Glossary
Glossary term

accreditation

A regulatory term referring to accreditation as defined in Article 2, point (10), of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008.

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What does accreditation mean?

Accreditation, as used in the EU Battery Regulation, is a cross-reference to the definition in Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 — the EU's overarching framework for market surveillance and conformity assessment. In that context, accreditation is the formal attestation by a national accreditation body that a conformity assessment body (such as a testing lab or certification body) is competent to carry out specific conformity assessment activities. It is the mechanism that gives third-party verification its legal weight.

Official definitions by source

EU Battery Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries

accreditation as defined in Article 2, point (10), of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008;

Reference: Article 3, point 37

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Practical application

Accreditation matters because the Battery Regulation requires third-party verification of sustainability claims (including carbon footprint and due diligence) by accredited bodies. A verification report issued by a non-accredited body does not satisfy regulatory requirements, even if the technical work is sound. Companies selecting verification partners must confirm that the partner holds appropriate accreditation for the specific scope of assessment required.

Minespider commentary

For Minespider, accreditation is the quality gate on third-party verification data. When a verified carbon footprint or due diligence report is attached to a battery passport, the accreditation status of the issuing body is part of the evidential chain that makes that data trustworthy and auditable.

Common confusions

  • Confusing accreditation with certification: accreditation is awarded to the body that does the certifying; certification is awarded to the product or company being assessed.
  • Assuming any ISO-standard-compliant auditor qualifies — accreditation under Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 requires formal recognition by a national accreditation body (such as DAkkS in Germany or UKAS in the UK).
  • Overlooking that accreditation scope matters: a body accredited for product safety testing is not automatically accredited to verify battery carbon footprint calculations.