Outcome description

Caucascert  is a Georgian conformity assessment body for organic certification. The European Commission recognized Caucascert as competent to carry out controls and issue organic certificates for all product categories and third countries for which Caucascert has applied on 21.06.2024. More specifically, Caucascert has been included in the list of recognized organic control authorities and control bodies from third countries according to Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2021/1378.

Caucascert has been accredited by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) to assess the conformity of organic goods produced in Georgia according to EU regulations (Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 on organic production and labelling of organic products). To ensure that the accreditation remains valid under the new Regulation (EU) 2018/848 on organic production and labelling of organic products, Caucascert had to submit an application dossier to the European Commission twelve months before the end of the transition period at the end of December 2024. Caucascert had to update its quality management systems and certification programmes, for instance they put now more emphasis on prevention and precautionary measures as required by new EU regulation. The accreditation is valid for 5 years, with surveillance every year.

Significance

In order to be placed on the EU market, Georgian organic agricultural commodities need to be produced in accordance with production rules and are subject to control systems, which are identical or equivalent to those laid down in the EU legislation. As there is no valid local law on organic certification and the corresponding control mechanisms in Georgia for the moment being, the requirements of EU certification are also applied to products that are not exported but are offered on the local market as certified organic. The recognition of the Georgian certification body was important  to ensure that Caucascert is able to issue certificates that enable Georgian certified organic producers to continue exporting to the EU even after the end of the transition phase (until end of 2024) for the adoption of the new EU regulation 2021/1378.

Caucascert is the most important Georgian conformity assessment body for organic certification, it holds more than 90% share of the local market with around 150 clients, among them two groups with 500 membes. Some of Caucascert’s clients produce or want to produce for expert, e.g. hazelnuts, dried wild plants or wine. There are also two or three active international certification bodies, recognized by the EU. For Georgian customers, the existence of a local provider is advantageous due to lower costs (e.g. no travelling costs for international inspectors) and easier communication (e.g. Georgian language skills). The recognised status of Caucascert thereby contributes to the development of organic farming, consumer information and the growth of an organic market in Georgia itself.  

Contribution description

The PTB project supported Caucascert to prepare and submit their applications to the European Commission for extending their existing accreditation in compliance with the new EU Regulation on organic production. From 11.09.2023 until 05.05.2024 international experts (GfRS) provided consultancy services including a critical review of the assessment report and a quality check of the dossier before submission to the European Commission in December 2024. They also run a helpline service with explanation and translation of the requirements of EU legislation upon demand. Online trainings on the regulatory framework for organic production in the EU, production rules, the control system, the use of electronic databases for issuance of certificates (TRACES)  and OFIS took place in mid March 2024. During an onsite visit in Georgia in April/May 2024 the project provided training and a simulation of a witness audit conducted on almond production. 

Importance of Contribution

The change would have taken place even without the PTB project. However, there would have been a risk that there would have been non-conformities and that Caucascert would not have managed to fulfil all the EU requirements and be formally recognised by the end of the transition period 2024. This would have meant an business-damaging interruption to exports by Georgian organic producers.

Outcome description

In June 2024, during the 18th EURAMET General Assembly, GEOSTM, Georgia’s national metrology institute (NMI), was formally accepted as a full member of EURAMET. The change reflects a strategic shift from GEOSTM’s previous COOMET membership (full member since 2006) toward deeper integration into the European metrology infrastructure. GEOSTM has been an associate member of EURAMET since 2022. Now, as a full member, GEOSTM has voting rights and can participate in the EURAMET General Assembly plenary session, technical committee meetings, and working groups without any special invitation from the respective chairperson, as is required for associate members. In addition, the review of their new calibration and measurement capabilities (CMC) will be carried out by EURAMET, and GEOSTM can actively engage in EURAMET projects.

Significance

This membership switch carries high strategic importance for Georgia’s quality infrastructure (QI) system: By transitioning SI traceability and technical benchmarking from COOMET to EURAMET, GEOSTM ensures the continuity and enhancement of its traceability and international recognition for its CMCs under CIPM MRA through EURAMET. This built trust in Georgian measurement internationally.

At this time, Georgia has 65 CMC entries (among them: 31 – temperature, 3- humidity, 18- electricity, 5 - Mass, 3-small volume, 2- pressure, 2- ionizing radiation, 1 - length) in the Key Comparison Database of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) published via EURAMET.

