Constitutional Council endorses Iran’s membership in Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation

Iran’s Constitutional Council has sanctioned a parliamentary bill that permits the Islamic Republic to become a member of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), a significant regional organization dedicated to improving accreditation standards and promoting collaboration among its member countries.

“The bill for the membership of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) was found not to be in contradiction to the principles of Sharia and the Constitution after being reviewed by the Constitutional Council,” spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif wrote in a post published on the social media platform X on Monday.

The approval of the bill marks an important step in Iran’s efforts to strengthen its ties with regional organizations, and enhance its role in global accreditation and standardization processes.

On April 16, Iranian legislators examined and debated the bill during a public session, with the Parliamentary Committee on Industries and Mines delivering a comprehensive report on its stipulations. Following extensive deliberations, the bill received approval with 184 votes in favor, 14 votes against, and 2 abstentions, with 212 members of parliament in attendance for the vote.

According to the bill, the Iranian government is allowed to become a member of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) as per the statute and to pay the relevant membership fees.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision ensuring that all actions taken under the law comply with Iran’s Constitution. Specifically, the principles outlined in Articles 4, 77, 125, and 139 of the Constitution must be respected throughout the implementation process.

The Iranian government must also submit an annual report to the Majlis (parliament). The report will provide a detailed overview of the financial expenditures, obligations, and benefits associated with Iran’s membership in APAC, offering greater transparency and oversight into the country’s involvement in the organization.

APAC was established in 2019 following a merger of two regional organizations, the Asia-Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC).

The organization aims to promote mutual recognition of conformity assessments, thereby facilitating trade and increasing trust in the products and services offered by member states.