APAC leadership changes
After a distinguished career in the development and leadership of accreditation at national, regional and international levels, Ms. Jennifer Evans from the National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA) relinquished the role of APAC Chair on 1 July 2026. The new APAC Chair is Mr. Tan Yee Teck, Executive Director of the Quality and Excellence Group at Enterprise Singapore, an agency under Singapore’s Ministry of Trade & Industry. The new APAC Vice Chair is Ms. Anne Hofstra, Senior Operations Manager at International Accreditation New Zealand (IANZ). APAC sincerely thanks Ms. Evans and wishes her all the best for her retirement. APAC welcomes Mr. Tan Yee Teck as the new APAC Chair, and Ms. Anne Hofstra as the new APAC Vice Chair. Please follow this link to see the full notification: https://apac-production-wp.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/app/uploads/2026/07/06143016/20260706-APAC-leadership-change-announcement-Version-1.0.pdf
APAC Communications and Promotions Committee Meeting Outcomes: Digitalization, Sustainable Development, and Global Cooperation
The annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) was held in Bali, Indonesia, from June 19 to 26, 2026. The Communications and Promotions Committee (CPC) met during the meeting. The event brought together key representatives of accreditation bodies from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss current challenges and share best practices. A key highlight of the meeting was the impact of digitalization and artificial intelligence on accreditation. The Committee heard reports from the Artificial Intelligence Working Group and the APAC Digitalization Network (ADN). Participants noted the importance of adapting accreditation mechanisms to new technological realities, which resonates with the global agenda: at the end of 2025, APEC economic leaders adopted the Gyeongju Declaration, endorsing the Artificial Intelligence Initiative to prepare the region for digital transformation. At the CPC meeting, new information materials prepared by the Communications Working Group were presented. These included an updated booklet, “Smart Assurance: Accreditation for Digital Trust,” and infographics on the activities of Global ACI. During the meeting, participants discussed APAC’s interaction with global structures. Mr. Brendon Moo, Chair of the Communications Committee of the Global Accreditation Cooperation (Global ACI), presented a report on joint initiatives and the #WAD2026 campaign in honor of World Accreditation Day. As a reminder, on January 1, 2026, the Global ACI structure came into effect, uniting all major regional accreditation organizations worldwide, including APAC, EA, IAAC, AFRAC, ARAC, and SADCA. The committee approved the work plan and budget for 2027–2029 and identified priority topics for future workshops. A workshop on sustainable development and accreditation is planned for 2027, with the accreditation bodies of Uzbekistan (UZAKK) and the UAE (NABCB) volunteering to host it. The possibility of holding events on interaction with regulators and accreditation policy was also discussed. Following the meeting, the schedule of future APAC annual meetings was approved through 2032. In 2027, the event will be hosted by Australia (Sydney), in 2028 by the United States (Hawaii), followed by Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan. The Committee members reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trust in accreditation and developing a global quality infrastructure.
INACAL, Peru, has become an Associate Member of APAC
The Asia-Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) announces its expansion. In accordance with the APAC Constitution (APAC GOV-001) and the APAC Rules and Codes (APAC GOV-002), the organization’s Executive Committee has approved the application of the National Institute of Quality of Peru (INACAL) for Associate Member status. INACAL is now officially an Associate Member of APAC. The parties have already exchanged congratulations and expressed their readiness for fruitful cooperation. Contact information for the new member: Patricia Aguilar Rodríguez, Director of Accreditation; Address: 817 Las Camelias Street, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru; Phone: +51 1 640 8820 ext. 1400; Email: paguilar@inacal.gob.pe; Website: https://www.inacal.gob.pe.
Global ACI. Trust foundation
Our world is moving faster than ever. From the energy that powers our homes to the technology in our pockets, innovation is the heartbeat of progress. But for innovation to truly change lives, it needs a foundation. It needs trust. Accreditation provides independent assurance that products, systems and services are safe and reliable. Today we enter a new era, commencing operation on January 1st, 2026. IAF and ILAC have evolved into a single unified voice. The Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated. Global ACI. Accreditation doesn’t just look at how things work today, it looks at how they impact tomorrow, driving sustainability. Accreditation ensures green claims are verified and that the products we use are safe for the planet. It’s how we build a world that lasts. For regulators it means a simpler path to safety. For businesses it means one door to the global market. And for the public it means trust and peace of mind. Whether it’s a medical test or a structural safety report, Global ACI is the invisible thread connecting quality and confidence to your daily life. Celebrate World Accreditation Day and discover how Global ACI is shaping a safer, more sustainable future for everyone, everywhere. Global ACI. Global trust for a better world.
