Quality Infrastructure Definition

The members of the INetQI have adopted the following definition of Quality infrastructure:

The system comprising the organizations (public and private) together with the policies, relevant legal and regulatory framework, and practices needed to support and enhance the quality, safety and environmental soundness of goods, services and processes.

The quality infrastructure is required for the effective operation of domestic markets, and its international recognition is important to enable access to foreign markets.  It is a critical element in promoting and sustaining economic development, as well as environmental and social wellbeing.

It relies on

  • metrology,
  • standardisation,
  • accreditation,
  • conformity assessment, and
  • market surveillance.

Members also agreed on the following definition of a National Quality Policy (NQP), which is needed for the efficient and effective implementation of a Quality Infrastructure:

The policy adopted at national level to develop and sustain an efficient and effective quality infrastructure.