What is a notified body and a notified laboratory?

A notified body is a body assessing conformity, notified to the European Commission and on the list of notified bodies for a relevant directive. A unique identification number is assigned to such body. A notified body is authorized to conduct conformity assessments and issue certificates of conformity to type. A manufacturer whose product have to be assessed for conformity with the participation of a third party must use the services of a notified body of his choice.

A notified laboratory is a body authorized, in the manner described above, to test a product for conformity to relevant harmonized standards. The laboratory may issue a product’s research report to the manufacturer, but it is not a ‘substitute’ of, and does not replace a certificate of conformity to type.