IAAC’s 33rd General Assembly Formalizes Stakeholder Voting Rights, Exercised for the First Time in the Executive Committee

On March 14, 2025, the stakeholders of the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) exercised their voting rights in the Executive Committee for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the organization's governance.

This participation follows a decision made during the 33rd IAAC General Assembly, where stakeholders' voting rights were approved and formalized in the statutes, with the following percentages:

• In the General Assembly: up to 20% of the total votes.
• In the Executive Committee: up to 16.6% of the total votes.

With this initiative, IAAC strengthens stakeholder representation and engagement in the development and advancement of accreditation across the region.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Honduran Accreditation Body (OHA) has been approved as a new signatory of the IAAC Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) for testing laboratory accreditation

This Tuesday afternoon, the IAAC Multilateral Recognition Arrangement Group (MLAG) meeting took place, where peer evaluation processes among accreditation bodies in the region were discussed.

As part of the key decisions, the Honduran Accreditation Body (OHA) was approved as a new signatory of the IAAC Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) for testing laboratory accreditation.

This recognition strengthens quality infrastructure in Honduras and facilitates the international recognition of accreditation in the country and the region. By becoming an IAAC MLA signatory, OHA ensures that its accreditations comply with international standards, fostering confidence in testing results.

Congratulations to the OHA team for this important achievement and their commitment to quality in the Americas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 63rd IAAC Executive Committee Meeting Begins!

This week, from March 10 to 14, 2025, the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC)is holding its 63rd Executive Committee Meeting, a key event that brings together representatives from accreditation bodies and stakeholders across the region to discuss strategic topics and strengthen cooperation in accreditation.

📅 Throughout the week, virtual meetings will be held for IAAC’s committees and working groups, including the Executive Committee, MLA Committee, Stakeholders Committee, and Technical Working Groups. Additionally, a Quality Infrastructure Educational Workshop will take place, fostering knowledge exchange and best practices.

📌 Check the full schedule here: [MEETINGS]

🎯 We appreciate the participation of our members and partners in this important regional cooperation space!

IAAC organized the EPTIS workshop to strengthen quality in the region.

On March 11, 2025, the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) organized the webinar on EPTIS through the Laboratories and Training Subcommittees, with the participation of over 200 attendees from the region.

During the session, speaker Andrés Montaño from ONAC presented the European Proficiency Testing Scheme Database (EPTIS), a key tool for identifying proficiency testing schemes in the region. He explained how to access the platform and what type of information can be shared through this system, promoting its use as a valuable resource for accredited laboratories. 

 

Let’s continue strengthening cooperation and information exchange in the region!

We appreciate the participation of all attendees for their interest in further advancing the quality infrastructure in the Americas.

 

 

 

📅 Event Date: March 11, 2025

🔗 More information: [Link to the LinkedIn post]

 

 

 

 

 

The Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) invites agencies, companies, and web development professionals to submit their proposals for updating our official website.

Our goal is to modernize and enhance the site to better reflect IAAC's values, mission, and services while ensuring an intuitive and accessible user experience for all audiences.

A detailed document with the Terms of Reference (ToR) has been prepared, outlining the technical, functional, and aesthetic requirements to be considered in the proposals.

How to Participate:

1. Download the Terms of Reference document from the following link: PDF Link to ToR.
2. Register your intent to participate before February 14, 2025, at 23:00 UTC and submit your questions using this Google Form. (REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY TO BE ELIGIBLE TO SUBMIT A PROPOSAL).
3. Attend the Q&A session on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:00 UTC.
4. Submit your proposal before February 27, 2025, at 23:00 UTC via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., ensuring you follow the instructions outlined in the ToR.

Submission: Proposals must be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We look forward to your talent and creativity in building a digital tool that will drive our mission in the field of accreditation and conformity assessment.

Don't forget the key deadlines:

• Deadline to register intent to participate: February 14, 2025, at 23:00 UTC
• Proposal submission deadline: February 27, 2025, at 23:00 UTC 

The Virtual Workshop for New IAAC Peer Evaluators Has Concluded

On November 18, 2024, the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC)held a virtual workshop for new peer evaluators. The three-day workshop successfully concluded on November 20, 2024.

The program consisted of 4 hours of training per day, preparing 10 aspiring peer evaluators with experience across various scopes of the MLA, representing different countries from the region. During the training, participants examined the implementation of ISO/IEC 17011 and IAAC’s mandatory documents for peer evaluations.

