Laboratories from countries defined and listed in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) World Economic Outlook as emerging and developing economies can apply for a reduction of the EQA fees. These laboratories can take advantage of a significant reduction in EQA fees for a period of 4 years, provided the laboratories agree to continue to participate in EQA at full cost thereafter.
The IMF policy document lists the current countries defined as emerging and developing economies.
In order to apply for the reduction / discount in fees, the laboratory should submit a formal online application to EMQN (see above) together with the following evidence:
The information provided will be reviewed and verified by the EMQN Office and, if applicable, a formal note of acceptance will be sent to the laboratory. The final decision regarding fee reduction lies with the EMQN Director. A laboratory in receipt of a fee reduction is obliged to inform the EMQN Office of any significant changes to the criteria listed under 5.2.3 above within one calendar month of a change. Once the agreed period of fee reduction has expired, the laboratory will be invoiced the full cost for EQA participation.
The laboratory must participate for 5 consecutive years in at least one EQA scheme per year. If a lab defaults from this requirement, the fees will be charged (without a discount). Non-payment will result in the agreement and account being cancelled/closed. Invoices will be sent annually.
The laboratory agrees to pay the full EQA scheme fees in year 5.
Please note the EMQN policy relating to this changed on 01/09/2021 to V9. Download the application form and submit to EMQN.