The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (Swedac) have signed a cooperation agreement to reduce barriers to trade and facilitate UK participation in European Union (EU) regulatory schemes. 

The agreement was unveiled on 26 October 2026 during the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) Annual Meetings in Panama City. 

Under the agreement, UKAS will conduct accreditation assessments of UK-based verification and certification bodies on behalf of Swedac, which will remain responsible for granting accreditation under the applicable EU requirements. This arrangement will help reduce costs, avoid unnecessary duplication and support access to European markets while maintaining confidence in accredited conformity assessment. 

Initially, the agreement covers two EU regulatory frameworks: the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Renewable Energy Directive III (RED III). Both rely on accredited verification and certification to support compliance with environmental and sustainability requirements. 

Commenting on the agreement, UKAS CEO Matt Gantley said: 

“This agreement is an important step forward in strengthening cooperation between UKAS and Swedac, both of whom are recognised as world-leaders in accreditation. More significantly, it demonstrates both organisations’ commitment to producing practical solutions that support market access, reduce unnecessary duplication and deliver real value for conformity assessment bodies.” 

Echoing these sentiments, Swedac’s Director General Alexandra Wilton Wahren said:

“This strengthened cooperation between Swedac and UKAS is about turning trust into practical solutions for trade. By enabling UK conformity assessment bodies to obtain accreditation against EU requirements for CBAM and RED III, we are supporting businesses on both sides, reducing barriers to trade and strengthening confidence in the movement of goods between the UK, Sweden and the wider EU market.” 

UKAS and Swedac are also exploring opportunities to extend the arrangement to other EU regulatory schemes with similar accreditation requirements. 

The agreement highlights how international cooperation in accreditation can provide practical solutions to regulatory challenges, facilitate trade and strengthen confidence in accredited results.