International Recognition

• Be able to technically evaluate its members and manage MRAs/MLAs that are internationally valid.
• Provide the accreditation bodies in its region with a legitimate pathway to global recognition.
• Ensure the technical confidence, integrity, and international acceptance of accredited conformity assessment results.

Without this recognition, a regional cooperation cannot participate in the international accreditation system or offer its members the benefits of international acceptance of their services.

Integration into the global accreditation recognition system

Only a recognized regional cooperation can be an active part of international mutual recognition agreements, which allows:

• Accreditations granted by its members are accepted internationally.
• The principle of “accredited once, accepted everywhere” applies.

Pathway for national bodies to international recognition

In order for an accreditation body to join the international recognition arrangement, it generally must:

• First be evaluated and accepted within a recognized regional cooperation.
• Meet internationally defined technical and management requirements.

Rigorous evaluations and continuous improvement

Recognition is not permanent: it requires regional cooperation:

• Undergo initial and periodic evaluations (every four years).
• Meet technical and governance requirements set out in documents such as IAF/ILAC A2.

Currently recognized regional cooperations

The following regional cooperations are officially recognized by the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (ILAC/IAF merger):

• IAAC – Inter American Accreditation Cooperation
• APAC – Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation
• EA – European co-operation for Accreditation
• ARAC – Arab Accreditation Cooperation
• AFRAC – African Accreditation Cooperation
• SADCA – Southern African Development Community Accreditation Cooperation.