[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 15, Volume 1, Parts 0 to 299]
[Revised as of January 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 15CFR285.3]

[Page 410]
 
                  TITLE 15--COMMERCE AND FOREIGN TRADE
 
 CHAPTER II--NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND TECHNOLOGY, DEPARTMENT 
                               OF COMMERCE
 
PART 285--NATIONAL VOLUNTARY LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart A--General Information
 
Sec. 285.3  Description and goal of NVLAP.

    (a) NVLAP is a system for accrediting calibration laboratories and 
testing laboratories found competent to perform specific tests or 
calibrations. Competence is defined as the ability of a laboratory to 
meet the NVLAP conditions (Sec. 285.32) and to conform to the criteria 
(Sec. 285.33) in NVLAP publications for specific calibration and test 
methods.
    (b) NVLAP is a process which:
    (1) Provides the technical and administrative mechanisms for 
national and international recognition for competent laboratories based 
on a comprehensive procedure for promoting confidence in calibration and 
testing laboratories that show that they operate in accordance with 
NVLAPs requirements;
    (2) Provides laboratory management with documentation for use in the 
development and implementation of their quality systems;
    (3) Identifies competent laboratories for use by regulatory 
agencies, purchasing authorities, and product certification systems;
    (4) Provides laboratories with guidance from technical experts to 
aid them in reaching a higher level of performance resulting in the 
generation of improved engineering and product information; and
    (5) Promotes the acceptance of calibration and test results between 
countries, and facilitates cooperation between laboratories and other 
bodies to assist in the exchange of information and experience, 
facilitating removal of non-tariff barriers to trade and promoting the 
harmonization of standards and procedures.
    (c) NVLAP is comprised of a series of laboratory accreditation 
programs (LAPs) which are established on the basis of requests and 
demonstrated need. The specific calibration and test methods, types of 
calibration and test methods, products, services, or standards to be 
included in a LAP are determined by an open process during the 
establishment of the LAP (see Sec. 285.11). The Chief of NVLAP does not 
unilaterally propose or decide the scope of a LAP. Communication with 
other laboratory accreditation systems is fostered to encourage 
development of common criteria and approaches to accreditation and to 
promote the domestic, foreign, and international acceptance of test data 
produced by the accredited laboratories.

[49 FR 44623, Nov. 8, 1984. Redesignated at 59 FR 22745, May 3, 1994, as 
amended at 64 FR 59617, Nov. 3, 1999]