Global ACI celebrates World Accreditation Day (WAD) on 9 June 2026.
Chair’s Message World Accreditation Day 2026 Innovation, Trust and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation This year’s theme Innovation, Trust and Sustainability: The Power of Accreditation spotlights the role that accreditation and conformity assessment play in enabling innovation, building trust and supporting a more sustainable future. All businesses face challenges in accessing markets, competing on a level playing field and demonstrating regulatory compliance. Consumers face challenges in knowing that the goods and services they purchase are from reputable and trustworthy sources, are “fit for purpose” and are environmentally sustainable. Accreditation and conformity assessment are proven tools that enable this confidence. This year’s theme aims to share examples of how accreditation supports these three vital pillars, with the aim of encouraging wider adoption of accreditation across the global economy. WAD focuses on how accreditation, supported by the global Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) established by Global ACI, helps business and industry to compete in this global marketplace. The Chair of Global ACI, Brahim Houla, said, “As technology evolves and sustainability expectations grow, progress needs proof. Accreditation helps ensure new solutions are reliable. It demonstrates that they meet the requirements of regulators, signifies credibility and instils confidence with potential customers. Accreditation also helps drive internal efficiencies and improved company culture. World Accreditation Day 2026 highlights the critical role of accreditation and conformity assessment in ensuring that products, services, and management systems meet recognised standards and regulatory requirements. That work helps innovation move faster and more safely. It ensures that sustainability claims stand up to scrutiny, and it helps build trust in the results that regulators, businesses and consumers rely on.” Across the world, accreditation provides independent oversight – checking that conformity assessment bodies such as laboratories, inspection bodies and certification bodies are competent, impartial and reliable. On World Accreditation Day we recognise and thank the people and organisations who make this confidence possible. https://e-c-a.pro/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wad2026-mr.-tan-yeek-teck-apac-vice-chair.mp4https://e-c-a.pro/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/wad2026-ms.-jennifer-evans-apac-chair.mp4
Global accreditation cooperation: a new era of international trust
On January 1, 2026, a new era began in the field of international accreditation: the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (GACI) officially began its work-a single international organization that combined the functions of two historically formed structures-the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). 📌 Why this is important Accreditation is the foundation of the international conformity assessment system: it confirms the competence of laboratories, certification bodies, inspection and other conformity assessment bodies, as well as ensures the recognition of test results and certificates in different countries. So far, the system has been implemented through separate multilateral agreements — the IAF MLA and ILAC MRA, which allowed the recognition of accredited results worldwide. Creating a single organization is aimed at: simplification of the global accreditation mechanism, harmonization of rules and procedures, reducing duplication of efforts, building confidence in accreditation by government agencies, businesses, and consumers. 🛠 ️ What exactly has changed ✔ Unified structure, unified MRA GACI took over the functions of the IAF and ILAC and launched its own Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA), a multilateral agreement for mutual recognition of accredited conformity assessment results. This means that a single global entity now manages the recognition of test results, calibrations, inspections, certifications, and other competency assessments. ✔ Recognition of old accreditations continues It is important to note that: all valid accreditations and certificates issued under the IAF MLA and ILAC MRA schemes prior to January 1, 2026, continue to be recognized without the need for revaluation; During the transition period (until GACI’s own symbols and logos are implemented), organizations can continue to use the IAF and ILAC signs. This ensures a smooth transition without disrupting the work of accreditation and evaluation bodies around the world. ✔ New organization — not just rebranding Although GACI inherits the functions of old structures, its task goes far beyond formal unification. The organization strives to: more coordinated application of accreditation standards and practices, coordination of technical requirements, reduce business uncertainty, improve the effectiveness of international recognition. How will global accreditation work next? 🧩 Regional structures remain Regional organizations (for example, AFRAC, APAC, EA, IAAC, SADCA, etc.) will continue their work on evaluation and coordination, and peer evaluation (mutual evaluation and quality control) processes will remain a key mechanism for building trust between MRA members. , Transition period IAF and ILAC continue to exist on paper during the transition period, but no longer conduct new activities; Their previous multilateral agreements are integrated into the new organization’s MRA. The new GACI accreditation mark is expected to be implemented in 2026. 