International Consumer Research & Testing - History

History

ICRT was formally set up as a not for profit association under United Kingdom law in 1990 but it is based on a long tradition of co-operation between independent consumer organisations since the 1960s.

• 1968 – The first joint tests between the Dutch and Belgian organisations included hairdryers, dishwashers, stereo receivers and model trains. A test of hotels in Majorca was also joined by Germany.
• 1972 – The name European Testing Group (ETG) was adopted.
• 1974 – By now twelve organisations were attending ETG meetings including those from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, UK, France, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and Austria.
• 1982 – ETG Secretariat moved to London and an increasing number of collaboarative tests were carried out each year
• 1990 – A new organisation – International Consumer Research & Testing was created to formalise the arrangements of the ETG.
• 1991 – First European Commission (EC)-funded project “Comparative Testing in Europe” completed. This laid the basis for discussion about future ICRT EC-funded comparative testing projects.
• 1992 – First ICRT Guidelines issued
• 1995 – ICRT became a founder member of the Euro NCAP crash test programme
• 1999 – Guido Adriaenssens appointed CEO. ICRT now has 26 members
• 2002 – Nordic Testing Group formed.
• 2004 – Consumers Union (USA) joins ICRT, Asia-Pacific Regional Group met for the first time
• 2007–2010 Capacity building in new EU Member States lead to formation of Central & Eastern Europe Regional Group in 2010
• 2008 – Worldwide test on breakfast cereals published – joined by 30 partners
• 2010 – Latin NCAP launched
• 2011 – ICRT has 43 member organisations, launch of Global NCAP