DAkkS strengthens cooperation at the 5th Annual Meeting of the German-Mexican Working Group for Quality Infrastructure in Mexico

As part of the “Global Project Quality Infrastructure” (GPQI), an initiative of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS) attended the 5th Annual Meeting of the German-Mexican Working Group on Quality Infrastructure (QI) and other associated events in Querétaro and Mexico City in January 2026. This trip provided valuable opportunities for intensive exchanges between German and Mexican stakeholders in the field of quality infrastructure. The focus was on advancing digitalisation and promoting interoperable systems.

Objectives and topics of the annual meeting

The main objective of the joint week in Mexico was to strengthen the cooperation between Germany and Mexico regarding quality infrastructure, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the development of interoperable systems.

The German delegation was led by Dr. Ole Janssen, Head of Subdivision at BMWE, and comprised high-ranking representatives from leading German institutions in the field of quality infrastructure. DAkkS was joined by Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. (DIN) and Deutsche Kommission Elektrotechnik, Elektronik & Informationstechnik in DIN und VDE (DKE) were also present.

The highlight of the delegation's trip was the annual meeting with the Mexican Ministry of Economy (Secretaría de Economía) on 22 January 2026, chaired by Andrea Genoveva Solano Rendón, Head of the Department of Regulation, Competitiveness and Competition, on the Mexican side. At the end of the annual meeting, a joint work plan for the next two years was adopted. During the trip, the delegation also visited other key Mexican quality infrastructure institutions and held several productive discussions.

DAkkS in dialogue on the digital accreditation symbol

Another highlight of the delegation trip was the technical exchange on the initiative QI-Digital, during which Sabine Reinkober, advisor for national and international accreditation policy at DAkkS, presented the latest developments of the digital accreditation symbol. As the world's first accreditation body, DAkkS provides accredited bodies and their customers with a forgery-proof, machine-readable, real-time verifiable digital version of the accreditation symbol as proof of accreditation. DAkkS is therefore actively supporting the digital transformation of the economy, contributing to a seamless digital chain of evidence within the quality infrastructure and facilitating a global paperless trading system.

More information on the digital accreditation symbol

In her presentation, Sabine Reinkober emphasised the previous cooperation with the Mexican accreditation body Entidad Mexicana de Acreditación (EMA) on interoperability, highlighting its connection to the digital product passport. This digital dataset for products will be introduced gradually across the EU for various product groups from 2027 onwards. It will facilitate the exchange of digital product information between economic operators along the supply chain and enable tracking in global trade.

Meeting at CENAM: Exchange with the Mexican Metrology Institute

Another highlight of the trip was visiting the National Metrology Institute of Mexico (CENAM) in Querétaro. During the tour and on-site meetings, participants engaged in intensive discussions on topics such as digital product passports, digital QI tools, batteries, and electromobility. DAkkS emphasised the importance of close international cooperation to develop interoperable solutions and ensure quality assurance in international trade processes.

Future outlook: Digitalisation as a key issue

The delegation trip once again highlighted the central role of digitalisation in the future development of quality infrastructure. Sharing specific initiatives and best practices enabled both countries to gain a deeper understanding of digital transformation.

DAkkS sees its active participation in the GPQI as an important contribution to promoting a modern and interoperable quality infrastructure. The digitisation of accreditation and certification processes aims to facilitate international trade and drive innovation in digital transformation. Further exchange and increased cooperation with Mexico, an important trading partner in this area, are essential for establishing a sustainable global quality infrastructure.