🤝 What does this give to key participants 🏛 Regulators and government agencies They are encouraged to update their legal and regulatory references to correctly refer to the GACI MRA instead of the previous IAF and ILAC agreements. 🧪 Accreditation Bodies (ABs) and Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) They continue their work without interruptions — the current accreditation remains in force, and the transition to the use of the new logo and designation will take place in stages in accordance with the recommendations of the GACI. , Business and industry Companies will have a more predictable and unified system of recognition of accreditation at the international level, which will facilitate export, market access and mutual recognition of certificates. 👥 Consumers and users of services International recognition of accredited results increases confidence in the quality, safety, and compliance of products and services with global standards. 📌 Conclusion The launch of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated is an important step in the development of the global quality infrastructure. By combining the efforts of two key international organizations, the new structure creates a simpler, more transparent and reliable mechanism for international accreditation. Its work promises to strengthen confidence in conformity assessment, improve international cooperation and simplify the recognition of results in a global economy-without losing the value of existing accreditations.
Russia participates in the harmonization of standards in the Global South: results of the SMIIC General Assembly in Tashkent
The General Assembly of the Institute of Standardization and Metrology of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (SMIIC) was held in Tashkent—a key event for the development of quality infrastructure in Asia and Africa. Key facts about the event: Representatives from over 40 countries—national standardization bodies from the Asian and African regions—participated in the assembly. Russia attended as an observer (since 2019)—the delegation was led by Anton Shalaev, head of Rosstandart. The Syrian Arab Republic became a new full member of the organization. SMIIC’s Key Priorities for 2021–2030 The Institute’s strategic development plan focuses on three key areas: 1. Developing quality infrastructure—creating a reliable foundation for enhancing product competitiveness. 2. Harmonizing standards—converging regulatory requirements between countries in the Global South. 3. Improving specialist competence—training and certifying experts in standardization. Results of the Russian Delegation’s Participation Representatives of Rosstandart held a series of working talks, focusing on: involving Russian specialists in the activities of SMIIC’s technical committees; organizing interlaboratory comparisons to ensure the uniformity of measurements; developing educational programs in standardization and metrology. Significance of the Event The Tashkent Assembly emphasizes the growing role of SMIIC as a platform for: developing common standards in countries of the Global South; sharing best practices in metrology and certification; strengthening international cooperation in quality infrastructure. Russia’s participation in the institute’s work allows us not only to monitor standardization trends in Asia and Africa but also to promote domestic approaches to product quality assurance in new markets.
The Eurasian Association for Sustainability and Business Security (EAASS) and the Eurasian Association of Conformity Assessment and Certification Experts (ECA) signed a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
September 1, 2025, was a landmark date for the development of international standards and trust in Eurasian markets. On this day, the Eurasian Association for Sustainability and Business Security (EAASS) and the Eurasian Association of Conformity Assessment and Certification Experts (ECA) signed a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA). The purpose of this agreement is to ensure mutual recognition of accredited certificates between the parties, laying the foundation for their subsequent widespread acceptance in international markets based on uniform accreditation requirements. Key aspects of the agreement: Common standards and best practices: The parties agreed to adhere to uniform requirements, exchange best practices, and develop common approaches to issues of trust in certification results and the use of international standards. Responsibility and Integrity: Through their members, associations are accountable for the integrity and quality of accredited certification and inspection activities. Maintaining Trust: Cooperation is based on unquestionable integrity, honesty, and ethical business practices, which aims to strengthen the trust of all stakeholders. This bilateral agreement marks an important step in strengthening integration processes and creating a transparent, reliable business environment in the region. Links to organizations: ECA: https://e-c-a.pro EAASS: https://eaass.org
Cooperation Agreement between the Association for Sustainable Development of Industry and the Eurasian Association for Conformity Assessment and Certification
