Book excerpt: Testing of materials and manufactured items is a key element in the process from standard specifications though control and verification during manufacture to trade in actual products. Cooperative agreements and networks are being set up covering reference materials and calibration. This process is becoming more urgent with the development in the European market and other international developments. This book presents international views on this fast changing field, with the main themes of: technical components of test quality; quality assurance in testing laboratories; laboratory accreditation and transnational recognition of test results.