Labs gain official recognition for testing conformance with ITU standards

By ITU News

Testing labs can now obtain official recognition from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for their competence to test the conformance of products with ITU technical standards.

The first eight testing labs have recently been listed in the new directory for ITU-recognized facilities. For buyers seeking standards-based solutions, another complementary ITU database lists compliant products – those meeting the standards developed by the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).

With the large and growing range of information and communication technologies available on the market, conformance with technical standards is crucial to interoperability between products offered by different vendors.

The testing lab recognition scheme is the latest initiative under ITU’s Conformity and Interoperability programme. Along with conformity assessments, the programme organizes interoperability testing events, offers capacity building, and provides technical assistance in the establishment of testing centres. 

ITU-T determined the key criteria and recognition procedure for testing labs.

An earlier Memorandum of Understanding between ITU-T, the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) enables ITU to recognize labs accredited by signatories to the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement.

Testing labs are invited to apply for ITU recognition using this application form. Labs successful in their application are announced in the ITU Operational Bulletin.

Companies can apply for the inclusion of their products in ITU’s product conformity database using this application form.

The recognition procedure is supported by the ITU-T Conformity Assessment Steering Committee.

ITU activities supporting conformity and interoperability are guided by:

• Resolution 177 (Rev. Dubai, 2018) of the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference
• Resolution 76 (Rev. Geneva, 2022) of the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly
• Resolution 47 (Rev. Kigali, 2022) of the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference
• Resolution 62-2 (2019) of the ITU Radiocommunication Assembly

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