Regional conference on laboratory accreditation opens in central Vietnam

The Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) convened its annual conference in Vietnam's central Da Nang city on Monday, with participation of representatives from 26 regional countries and territories. According to state-run Vietnam News Agency, participants reviewed implementation of policies by regional member countries in recognizing common standards for laboratories, reviewing the norms and granting certificates, through which trade barriers to administrative procedures among member countries can be minimized. During the six-day conference, which will last until Sept. 14, participants will attend a technical group meeting, a mutually accredited meeting and a plenary meeting. APLAC, established in 1992 with nearly 30 members, is an international, non-governmental organization of laboratory accreditation bodies. It manages activities and coordinates with national accreditation agency in implementing common standards for laboratories, as well as assessing and granting certificates to products. When a national product is accredited by APLAC, it will be legally recognized in other member countries, which will help businesses save time and spending when exporting their products. The Vietnam laboratory accreditation agency was established in 1990 under the administration of the Ministry of Science and Technology. It has now nearly 700 affiliates operating nationwide. Vietnam became an official member of APLAC in 2000.