Under the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) on behalf of the government, UKAS is the United Kingdom member of European Co-operation on Accreditation (EA), the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
The government recognises UKAS as the UK body which will, where appropriate, negotiate mutual recognition agreements with other national accreditation bodies. BIS provides appropriate advice to UKAS in the negotiation of these agreements. Equally, where the involvement of Government is required for the negotiation and signature of international agreements, UKAS provides appropriate advice to the Secretary of State.
In carrying forward its international work, UKAS has an obligation to seek and consider advice from a full cross section of interests, including any relevant advisory committee established by UKAS. It will consult Government on all international accreditation issues where there is a significant Government or wider public interest involvement whether as a result of a request from Government or otherwise.