Question 1

What does PCA accreditation AB 308 guarantee and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

PCA (Polish Centre for Accreditation) accreditation number AB 308 is a formal confirmation that our laboratory meets the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17025 - the international standard for testing and calibration laboratory competence. It means every test we conduct is carried out by qualified personnel, with calibrated equipment, under documented procedures subject to regular external audits. For clients, this translates to legally defensible results that are accepted by regulatory bodies, notified bodies, and certification schemes across the EU and beyond.

Question 2

What is the ILAC MRA mark and in which countries are COCH test reports recognised?

Accepted Answer

ILAC MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation – Mutual Recognition Arrangement) is a global framework under which accredited laboratories agree to recognise each other's results. As an ILAC MRA signatory through PCA, COCH test reports are automatically accepted in over 100 countries - including all EU member states, the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, and Canada. Manufacturers do not need to repeat testing when entering these markets, significantly reducing time and cost to certification.

Question 3

What testing capabilities does the COCH laboratory offer?

Accepted Answer

COCH operates a broad range of accredited test programmes: refrigerated transport testing (ATP FRC), heat pump and refrigeration equipment performance (COP, SCOP, EN 14511), isothermal container assessment, GDP/DPD pharmaceutical temperature mapping, compressor and condensing unit diagnostics, fan aerodynamics, dehumidifier testing, electrical safety (LVD/znak B), acoustic and vibration analysis, and climatic chamber tests for military equipment (MIL-STD-810, NO-06). Our 26 × 6 × 4 m chamber handles conditions from −35°C to +70°C at up to 98% relative humidity.

Question 4

What is HP KEYMARK and what does COCH's role in the certification process look like?

Accepted Answer

HP KEYMARK is a voluntary European quality mark for heat pumps, managed by CEN (European Committee for Standardisation) and based on EN 14511 / EN 14825 performance testing. Manufacturers wishing to carry the KEYMARK mark must have their products tested by a licenced laboratory. COCH is authorised to conduct KEYMARK-compliant tests, measuring COP and SCOP across defined operating conditions. We issue the test reports required for the certification body to grant the KEYMARK licence, which is then recognised as proof of performance compliance throughout the EU.

Question 5

What is the difference between a notified body and an accredited laboratory, and what role does COCH play?

Accepted Answer

An accredited laboratory (such as COCH under PCA AB 308) performs technical tests and issues reports confirming measurable product characteristics against a standard. A notified body is additionally designated by a government authority to carry out conformity assessment under EU directives. COCH holds both roles: we are an accredited laboratory for a wide range of tests, and we are also notified body No. 1462 under PED 2014/68/EU (Pressure Equipment Directive). This means we can both test and certify pressure equipment for CE marking, covering the full path from initial testing to the Declaration of Conformity.

Question 6

Can companies from outside Poland order testing at COCH?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As an ILAC MRA signatory, COCH regularly works with manufacturers from across Europe and beyond. Our test reports are issued in Polish and English and are accepted in all ILAC MRA member countries without the need for re-testing. We serve clients from Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and other markets - particularly in the heat pump, refrigeration, and transport sectors. To discuss your testing needs, contact us directly at laboratorium@coch.pl or call +48 12 637 08 57.

Refrigeration Equipment Laboratory

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Accreditation AB 308 & ILAC MRA

Accredited Testing Laboratory AB 308

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