On May 5-7, 2009, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the U.S Federal Communications Commission (FCC) co-hosted the Second International Workshop on Mutual Recognition Agreements for Conformity Assessment of EMC and Telecommunications Regulations at NIST in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
The U.S. Government is a signatory to five Mutual Recognition Agreements/Arrangements (MRAs) for the conformity assessment of telecommunication equipment, which involve the European Union, European Free Trade Area, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation, Inter-American Telecommunication Commission, and Japan. While the operational status and implementation details of the MRAs differ, all are intended to facilitate the international trade of telecommunications equipment. The MRAs are designed to benefit consumers worldwide through faster access to the latest technologies and products, while ensuring that they comply with regulatory safety and performance requirements of the importing country.
The NIST/FCC three-day workshop was designed for all MRA stakeholders and other interested parties, including regulatory authorities, designating authorities, manufacturers, accreditation bodies, test laboratories, and certification bodies. Regulators and industry representatives from Europe, Asia and the Americas provided valuable insights into emerging global trends in technical regulations, standards, and conformity assessment issues that have and will continue to impact electromagnetic compatibility requirements and radio and telecommunications equipment markets worldwide.
