NATA CEO commences three-year term of world’s largest regional accreditation body
June 30, Sydney – The National Association of Testing Authorities’ (NATA) Chief Executive Officer, Jennifer Evans, has been elected Chair of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), the largest regional accreditation body representing and managing a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) among accreditation bodies in countries such as the USA, Canada, China and India.
This MRA facilitates the acceptance of conformity assessment results (test reports, test certificates, inspection reports, and certification) across the region and with other regions around the world with APAC recognised by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
Previously Vice Chair of APAC, Ms Evans commenced her three-year term as Chair at the completion of yesterday’s APAC’s General Assembly which saw Singapore’s Chang Kwei Fern step down from the role.
Ms Evans has been involved in accreditation and quality infrastructure at NATA for more than 35 years and has been NATA’s CEO for the past 11 years.
“With a membership of more than 50 accreditation bodies from economies in the Asia Pacific region including the USA, Canada, China, India and Australia, APAC has a significant role to play at the global level that is reflective of its geographic size and dollar value to global trade,” Ms Evans said.
“I’m delighted to elected Chair of APAC and to continue to advocate and promote the role and value of accreditation services to a very diverse range of stakeholders, industry bodies and consumers across one of the biggest regions.”
APAC was established on 1 January 2019 by the amalgamation of two former regional accreditation cooperations – the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC).
The mutual recognition and acceptance of conformity assessment results reduces the need to undertake duplicate testing, inspection or certification, thus saving time and money, increasing economic efficiency and helping international trade.
For additional information, please contact Liam Fitzpatrick