Always critical of what we do
Our valuable relationships
The RvA invests in sustainable relationships with stakeholders. This contributes to strengthening the quality infrastructure.
Competition and Consumer Policy
There is frequent consultation with the Directorate-General for Competition and Consumer Policy and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. One of the topics last year was the start of the revision of European Regulations (EC) No 765/2008 and (EC) Nr. 768/2008, also known as the New Legislative Framework (NLF). This revision and the consultation will continue into 2026.
The Board of the RvA also participates in the Broad Management Council of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. This council meets monthly with implementing and supervisory organizations.
About the New Legislative Framework
The NLF (New Legislative Framework) is the European framework for product legislation. An important part of this is Regulation (EC) No 765/2008, which lays down rules for accreditation, market surveillance and CE markings.
This regulation determines how inspection and certification bodies are officially designated and controlled and describes how Member States monitor products to ensure that they are safe and comply with applicable EU requirements. In addition, the Regulation lays the foundation for the proper use and reliability of the CE marking as visible proof of conformity.
The aim of the regulation is to ensure that products within the European Union are safe, compliant, and freely tradable. It also obliges national supervisory authorities to remove unsafe or non-compliant products from the market and provides a uniform basis for checks and enforcement within all Member States.
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate
The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK) holds a special position in relation to the Council of State. In 2025, the Secretary-General (SG) fulfills the role of ‘owner’ for the Minister, and the Competition and Consumers Directorate is the policy-responsible directorate.
We experience a lot of support from the Ministry for the use of conformity assessment under accreditation as a policy instrument. The Ministry has a good overview of our various policy developments and is highly involved.
The Council of State regularly participates in consultations with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and implementing organisations regarding the improvement of services to citizens and businesses. The Secretary General of EZK chairs these consultations.
Customer representation
The RvA and stakeholders such as NVCI, Fenelab, VSL, TIC Council, representatives of medical laboratories, and the Association of Scheme Owners meet regularly to discuss numerous tactical and strategic topics.
Generic framework
Over the past year, the RvA has had intensive contact with the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW). The subject was the Generic Framework, which contains proposals to strengthen systems of statutory conformity assessment. This framework aligns well with a signal that the RvA previously sent to all policy ministries regarding the use of accreditation in statutory conformity assessment.
Workshops 'accreditation as a policy instrument'
Accreditation is part of the Policy Compass, the policy instrumentarium of policy officers.
In 2025, the RvA organized workshops for policy officers, together with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate and the Quality Infrastructure platform.
During these meetings, we explained the role of accreditation as a policy instrument and the functioning of the quality infrastructure using case studies.
