APNCF was created on February 8th 2006. Currently have 54 entities as associates, private and public, that develop worldwide economic activities in the railway sector (and more).Among others, APNCF have for object: coordination of the standardization activities and certification of systems, products, equipment and services in the domain of the railway applications. Concerning the Certification activities: APNCF is an Inspection and Product Certification Body. We are recognized as NoBo 2101, under the scope of the 2008/57/CE Directive - Interoperability Railway System, as Certification Body acc. to Reg. EU 445/2011 and as ISA - Independent Safety Assessment Body. In what it concerns Standardisation: APNCF is recognized by the Portuguese Institute for Quality (IPQ) – the National Standards Body – as Sectorial Standardization Body for the domain of Railway Applications, thus assuming the responsibility of coordinating the Portuguese Technical Committees for Standardization CT 143 "Railway applications" and CTE 9 "Electrical and electronic applications for railways", mirroring CEN/TC 256 and CLC/TC 9X, thus actively participating at the European standardization activities conducted by CEN and CENELEC. APNCF is the responsible body for the Chairmanship and the Technical Secretariat of the Sub-Committee CEN/TC 256/SC 1 "Railway applications / Infrastruture".