation for Calibration Labs Based on International Standards
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced that its National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) will now accept applications from calibration laboratories seeking accreditation based on compatibility with international standards. This move aims to help U.S. manufacturers, exporters, and testing laboratories gain international acceptance of their calibration and test results, thereby avoiding potential trade barriers.
The NVLAP program, administered by NIST and operated in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization document ISO/IEC Guide 58: 1993, was requested by the National Conference of Standards Laboratories. It allows U.S. laboratories to qualify for recognition by European Union countries and reduces the need for multiple audits required by U.S. federal agencies for procurement requirements.
NVLAP currently accredits over 700 laboratories in various fields of testing, including acoustical analysis, asbestos fiber analysis, carpet testing, commercial products testing (paint, paper, plastics, plumbing, and seals and sealants), computer applications, construction materials testing, electromagnetic compatibility and telecommunications testing, energy-efficient lighting testing, ionizing radiation dosimetry, solid-fuel room heaters testing, and thermal insulation testing.
Keywords: calibration, accreditation, laboratories
