The exchange of goods and services is a common objective for the single European market and for global trade. With the movement of goods and the provision of services being liberalised to a far-reaching extent, concomitant measures are required to ensure the quality of the goods being brought to market and of the services being provided. A recognised system of testing, calibration and certification (conformity assessments) offers reassurance that the products being marketed and the services being provided comply with the harmonisation requirements of the European Community.

Accreditation is the formal recognition by a relevant body (accreditation body) that a conformity assessment body meets the particular requirements applying to that body in terms of qualification and equipment and may thus be deemed competent. It is becoming increasingly apparent that accreditation is a necessary prerequisite for successfully competing at the international level.

The Accreditation Law (Akkreditierungsgesetz, AkkG) designates the Federal Ministry of Economy, Family and Youth (BMWFJ) as the accreditation body for Austria. The Austrian accreditation body is tied into the network of accreditation activities at the international level.