It is also expected that GEOSTM’s participation in EURAMET key and supplementary comparisons will enhance technical competence in organizing more rigorous interlaboratory comparisons for secondary calibration laboratories. This indicates higher metrological competence, strengthens confidence among international customers/interested parties, and thereby enhances credibility in export markets by harmonizing with EU technical regulations. It also supports the alignment of the national QI with EU trade integration, particularly under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA).

Beyond traceability and international recognition, full membership allows GEOSTM to fully access research projects in metrology. Consequently, GEOSTM laboratories can now benefit from broader access to European joint research and development as well as pilot studies, which support knowledge transfer, innovation, and improved measurement capabilities.

GEOSTM staff can attend working groups, trainings and technical committees within EURAMET and gain experience with high-level European metrology challenges, improving national expertise.

Contribution description

PTB supported GEOSTM’s shift to EURAMET through tailored internal audits in the field of pressure, electricity etc. These audits assessed GEOSTM’s CMCs listed in the BIPM Key Comparison Database (KCDB) and evaluated its quality management system readiness for the EURAMET peer-review process. Follow-up support addressed non-conformities identified during the audits. The audits were crucial in preparing GEOSTM for EURAMET’s stringent peer evaluation, including the verification of CMCs in the fields of mass, electricity, temperature, and humidity. Additionally, knowledge transfer through specialized training on EURAMET guidelines and ISO/IEC 17025-specific topics, as well as study visits by technical staff to national metrology institutes (NMIs) that are members of EURAMET, strengthened technical competence and understanding of EURAMET best laboratory practices.

Targeted knowledge transfer supported the development of new CMCs for small volumes and pressure, which will be submitted to EURAMET for evaluation.
 Finally, support for the organization of inter-laboratory comparisons registered with EURAMET or other pilot studies contributed to the preparation of new CMCs, which will be submitted according to the relevant EURAMET timeline.

Importance of Contribution

PTB’s targeted audits complemented wider capacity-building efforts under EU Twinning projects, such as training, institutional reform, and technical support.  Working in synergy with the most recent EU Twinning project, PTB helped coordinate the peer visits in July 2023 and March 2024, overseen by EURAMET Project 1582. 

Outcome description

On 10 July 2025, the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova approved the amendment to Law No. 235/2011 on accreditation and conformity assessment activities. The revision includes provisions enabling the recognition procedure for notification of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) to be applied also in the field of EMC, in alignment with European Union (EU) Directive 2014/30/EU.

This legal amendment lays the foundation for implementing accreditation for notification in Moldova. As a prerequisite, the national accreditation body MOLDAC has started aligning its internal processes with the European Accreditation (EA) policy EA-2/17. This includes revising internal procedures, updating competence criteria for assessors and technical experts, training internal staff in regulated areas, encouraging the competence development of CAB personnel operating under transposed EU directives and aligning reporting procedures with the needs of the Notification Authority and regulated sectors.

These reforms enable Moldova to operationalize a notification system aligned with EU principles, which is essential for future recognition within the EU internal market.

Significance

This legal and institutional development is a milestone in Moldova’s effort to align its technical regulation and quality infrastructure with the EU. It allows the country to establish a credible system for notification and accreditation for notification in the field of EMC, a prerequisite for placing products on the EU market.

Such notification is of particular interest to Moldovan manufacturers and importers of electronic and electrical equipment, including consumer electronics, industrial automation devices, telecommunications products, and automotive components. Notification enables CABs in Moldova to certify products according to EU standards, which is crucial for trade facilitation, improved market access, and reduced dependence on foreign service providers.

Although the implementation of notification and accreditation for notification processes is still underway, this amendment sends a strong signal of Moldova’s intent to build a functioning and EU-aligned quality infrastructure.

Contribution description

Through the regional project “Quality Standards for Increased Trade in the Eastern Partnership Countries”, PTB supported Moldova’s preparation for establishing a notification and accreditation system in line with EU practice. In close collaboration with Slovak experts from the Slovak national accreditation body (SNAS) and the national notification body (UNMS), PTB facilitated technical consultancy for both the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED) and MOLDAC. This support included an in-depth review and revision of MOLDAC’s internal procedures to align them with EA-2/17, particularly focusing on assessor qualification (PR-03), competence criteria, and reporting mechanisms.

