Division 2 General functions and duties

To provide national reference laboratories with details of analytical methods, including reference methods.

To coordinate the application by the national reference laboratories of the methods referred to in (a), in particular by organising comparative testing and by ensuring an appropriate follow-up of such comparative testing in accordance with internationally accepted protocols, when available.

To coordinate, within their area of competence, practical arrangements needed to apply new analytical methods and informing national reference laboratories of advances in this field.

To conduct initial and further training courses for the benefit of staff from national reference laboratories and of experts from developing countries.

To provide scientific and technical assistance to the Commission, especially in cases where Member States contest the results of analyses.

To collaborate with laboratories with the same area of competence in third countries.