On September 19, 2025, negotiations were held between V.A. Kachalov, Vice Chairman of the Russian Branch of the Eurasian Association for Conformity Assessment and Certification and Director of INTERCERTIFICA LLC, and A.V. Lyadskaya, Director of the Association for Sustainable Development of Industry. The topic of discussion was the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the Associations. Following the discussion, a “Cooperation Agreement between the Association for Sustainable Development of Industry and the Eurasian Association for Conformity Assessment and Certification” was signed. This agreement sets forth areas of cooperation and obligations of the parties aimed at: developing unified approaches and requirements for the activities of expert organizations, conformity assessment results, and certification for compliance with national legislation, international, national, and organizational standards in the areas of ESG, compliance, anti-corruption management, etc.; identifying and applying best practices and best practices in the certification process; Formulation of joint proposals in the field of standardization to ensure the continuous updating of requirements through participation in the activities of national technical committees, as well as (through the relevant representatives of the Russian Federation) in the working bodies of the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission. Both parties undertake to ensure an active exchange of scientific, technical, and other information, and to promote the development of direct communications and business contacts, including participation in joint conferences, seminars, roundtables, and exhibitions. Our background: Association for Sustainable Development of Industry (AURProm) The Association was established in 2020. It is an association of partners across the entire value chain based on unified principles of ethical business conduct. The Association includes organizations specializing in the design, production, maintenance, recycling, and sale of machinery, equipment, and their components, as well as support services in the transport engineering industry. The Association implements a range of activities aimed at encouraging organizations to increase information openness and transparency regarding the impact of their activities on society and the environment, including economic, environmental, and social aspects. The Association prioritizes the principles of impeccable compliance with legal requirements, ethical conduct, non-discrimination, and unconditional information openness. By joining the Association, each member confirms their commitment to conducting commercial activities in accordance with high standards of quality and responsibility. Association Website: https://aurprom.ru/association/ Email: info@aurprom.ru Eurasian Association for Conformity Assessment and Certification (ECA) The Association was established in 2015. It is an association of leading organizations in the field of conformity assessment, standardization, and certification, with the aim of ensuring unified approaches to conformity assessment and standardization. The Association’s mission is to promote the value of high-quality conformity assessment services to ensure cost-effective benefits for all clients, their customers, and stakeholders. The ECA signs an agreement with its members after receiving assurances that their assessment processes comply with all applicable international standards. Conformity assessment bodies are admitted to the ECA only after a rigorous assessment of their activities by the ECA Supervisory Committee. The Committee’s responsibilities include assessing the applicant’s full compliance with both the current version of ISO/IEC 17021 and other applicable international standards. The Association’s member certification bodies (including the management systems certification body INTERCERTIFICA LLC) have signed Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) for the results of conformity assessments conducted by its members. The ECA is a member of APAC, the regional accreditation cooperation for the Asia-Pacific region, recognized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Association website: https://e-c-a.pro/ru Email: eca@e-c-a.pro
APAC General Assembly Meeting 2025-1: Key Outcomes from the Event in Bangalore
APAC General Assembly Meeting 2025-1: Key Outcomes from the Event in Bangalore Bangalore, India – June 29, 2025 The APAC General Assembly Meeting 2025-1 was held in Bangalore from June 21 to 28. It was a large-scale event that brought together executives, experts and partners from the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting was dedicated to strategic planning, innovation and strengthening business cooperation in the region. Key Topics and Outcomes During the week, participants discussed key issues, including: Development of digital technologies – implementation of AI, big data and cybersecurity in business processes. Sustainable development – environmental initiatives and ESG strategies of companies. Expanding partnerships – new joint projects and investment opportunities in the APAC region. Particular attention was paid to the role of India as one of the key technological and economic hubs of Asia. Bangalore, known as the “Indian Silicon Valley”, became the ideal platform for discussions on the future of digital transformation. Events and speakers The meeting included: Plenary sessions with CEOs of leading companies in the region. Expert panels on finance, logistics and innovation. Networking sessions where participants were able to establish business contacts. Key speakers included representatives of major corporations, venture funds and government agencies. Next steps Following the meeting, the participants agreed to implement new joint initiatives, and the next APAC General Assembly Meeting 2025-2 is scheduled for November in Singapore. The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants and partners for their productive work and expressed confidence in the further growth of cooperation in the region.
