INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION FORUM (IAF) / GLOBAL ACCREDITATION COOPERATION INCORPORATED (GLOBAL ACI)

As of January 1, 2026, Global ACI became the single international organization responsible for the global multilateral recognition arrangements that support accredited conformity assessment. This transition strengthens international cooperation while maintaining the principles that have long supported accredited certification: global recognition, market access, transparency, competence, and confidence.

The transition to Global ACI is being carefully managed to ensure continuity for accreditation bodies, certification bodies, and organizations holding accredited certifications. At this time, existing IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) and ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) frameworks remain in effect, and accredited certificates, reports, and recognition arrangements continue to be valid until Global ACI announces future changes.

Global ACI has begun aligning the extensive library of IAF and ILAC publications into a unified document structure. Existing IAF Mandatory Documents remain valid during this transition and are expected to move into the Global ACI document system without substantive technical changes. Global ACI has also published a cross-reference guide identifying how current IAF and ILAC documents correspond to the new Global ACI documentation framework.

The existing IAF MLA Mark and ILAC MRA Mark also remain valid throughout the transition. Global ACI will provide guidance regarding the implementation and use of the future Global ACI MRA Mark when transition timelines are finalized.

IAAR continues to actively monitor developments and participate in international discussions to help ensure a smooth transition for its members and the accredited conformity assessment community. As an Association Member, IAAR represents the interests of accredited certification bodies by participating in international discussions, reviewing emerging policies and publications, and keeping members informed as new guidance becomes available.

Further information about Global ACI, including transition resources and document cross-reference information, is available on the Global ACI website. Existing IAF Mandatory Documents remain available and valid during the transition, and IAAR will continue updating this page as additional Global ACI guidance is released.