In March 2025, PTB organized a 2.5-day online training course on “Accreditation for the Notification of CABs in the field of EMC,” which brought together 27 participants from MDED, MIA, MIRD, MOLDAC, and external technical experts. This training not only introduced EU regulatory expectations but also provided a platform for knowledge exchange. Slovak partners shared practical templates and procedures that were adapted by Moldovan institutions. PTB also supported MOLDAC in strengthening its internal capacities to operationalize the notification process according to EU standards.

Importance of Contribution

The achievement of this outcome was significantly enabled by Moldova’s bilateral cooperation with peer institutions in the Slovak Republic, which goes beyond PTB’s project-based support. UNMS and SNAS provided direct and practical assistance to MDED and MOLDAC beyond the formal training sessions. They answered technical and procedural questions and offered to host delegations from Moldova in Slovakia, allowing Moldovan stakeholders to observe the notification and accreditation-for-notification systems in practice. This kind of  visits help build up a common understanding and accelerate institutional readiness in Moldova.

In this context, PTB’s project complemented and catalyzed bilateral exchanges by preparing the technical groundwork, fostering a shared language around EU-aligned procedures, and facilitating cooperation between Moldovan and Slovak counterparts. The synergy between multilateral support and bilateral partnerships was essential in achieving legislative change and initiating institutional reform in Moldova’s quality infrastructure system.

Outcome description

The Ukrainian National Accreditation Agency (NAAU) is a signatory of the European Accreditation (EA) Multilateral Agreement (MLA) in various fields, including calibration, testing, medical examination, product certification, management system certification, certification of persons, and inspection. For the EA peer evaluation in June 2023, NAAU planned to include ISO 17029 as a new accreditation scheme within its MLA scope. ISO 17029 defines the general principles and requirements for validation and verification (V&V) bodies working in the field of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On July 30, 2024, formal international recognition for the EA MLA extension in the GHG V&V field was achieved through a decision by the EA Multilateral Agreement Council.

Significance

For Ukraine, as a (formerly) heavily industrialized country, trustworthy calculation of greenhouse gas emissions is a crucial requirement to fulfill its commitments under the Paris Agreement and to achieve the European Green Deal's goals of climate neutrality by 2050 and significant emission reductions by 2030. Many industrial installations have been lost during the war, particularly in the eastern regions of Ukraine, where industry is concentrated. Out of the 1,200 installations previously operational, approximately 800 remain, most of which are combustion-based. Ukrainian law requires that conformity assessment bodies (CABs) conducting GHG emission verifications for these installations be accredited. The accreditation of CABs based on globally recognized criteria outlined in international standards builds trust among customers and stakeholders.

NAAU’s services in this field have seen increasing demand from Ukrainian CABs. Before 2022, only three or four CABs had been accredited under the ISO 17029 scheme by accreditation bodies from other countries. As of 2024, NAAU is in the process of accrediting the eighth CAB in Ukraine, which will encompass all CABs currently active in this field within the country. These CABs typically have internal testing laboratories and rarely outsource testing. NAAU is also able to offer this accreditation service to CABs outside of Ukraine.

Contribution description

The PTB project has provided capacity building support to NAAU staff in preparation for the initial EA peer evaluation in the GHG V&V field. From Q4 2022 to Q2 2023, an international expert in this area conducted a series of training sessions and provided online consultancy to the NAAU team. The quality management (QM) system and procedures were reviewed, files of accredited CABs were audited, and CAB assessments were witnessed. The competence of the NAAU team was strengthened through continuous consultancy and advice.

The extension process for GHG V&V and the implementation of the new service benefited from the general support (e.g. an internal audit) provided by PTB to NAAU, that positively impacted the speed and quality of NAAU’s accreditation processes. While the first ISO 17029 accreditation took almost two years, a CAB could now complete the entire accreditation process within 11 months.

Importance of contribution

The contributions of the PTB team and its key expert were both intensive and significant, as acknowledged on various occasions by NAAU management and staff. Despite the limitations of providing consultancy solely online, optimal support was achieved. This success was largely due to the longstanding trust established between NAAU and the PTB team.

