A major transformation in the global accreditation landscape has taken effect with the launch of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, a unified international accreditation organisation, that replaces two long-standing bodies, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Effective from 1 January 2026, this new organisation brings together the previously separate accreditation systems under one entity and introduces a single Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA). The change is expected to streamline international recognition of accredited certificates and conformity assessment results, enhancing trust and consistency for regulators, industry and consumers worldwide.
Why This Matters for Business
Accreditation plays a critical role in global trade, supply chain operations, regulatory compliance and consumer confidence. A unified accreditation organisation offers several potential benefits:
Simplified global framework – Reducing duplication and aligning accreditation practices can make cross-border acceptance of certifications clearer and more predictable.
Improved efficiency for businesses – With one central MRA, accredited conformity assessment results will be more easily recognised across markets, reducing technical barriers to trade.
Greater consistency – Harmonised policies and procedures across sectors and regions aim to enhance the reliability of conformity assessment outcomes.
What Has Changed – and What Hasn’t
What’s new:
Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated now governs the accreditation system previously managed by IAF and ILAC, including issuing its own MRA covering all scopes of accreditation.
What remains:
- Existing accreditations and recognitions under the IAF MLA and ILAC MRA continue to be valid during the transition.
- Accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies and scheme owners can operate as normal with no service interruptions.
- The current IAF and ILAC marks will remain in use until the new Global Accreditation Cooperation mark is fully adopted.
How the System Works Going Forward
Regional accreditation cooperation bodies (such as those covering Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and others) will continue to support peer evaluations and coordinate activities feeding into the global MRA. These trusted peer evaluation processes, based on international standards, remain essential for building confidence in accreditation outcomes.
Practical Guidance for Stakeholders
Regulators and policymakers
Should begin updating references in legislation, regulations and certification specifications to align with the new Global Accreditation Cooperation MRA, while maintaining transitional recognition of existing arrangements.
Accreditation and conformity assessment bodies
Can continue using current IAF/ILAC marks during the transition and prepare to adopt the new Global Accreditation Cooperation mark once guidance is published.
International partners and scheme owners
Should anticipate a single point of liaison for accreditation policy input and expect existing memoranda of understanding to be transitioned to the new organisation.
Supply Chain Review
Previously, when selecting and approving suppliers, it was important to ensure a legitimately accredited certification body had issued relevant ISO management system certificates through their IAF approval. This will, in time, now change to GACI approval after the transition has been fully completed.
About Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated
The organisation is a not-for-profit incorporated society, and serves accreditation bodies, stakeholders and regional cooperation groups. Its mission is to support international acceptance of accredited conformity assessment results through a unified, efficient and trusted global system. Further details can be found on their website: Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated
Vassallo Associates can advise on all aspects of business accreditation. Contact us now to discuss your requirements.