Under European Regulation 765/2008, each EU Member State has a single National Accreditation Body. In Greece, this role is fulfilled by the Hellenic Accreditation System (ESYD).
ESYD is responsible for assessing whether certification, inspection, and verification bodies operating in the country comply with the relevant regulatory framework for accreditation, possess the necessary technical competence, and maintain independence and impartiality. It also oversees the accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories. In cases where ESYD does not have sufficient technical competence for a specific certification scheme, Certification Bodies may turn to another EU Member State’s Accreditation Body, as long as ESYD is notified. According to Regulation 765/2008, EU Accreditation Bodies collaborate, evaluate each other, operate without competition, and mutually recognize their certificates through the Multilateral Recognition Agreement (MLA).
Obligations of economic operators collaborating with the Public Sector
According to Decision 2325/2023 of the Council of State, economic operators who wish to enter into contracts with public authorities—and are required to comply with quality assurance standards—must submit Certificates of Conformity issued by Certification Bodies accredited either by ESYD or by corresponding Accreditation Bodies of other EU countries, as stipulated by Regulation 765/2008.
Certificates of Conformity issued by Certification Bodies based in third countries (or within Greece) bearing accreditation from a third-country Accreditation Body—even if those bodies have signed international mutual recognition agreements (such as those under the IAF, where ESYD is also a signatory—are not accepted by awarding authorities.
Case of subsidiaries and branches
Quality management system certificates issued by subsidiaries or branches of EU-based Certification Bodies are valid. However, if the Certification Body in Greece is a subsidiary or branch of an organization headquartered in a third country and holds accreditation from a third-country Accreditation Body, the certificates will not be recognized by awarding authorities.