NAAU also received support from GIZ. They organized a training session and a study visit to Turkey on the topic of GHG V&V. During this visit, NAAU representatives had the opportunity to meet with the Turkish Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK).

Currently, NAAU is expanding its pool of experts for ISO 17029 accreditation by conducting training sessions independently. These efforts aim to replace experts who have left the country due to the ongoing war.

Outcome description

The Ukrainian metrology institute Ivano-Frankivskstandartmetrology has set up a gas flow laboratory with a capacity of up to 25,000 m³/h. Since January 2025, the laboratory is equipped with four newly procured and calibrated turbine gas meters, which enable the calibration of larger-diameter gas meters. These meters are used by operators of gas pipelines and gas storage facilities in Ukraine.

The new laboratory supports Ivano-Frankivskstandartmetrology’s mandate to create, improve, and maintain national standards for the units of volume and volume flow of gas, while also responding to current market needs. The laboratory ensures the verification of gas meters with diameters of up to 500 mm directly within the Ukrainian metrology institute, without requiring the equipment of third-party organizations.

Significance

Ukraine operates one of the most extensive gas transmission systems in the world, which has long served as a reliable and secure route for gas transit to Europe. For commercial metering, the system operator employs ultrasonic, turbine, and rotary meters with diameters of up to 500 mm.  Ukraine also hosts underground gas storage facilities used for European Union supply security. These require accurate measurement nodes using gas meters with diameters of up to 500 mm.

In Ukraine, periodic verification of regulated measuring equipment in use is legally required, according to Clause 1 of Article 17 of the Law of Ukraine "On Metrology and Metrological Activity". Until now, there has been no metrological facility in Ukraine capable of verifying gas meters with diameters above 300 mm, so large gas meters had to be sent abroad to European metrological stands for verification every two years. This resulted in significant operational costs, reduced the efficiency of gas transmission, and diminished the attractiveness of Ukraine’s transit routes for international traders, while also carrying reputational risks for both the gas company and the country. With the establishment of the new gas flow laboratory in Ivano-Frankivskstandartmetrology, such meters can now be verified domestically.

Contribution description

The PTB Eastern Partnership (EaP)  project contributed to this achievement through the procurement, calibration, and comparison of four turbine gas meters. A study visit by Ivano-Frankivskstandartmetrology’ s director and laboratory head to PTB and other relevant German institutions helped to shape the needs assessment. The implementation process was initiated in August 2023 following a formal request from the Ukrainian Deputy Minister. In June 2024, PTB commissioned the procurement of the turbine gas meters, complemented by the production and delivery of two adapters manufactured in Ukraine. In November 2024, PTB calibrated the four turbine gas meters for use in a comparison measurement in its Braunschweig premises. In December 2024, the meters were transported and delivered to Ivano-Frankivsk, enabling installation and commissioning of the laboratory in early 2025. After the completion of the comparison measurement, new CMC (calibration and measurement capabilities) entries are expected to be submitted to BIPM.

Importance of Contribution

The establishment of the gas flow laboratory was made possible through substantial financial and technical support from the PTB EaP project financed by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The comparison measurement, which involves other institutes from EURAMET member countries, was financed under the Eastern Europe title of the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE). Looking ahead, the comparison is expected to be continued as a hybrid comparison in cooperation with the Polish metrology institute GUM, ensuring long-term sustainability and integration into the European metrological framework.

Outcome description

In May 2025, NBSM achieved international accreditation for its calibration laboratories in the fields of mass, balances, and temperature. The accreditation was granted by the Greek National Accreditation Body (ESYD), a signatory of the European Cooperation for Accreditation’s Multilateral Agreement (EA MLA). This accreditation confirms that the NBSM laboratories fulfil the technical and management requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The final assessment was successfully conducted in March 2025, and the accreditation certificate was issued on 13.05.2025. The 2 NBSM laboratories are the first calibration laboratories in Armenia to be internationally accredited in their respective fields. Looking ahead, the recognition is expected to strengthen confidence in NBSM calibration services and and assure internatiolly recognized traceability within Armenia to NBSM customers from industry and conformity assessment bodies, which reduces cost and time for them.

Significance

This outcome is a major step forward for Armenia’s quality infrastructure (QI) and international integration. For local industry, regulators, and trade partners, internationally recognized calibration services ensure measurement reliability and increase credibility of calibration and conformity assessment results.  It will also ease the future submission and recognition of calibration and measurement capabilities (CMCs), once NBSM will become a Meter Convention and CIPM-MRA signatory.

