Requirement of accreditation4

1

Competent law enforcement authorities must use an accredited forensic service provider to conduct any laboratory activity that—

a

is within scope of these Regulations, and

b

is requested in relation to the prevention, detection or investigation of criminal offences.

2

A forensic service provider is accredited if they are either—

a

accredited by UKAS as complying with European standard EN ISO/IEC 17025 M1, or

b

are otherwise accredited in accordance with F2paragraph 1 of F3Article 538 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (accreditation).

F12A

In respect of laboratory activity carried out—

a

at AWE Aldermaston, Dstl Fort Halstead or Dstl Porton Down, and

b

on items which require specialist handling and containment due to the presence of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear material or explosive material,

the requirement of accreditation is satisfied if that laboratory activity is carried out by, or under the supervision of, an individual who is a relevant employee in relation to that laboratory activity.

3

The requirement of accreditation only applies in relation to laboratory work that is carried out after the commencement of these Regulations.