The IAAC community gathers in Lima to celebrate three decades of regional cooperation, recognize the achievements that have shaped our history, and continue building the future of quality infrastructure in the Americas.
Since its creation in 1996, IAAC has evolved alongside the accreditation bodies of the Americas, strengthening regional cooperation, expanding international recognition, and contributing to the development of quality infrastructure.
IAAC was established in Montevideo, Uruguay, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by 10 full members and 6 associate members, becoming the first regional cooperation to bring together accreditation bodies of all types. During this period, IAAC also launched its first technical cooperation project with the OAS and joined IAF as a regional cooperation.
IAAC strengthened its institutional structure through the creation of the Executive Committee, its legal incorporation as a civil association in Mexico, and the establishment of its first Permanent Secretariat. It also submitted its application for evaluation to IAF and ILAC and promoted regional projects with the OAS, UNIDO, IDB, and PTB.
IAF and ILAC conducted the first joint evaluation of the Secretariat and the MLA Committee. In 2006, IAAC achieved international recognition for its first scopes and welcomed the first five accreditation bodies to become MLA signatories. In 2007, World Accreditation Day was celebrated for the first time.
IAF and ILAC confirmed the continued international recognition of IAAC through its first reevaluation. The organization expanded the scope of its MLA to include product certification, environmental management systems, and inspection bodies, strengthening confidence in accreditation across the Americas.
IAAC continued expanding its international recognition through new MLA scopes, strengthened regional cooperation through the R3E project with COPANT and SIM, and promoted the creation of the Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas (QICA), advancing an integrated vision for quality development across the region.
IAAC celebrated its 20th anniversary in Lima, Peru, bringing together representatives of accreditation bodies to reflect on the organization’s future and strengthen its strategic role. During this period, the ISO 37001 scheme for anti-bribery management systems was also incorporated into the MLA.
IAAC expanded its MLA scopes into areas such as food safety, information security, medical devices, energy management, occupational health and safety, proficiency testing providers, and reference material producers. Despite the pandemic, the organization maintained continuity in its activities and celebrated its 25th anniversary with 22 MLA signatory members.
IAAC celebrates three decades of regional cooperation, recognizing the commitment of those who have shaped its history. This anniversary reflects an organization that has strengthened cooperation among accreditation bodies, expanded its reach into strategic sectors for trade, health, safety, and the environment, and consolidated quality infrastructure for the benefit of the Americas.
Meet the exhibitors, sponsors, and business partners participating in this year’s edition.
View the complete program, including sessions, schedules, panels, and participants.
Download the agenda →Discover the commercial offering, participation categories, benefits, and opportunities available at Business Expo 2026.
View brochure →Secure your in-person participation in the Business Fair.
Join the panels of this event live, with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
A dialogue platform bringing together accreditation bodies, authorities, industry, and international stakeholders to explore how digital quality infrastructure can strengthen trust, facilitate trade, and contribute to a circular economy across the Americas.
View the complete program, including sessions, schedules, panels, and participants.
Download the agenda →Join the panels of this event live, with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Access the exclusive members area to find information about the General Assembly, including venue details, transportation, agendas, and documents for closed sessions.
Follow the latest news, announcements, and highlights from the XXXIII IAAC General Assembly and the celebration of IAAC’s 30th anniversary.
September 15, 2026
May 25, 2026
April 27, 2026
April 17, 2026
April 6, 2026
March 19, 2026
January 23, 2026
January 5, 2026
December 17, 2025
Relive the most memorable moments from the XXXV IAAC General Assembly and the celebration of IAAC’s 30th anniversary.
