What is the APEC-TEL MRA?

In June 1998, the APEC Telecommunications and Information Ministers agreed to update APEC-wide processes for the testing and type-approval of telecommunications equipment.

This landmark arrangement, the Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Conformity Assessment of Telecommunications Equipment (APEC TEL MRA), was the first multilateral agreement of its type in the world.

This Arrangement streamlines the Conformity Assessment Procedures for a wide range of telecommunications and telecommunications-related equipment and facilitates trade among the APEC member economies.

It provides for the mutual recognition, by an importing economy, of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) and mutual acceptance of the results of testing and equipment certification procedures undertaken by those bodies in assessing conformity of equipment to the importing economy’s own Technical Regulations.