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

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  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

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  The NRLs provide scientific and technical assistance to the national competent authorities.

• Improving Quality, Accuracy & Comparability

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  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

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  Core functions of the appointed UK NRLs are effectively those cited in Article 101 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625 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.