The Capacity of Accredited Bodies in Tehran Province Is Unparalleled in the Region

 
According to the iCAB News Agency, Dr. Babak Pourakbari, Vice Chair of the Tehran Association of Accredited Conformity Assessment Bodies, emphasized the significant capacity of testing, inspection, calibration, and legal metrology entities in Tehran Province, stating that their technical capabilities are unmatched at the regional level. However, he noted that in certain instances these capacities do not receive adequate recognition or strategic attention.

Referring to Iran’s limited share in the regional Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry, Dr. Pourakbari added that despite the presence of valuable and well-established capacities, a sufficiently developed market—both domestically and internationally—has not been created for these entities.

He further explained that sanctions and banking restrictions have complicated the process of sample shipment and service provision to foreign markets. These constraints, particularly in the testing sector, have reduced the practical effectiveness of international certificates, underscoring the need for targeted policy measures to address these challenges.

Highlighting cooperation agreements with regional countries, the Eurasian Union, and the Shanghai framework, Dr. Pourakbari stressed that the expertise and institutional capacity of both the Tehran Association and the Iran Confederation of Accredited Bodies (iCAB) should be effectively utilized within relevant working groups. He noted that such engagement could represent a strategic advantage and a competitive strength for the country at the regional level.

In addition, he referred to more than a century of standardization history in Iran, stating:

“While we speak of over one hundred years of standardization in the country, many nations at that time were not yet familiar with the concept of standards—nor even with modern urban civilization—yet today those same countries are leaders in the global standardization industry.”
Dr. Pourakbari concluded by emphasizing that all branches of government, provincial authorities, and regulatory institutions should adopt a proactive and strategic approach toward accredited conformity assessment bodies, recognizing their essential role in quality control and in preventing substantial economic losses resulting from non-conformity and substandard practices.