RIYADH — The Saudi Accreditation Center (SAC) has gained a national achievement by obtaining global recognition from the International Laboratory Accreditation Organization (ILAC), through the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC), in the areas of accreditation of testing laboratories, calibration laboratories and inspection bodies. The Kingdom's signing of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that require international recognition for national quality infrastructure services has contributed immensely to winning this recognition. This international recognition means that the conformity certificates issued by conformity assessment bodies approved by the SAC have become internationally recognized, and that will have a significant impact at the economic level by raising the level of trade exchange and the flow of goods and products to and from global markets. Minister of Commerce and Chairman of SAC Board of Directors Majed Al-Qasabi underscored that SAC's obtaining of international recognition is an important national achievement to support the quality infrastructure in the Kingdom and enhance the position of the center regionally and internationally. He appreciated the unlimited support that the Kingdom's quality system receives from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. SAC Executive Director Dr. Adel Al-Qaid said that the international recognition would support the flow of goods and products to and from global markets. This will also help upgrade the level of trade exchange, and support exports of Saudi products by providing reliable and recognized accreditation services locally and internationally so as to achieve the Kingdom's Vision 2030 as well as to enhance the Kingdom's position in G20 countries. "This international achievement is the culmination of the efforts of SAC during the peer evaluation process carried out by a team of international assessors, which lasted for a year. "The team also dealt with verifying the compliance of all international requirements for accreditation bodies in accordance with the requirements of the international standards ISO/IEC 17011, as well as the adequacy and effectiveness of legal and legislative systems, management systems and the adequacy of residents and the quality of the services of conformity assessment bodies approved by SAC." The SAC is the only national body authorized to grant accreditation services for conformity assessment bodies in the field of testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies. The accreditation activity is one of the main pillars of the quality infrastructure for its important role in raising the level, quality and adequacy of services and products, and increasing consumer confidence in it.
