A joint initiative founded in 1925 by private sector companies and the government of the day as the national board for delivery conditions (RAL = Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen) which was originally tasked with defining the standardisation of precise technical delivery conditions. Over time the RAL became established as the recognised body charged with the certification of products and services. Certification is recognised by means of a quality mark; this is highly regarded by consumers and the wider economy alike, because products and services awarded the quality mark guarantee a high standard of tested quality. There are more than 160 quality marks in the different product categories and service sectors.
The body responsible for awarding a RAL quality mark is generally a quality assurance association (legal form: e.V. (registered association)). This is understood to be a body representing common interests formed by different manufacturers and providers to award a quality mark bearer the right to bear a quality mark in accordance with a common constitution. Bearers of the quality mark are obliged to adhere to the regulations regarding quality and testing.
Quality monitoring consists of initial testing, in-house and external inspections. The quality mark is only awarded following an initial successful test. All bearers of the quality mark are then obliged to implement a continuous in-house inspection system to monitor the production of the quality assured products or, as the case may be, the provision of quality assured services.
In addition, the quality assurance association commissions an independent test institute or authorised inspector to carry out external inspections. External inspections commissioned by the Quality Assurance Association for pipe supports are carried out solely by internationally accredited, renowned institutes
Further information about how RAL is organised as well as details about the RAL approval procedure is available on the RAL website.