The successful accreditation was celebrated publicly during World Metrology Day 2025, further raising the profile of NBSM within Armenia and abroad. The accreditation marks a turning point for NBSM and provides a credible foundation for future expansion of internationally recognized services.

It also demonstrates Armenia’s commitment to harmonizing its measurement and conformity assessment practices with international best practices, which is crucial for supporting innovation, product quality, and competitiveness. The accreditation will increase sustainability by reducing technical barriers to trade and supporting a robust national metrology system.

Contribution description

PTB’s technical experts played a central role in supporting NBSM on its journey toward accreditation. From 2022 to early 2025, PTB provided a combination of on-site and remote training, consultancy, and capacity building tailored to the laboratories’ specific needs. After an initial internal audit of the quality management system and technical procedures, targeted support addressed identified weaknesses, resulting in the revision and development of quality documentation. A second audit and a structured follow-up phase helped to close non-conformities, leading to the successful final assessment in March 2025. The collaborative and continuous nature of PTB’s support was key to maintaining momentum and building trust with the laboratory teams. PTB’s involvement went beyond technical advice by fostering a quality-oriented culture within the institution.  

Importance of Contribution

The project activities are a continuation of PTB’s long-lasting partnership with the Armenian national metrology institute. PTB’s contributions complement other donor contributions that have bolstered Armenia’s broader QI and QI users development: The World Bank’s Armenia Trade Promotion and Quality Infrastructure Project financed the rehabilitation of the NBSM laboratory building and premises and equipped the respective laboratories with the equipment. PTB support came in to develop the quality management system with relevant procedures and provide hands-on guidance in providing calibrations with the newly provided equipment. EU and UNIDO will support the setup of additional calibration laboratories in NBSM. Together, PTB’s hands-on technical and strategic support and broader donor investments have positioned NBSM as a visible and capable actor in Armenia’s quality agenda.

Outcome description

The National Metrology Institute of Moldova (INM) has expanded its scope of accreditation by MOLDAC, Moldova’s National Accreditation Body, in response to long-standing client demand, particularly for thermostatic enclosures. The expansion refers to the calibration of climatic chambers for temperature and humidity ( 5 new lines). With the capacity building (training and consultancy) provided by the project, INM can now provide internationally recognized calibration of these enclosures. In parallel, INM is preparing to publish Calibration and Measurement Capabilities (CMCs) in the BIPM-KCDB for humidity, specifically for thermo-hygrometers in the range of 10 %rh to 95 %rh at 20 °C.

Significance

The new and extended services respond directly to the needs of Moldovan customers, particularly in the fields of animal and plant health, food safety, and the regulation of medicines and medical devices. These sectors require reliable and internationally recognized calibration results to meet national regulations, facilitate exports, and ensure alignment with EU quality and safety requirements. The ability to verify thermo-hygrometers and climatic chambers domestically reduces reliance on foreign providers, cuts costs for local stakeholders, and strengthens Moldova’s national quality infrastructure. It also improves consumer safety and supports the competitiveness of Moldovan products on international markets.

Contribution description

PTB supported INM’s progress through consultancy and hands-on training in the field of temperature and humidity. The contribution included a review of INM’s technical procedures. Detailed training sessions combined theory with practice: a presentation and discussion on calibration methodology and practical exercises where calibration of an exhibition climatic chamber and thermo-hygrometer was carried out. Uncertainty calculations were made together with laboratory staff, who subsequently revised existing technical procedures and developed new documentation and tools for calibration.

The PTB expert also provided guidance on the necessary next steps for international recognition, recommending accreditation by MOLDAC for the extended scope and participation in relevant interlaboratory comparisons (ILC) before submitting new CMCs.

Importance of Contribution

The PTB contribution was essential in bridging knowledge gaps, preparing technical documentation, and aligning procedures with international guidelines. At the same time, INM benefits from complementary support provided by previous projects (Twinning, EuropeAid, World Bank) and is actively building cooperation with peer institutions in the region. Future collaboration is already being planned, including participation in a supplementary EURAMET project and comparison with a European NMI that has relevant humidity CMCs in place.