Why is NRL Status Important?

 The European Commission has created a network of National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) coordinated by the European Union Reference Laboratories (EU-RLs). This network of laboratories is responsible for setting up EU-wide standards for routine procedures and reliable testing methods in the areas of feed and food and animal health. 

• Collaboration & Sharing of Expertise

  ---

  These laboratories must collaborate with the EU-RL in their particular area of expertise and disseminate nationally information provided by the EU-RL

• Scientific & Technical Assistance

  ---

  The NRL's provide scientific and technical assistance to the national competent authorities.

• Improving Quality, Accuracy & Comparability

  ---

  The overall objective of the EU-RLs and NRLs is to improve the quality, accuracy and comparability of the results at Official Control Laboratories (OCLs).

• Appointed UK NRLs

  ---

  Core functions of the appointed UK NRLs are effectively those cited in Article 33 of Regulation (EC) No. 882/2004 which include  collaboration with the EU-RLs and coordination of the activities of official laboratories, organisation of comparative tests and ensuring appropriate follow-up, dissemination to the competent authority and official national laboratories.