sec_9_2_4__para__2

The CETA Protocol replaces an earlier Mutual Recognition Agreement between the EU and Canada on conformity assessment (324). The CETA Protocol simplifies the functioning of the former MRA by relying on accreditation, and on closer cooperation between the EU and Canada’s accreditation bodies. In this regard, the CETA Protocol introduces an important novelty by including the possibility for conformity assessment bodies to be accredited to test and certify products for the requirements of the other Party by their own national accreditation body. Hence, the Protocol introduces two pathways to facilitate the mutual recognition of conformity assessment bodies and certificates. The first and preferred way foresees that interested conformity assessment bodies shall seek accreditation directly from the accreditation body established in their territory, provided that the national accreditation body has been previously recognised as competent by the other Party. Second, in case the first option is not available, interested conformity assessment bodies may seek the relevant accreditation by the accreditation body of the other Party. To recognise a conformity assessment body as competent to test and certify products, the other Party will have to previously designate the accredited conformity assessment body and provide the necessary information. The Parties may also raise objections, challenge, and cease to recognise conformity assessment bodies of the other Party. The CETA Protocol establishes a right for Canada to access and use the European Union’s electronic notification system (NANDO) for designation purposes.

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Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-25 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.