COFRAC

COFRAC, the Comité Français d'Accréditation, is the French national accreditation body responsible for assessing the competence and impartiality of conformity assessment bodies. Its remit covers laboratories that perform testing and calibration, inspection bodies, and certification bodies that evaluate management systems, products, and personnel. Accreditation by COFRAC indicates conformity with internationally recognized standards and supports the credibility and acceptance of results both in France and abroad.

The accreditation process administered by COFRAC includes initial assessments, on-site audits, and ongoing surveillance to verify technical competence, consistency of decisions, and impartiality. Accredited bodies receive formal accreditation certificates and are listed in COFRAC’s directory, providing clients with a reference for the validity and scope of the conformity assessment activities. COFRAC also plays a role in safeguarding the integrity of the supply chain and regulatory compliance by ensuring ongoing conformance to applicable standards.

International and European involvement is a core aspect of COFRAC’s mandate. It is a member of the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and a signatory to the ILAC and IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangements (MRAs). Through these relationships, accreditation outcomes issued by COFRAC‑accredited bodies are generally recognized across Europe and by other ILAC/IAF signatories, facilitating international trade and cooperation.

Governance and structure: COFRAC operates as a non-profit association organized to ensure independence and impartiality in its accreditation activities. It uses a system of technical committees and a defined governance framework to establish accreditation scopes, evaluate conformity assessment bodies, and maintain the trust of stakeholders, including industry, regulators, and the public.