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.
IAF Multilateral Agreement Report
The annual IAF Multilateral Agreement (MLA) report provides a timely reminder of the strength and value of the MLA and of accreditation itself supporting conformity assessment. The most significant benefit of the IAF MLA and accredited conformity assessment – smoothing the acceptance of goods and services across national borders. As IAF states, ‘Accreditation provides an assurance to government, business and the consumer that organisations providing certification to a standard have the required competence and impartiality to do so as evidenced by fulfillment of international standards and requirements.’ Simplistically, accreditation bodies (ABs) are checking assurance bodies – like IIOA members – to ensure they are carrying out their work competently – the checkers are checked. In turn, ‘the purpose of the IAF MLA is to provide users in countries with ABs that are IAF MLA signatories with the assurance that equivalent certification bodies (CBs) and validation/verification Bodies (VVBs) in other economies operate to the same standards as those in their own economies for certificates and statements in the fields of: Management Systems Certification Product Certification (including processes and services) Certification of Persons Validation and Verification.’ This means that accreditations granted by IAF MLA AB signatories are recognised worldwide based on their equivalent accreditation programmes. Having been evaluated by peers as competent to accredit in the scopes covered, the end result is that the mutual recognition by the MLA signatories smooths the passage of goods and services internationally, in turn reducing costs and adding value to industry and consumers. The MLA operates by each accreditation body that is a signatory to the IAF MLA committing to: Maintaining conformity with the current version of ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity assessment – General requirements for bodies providing assessment and accreditation of conformity assessment bodies and supplementary requirements documents Recognising the competence and impartiality of accreditations of conformity assessment bodies by all other signatories of the MLA Regular, stringent evaluation of their operations by a peer evaluation team which is charged to ensure that the applicant complies fully with the above both international standards and IAF requirements. To strengthen the MLA, IAF encourages its accreditation body and Regional Accreditation Group members to join the MLA as soon as they have passed a rigorous evaluation process to ensure that their accreditation programs are of a world standard. As IAF summarises, ‘The MLA contributes to the facilitation of world trade by eliminating technical barriers. IAF works to find the most effective way of achieving a single system to meet the objective of “Accredited once, accepted everywhere”.’
A new certification scheme for personnel competence
Safety in the workplace is not just about safe equipment and infrastructure, it’s about humans too. This new Certification of Personnel Competence scheme (CoPC) aims to instill trust and confidence in employees by ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to effectively and safely carry out activities in a specific field sector. See the article at the link.
IAF and ILAC Release New Accreditation Matters Episode
IAF and ILAC have released a new episode of Accreditation Matters, ‘The Role of Accreditation in the Public Sector’. This marks the third podcast in our sub-series on the role of accreditation in the food industry. The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music, or for viewing on YouTube. See the article at the link.
ISO launches global guidance to support organizations in addressing ESG issues
The new ISO ESG Implementation Principles provide global guidance to streamline ESG practices, providing global organisations with actionable insights to clearly communicate their sustainability efforts around the world.
Guiding principles to help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals
ISO has published these Guidelines (ISO/UNDP PAS 53002) to support efforts to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. What is ISO/UNDP PAS 53002? These SDG Guidelines (ISO/UNDP PAS 53002) are a key document that helps organizations contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They were developed jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide companies with a unified approach to managing and improving their contribution to sustainable development across multiple areas. Why are the SDG Guidelines important? These principles play an important role in the Promotion comprehensive approach to sustainable development, empowering organizations to make a positive impact on the SDGs. They provide a structured framework to optimize positive outcomes and minimize negative impacts, especially on vulnerable groups. Organizations can integrate sustainability into their operations and decision-making processes, which contributes to balanced development in the economic, social and environmental spheres. Who is it for? The guidelines are relevant to organizations in all sectors and are aimed at senior management, who can apply them to effective impact depending on their specific context. Benefits: Alignment of organizational strategies with sustainability goals Strengthening stakeholder engagement and public participation Increased transparency and reporting on sustainability Support for sustainability risk management
