It depends. U.S. policy does not require that all conformity assessment bodies be accredited. Testing Laboratories, Certification Bodies, and Inspection Bodies choose whether or not to seek accreditation based on the needs and requirements of their clients (e.g. manufacturers, regulators, consumers, suppliers, etc.).

The costs for conformity assessment services are usually borne by the manufacturer, or the party who is required to demonstrate compliance. U.S. government regulatory or procurement agencies which choose to administer their own conformity assessment programs use public funding to do so.

The level of conformity assessment required to demonstrate compliance with a government regulation is generally indicated in the regulation. For voluntary standards, the level of conformity assessment required is determined by marketplace demand. Ultimately, providing confidence to users and mitigating risk are the two largest deciding factors in the selection of any one conformity assessment method.

The U.S. conformity system operates in a decentralized manner, relying on a variety of tools for each industry sector. The United States National Conformity Assessment Principles articulates the principles for U.S. conformity assessment activities that will allow consumers, buyers, sellers, regulators and other interested parties to have confidence in the processes of providing conformity assessment, while avoiding the creation of unnecessary barriers to trade.

Learn more about the United States National Conformity Assessment Principles.

Access policy guidance on Federal Agency use of Conformity Assessment.

U.S. government conformity assessment activities are addressed in the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Public Law 104-113) and by the OMB Circular A-119.