The APLAC multilateral MRA was established for testing and calibration in 1997 with seven inaugural signatories. It replaced a network of bilateral MRAs. The scope of the MRA was extended in 200 to include inspection and, in 2006, is being extended to include reference material producers.

Under the MRA each signatory acknowledges the equivalence of accreditations of all other signatories:

• Signatories demonstrate, through a peer review process, compliance with ISO/IEC 17011.
• Accredited facilities demonstrate through a peer assessment process compliance with:
  • ISO/IEC 17025-testing and calibration laboratories
  • ISO 15189-medical (clinical) laboratories
  • ISO/IEC 17020- inspection bodies
  • ISO/IEC Guide 34 and ISO/IEC 17025- reference material producers

A facility accredited by one MRA signatory for specified tests, calibrations, inspections or reference material production has equivalent competence to a facility accredited by other MRA signatories.

The APLAC MRA enhances acceptance of test and calibration data, inspection reports and reference material certificates among signatory economies, thus eliminating the need for retesting, re-inspection or re-certification, and facilitating trade. In the regulated sector, laboratories and inspection bodies can be accredited for compliance with domestic and foreign regulators.