CYS is an Associate Member to ILAC (www.ilac.org) (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and an Observer to EA (www.european-accreditation.org). These websites where lots of useful information can be accessed by everybody. CYS has also promoted a cooperation with a lot of Accreditation Bodies, e.g. ESYD, UKAS, ILAB, DANAK, RvA etc. Among recent developments one more should also be mentioned as very important, i.e. the promotion of a cooperation of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism with IRMM (www.irmm.jrc.be) (Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements) of the European Commission.

CYPRUSLAB

CyprusLab is the Association of Cyprus Laboratories established after the Network for the communication and dissemination of information in the field of testing that had earlier been formed (November 1994). Since then its activities have been coordinated by CYS; however, it was decided that, after recent developments, Cypruslab should operate as an autonomous scientific association.

The MoU (under preparation) of CyprusLab is currently still in draft; it is expected to be fully operational before the end of 2003.

CyprusLab issues a Newsletter which is available to everyone. Since 1997 CyprusLab has been an Associate Member of EUROLAB (www.eurolab.org) (European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories). Accession to the website is free with regard to general information and some basic documents; however full accession is available only to members of CyprusLab (password is required).

CyprusLab has organized a series of workshops, seminars and other training events on quality assurance and accreditation issues. Invited speakers from European countries contributed to this task. The ones who are interested in having more information and obtaining relevant publications may contact CYS.

The 110 members of CyprusLab (laboratories as well as other institutions) are classified per field of activity. These laboratories, operating in both the public and private sectors, cover a wide range of activities. For each of them some basic information is also available (to be provided soon).

IMPORTANT!

It has to be underlined that the membership of a laboratory in CyprusLab does not represent any recognition or any evidence of its competence with regard to any of its activities.

EURACHEM

EURACHEM represents the Focus for Analytical Chemistry in Europe. The members, i.e. National Committees operating in all European countries, are promoting the common tasks and ensure the communication with EURACHEM (www.eurachem.ul.pt).

The Cyprus EURACHEM Committee was established in 1997 and entered EURACHEM as an Associate Member, then upgraded to a Full Member (2000). The Committee is operating under PUC, the Pancyprian Union of Chemists. Accession to EURACHEM’s website is free and provides a lot of information (documents, position papers etc.) and a useful means of communication with regard to quality assurance and accreditation of laboratories.