Brexit, UKAS remains in the European network for another two years

With the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union, UKAS no longer meets the EA membership criteria as it is not a NAB in a Member State or candidate country. Already on February 11, 2019, EA had emphasized the importance of the accreditations issued by UKAS for the European accreditation system.

Confirmation came on May 14 from the EA General Assembly, which approved the resolutions that allow UKAS to maintain full member status for a further 2 years.

Specifically, the following resolutions were approved:

• The General Assembly acknowledges that UK left the EU and notes accordingly that the National Accreditation Body of UK (UKAS) does not meet anymore the requirements as set out in Article 5 paragraph 1 of the Articles of Association.
• The General Assembly, acting upon the recommendation from the Executive Committee, applies Article 6 paragraph 7 of the Articles of Associations and endorses that the National Accreditation Body of UK (UKAS) shall remain an EA Full Member until 31 January 2022. The membership criteria in EA-1/17-S1 continue to apply. This resolution can be changed by the General Assembly, if needed.

During this transition period EA will analyze together with UKAS the results of the negotiation between the EU and the UK and then revise the EA membership criteria with the aim that UKAS remains an EA member. That means also that UKAS will continue to be peer evaluated by EA in order to maintain its MLA signatory status.