In order to respond to the real market needs, each Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) should adopt the necessary procedures for taking advice concerning the operation of the scheme from the different interested parties, i.e. related manufacturers, users and/or consumers at national and/or European level, and occasionally national authorities.

This can be achieved by the creation of an advisory committee with proper representation of the MRA participants and interested manufacturers, trade associations, (end) users, consumers. If so wished, the related MRA may also adopt procedures for allowing these representatives to take part in the MRA meeting for giving advice on the operation of the MRA.

The main responsibilities of an advisory committee (AC) are:

- to advise the participating organizations of an MRA on all matters of principle concerning the operation of the MRA, which touch upon the interests of manufacturers, users and consumers;

- to monitor the feed-back from the testing and certification experience by the participating organizations to the relevant CENELEC technical body(ies).