The Laboratory of Materials within the Directorate of Public Works Engineering at Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) has received accreditation from the Costa Rican Accreditation Entity (ECA) for three testing standards: INTE Q32:2013, INTE Q140:2020, and INTE Q21:2021.
With this decision, ECA granted the laboratory Accreditation Scope LE-188. This certification recognizes that the laboratory meets national technical and quality standards.
According to MOPT, this step aligns with Law No. 10728, which requires laboratories to be accredited by ECA. The ministry stated that compliance with this law helps strengthen both regulatory and technical frameworks overseeing quality assurance in public works projects.
MOPT noted that the new accreditation reinforces its Quality Management System and brings it up to par with other nationally accredited laboratories. The ministry said this “guarantees greater reliability in tests supporting the execution and supervision of works that MOPT carries out or contracts.”
The ministry described the achievement as “a firm step in institutional strengthening and continuous improvement of services provided by the Ministry, reinforcing verification mechanisms and quality control for the benefit of citizens.”
However, MOPT also acknowledged ongoing challenges related to equipment, specialized personnel, and resource allocation—factors needed to expand capabilities and maintain current standards.
The ministry thanked both the National Laboratory of Materials and Structural Models at the University of Costa Rica (LanammeUCR) and the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) for their technical assistance during accreditation. It also recognized “the commitment, professionalism, and effort” of laboratory staff as essential in achieving these results.