The objective was to harmonize criteria and promote best practices in evaluation processes. Additionally, case studies based on specific experiences were analyzed. To successfully complete the workshop, participants underwent an assessment and passed an exam, qualifying them as evaluators-in-training. These evaluators-in-training will be invited to participate in future IAAC peer evaluations in the region. The strength of the Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) lies in the rigor of peer evaluations among accreditation bodies that are signatories to the agreements, ensuring compliance with international accreditation standards and requirements.

 

📅 Event Date: November 18, 2024

🔗 More information: [Link to the LinkedIn post]

 

 

 

 

 

IAAC celebrated World Quality Day 2024

On November 13, 2024, the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC)commemorated World Quality Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of quality across all sectors and its impact on global progress and well-being. As part of the celebration, IAAC hosted a live broadcast via Zoom, where participants reflected on continuous improvement and excellence in processes. During the event, distinguished representatives from the accreditation sector shared their experiences and insights on the role of quality in society.

 

If you missed the live session, you can watch the recording here: 📺 Watch the video on YouTube

We thank all participants who joined this event and reaffirm our commitment to promoting quality and accreditation in the region.

📅 Event date: November 13, 2024

🔗 More information: [Link to the LinkedIn post]

 

 

 

 

 

Medellín, Colombia – August 23, 2024. 

During the 32nd General Assembly of the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC), significant updates to the bylaws were approved, and a reclassification of memberships was carried out. These updates, approved by the Executive Committee on August 22, aim to improve IAAC’s internal structure, align the organization more closely with international standards, and ensure greater operational efficiency.

Bylaws Update

One of the main topics of the assembly was the update of IAAC’s statutes. These modifications aim to provide the organization with greater flexibility in its processes, allowing it to adapt to the changes and challenges within the accreditation environment. The update was well received by members, who expressed their commitment to the continuous strengthening of the IAAC.

Membership Reclassification

The reclassification of membership categories was another key highlight of the assembly. This new classification is designed to ensure a clearer alignment of members according to their roles and contributions to IAAC. 

• Full Members: This category corresponds to what was previously known as Signatories. It includes Accreditation Bodies (ABs) with their respective recognitions and certificates, reaffirming their full participation and recognition within IAAC.

• Associate Members: This category remains unchanged. These members continue to actively participate in IAAC’s activities, with voting rights, although they do not hold formal accreditation recognitions.

• Stakeholder Members: This category also remains unchanged, including organizations and entities that, while not accreditation bodies, have a legitimate interest in conformity assessment and quality processes.

Suspended Memberships

During the same session, the IAAC Executive Committee decided to suspend the following memberships as part of the review and reclassification, due to non-compliance with certain requirements. These suspensions were made during the August 22, 2024 session (EC/2024/57): 

Full Members:

• ONARC, Cuba

Stakeholder Members:

• Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano (ITM) - Colombia 
• ACCM América, S. de R.L. de C.V. - México
• Litoral Laboratorios Industriales (LLI)
• Centro Toxicológico S.A.C. (CETOX) - Perú 
• Laboratorio Químico, Industrial y Agrícola S.A. de C.V. (LAQUIMIA)

Impact of the Reclassification and Next Steps

With this new membership structure, IAAC reinforces its commitment to transparency, rigor, and quality in accreditation processes across the region. The suspension of some memberships will remain in effect until the affected organizations can comply with the established requirements.

The changes approved during the 32nd General Assembly will allow IAAC to continue leading accreditation efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting regional integration and ensuring that accreditation bodies maintain the highest international standards.

 

New Appointments and Re-elections in the IAAC Executive Committee

Key elections to strengthen Inter-American cooperation in accreditation

During the 32nd IAAC General Assembly held in Medellín, Colombia, on August 23, 2024, the Executive Committee of the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) has announced the results of the recent elections and re-elections for several key positions. With the goal of continuing to advance regional integration and cooperation in the field of accreditation, a new group of leaders has been elected, and some positions have been confirmed through a re-election process.

New appointments to the Executive Committee:

Among the newly elected members of the IAAC Executive Committee, the following appointments stand out:

• Warren Merkel (ANAB, USA) as Vice-Chair.
• Carlos Echeverría (SAE, Ecuador) as Chair of the Management Committee.
• Alejandra Avelar (OSA, El Salvador) as Vice-Chair of the Management Committee.
• Eduardo Ceballos (INN, Chile) as Chair of the Technical Committee.
• Alba Cabrera (ONA, Paraguay) as Vice-Chair of the Technical Committee.
• Mirtha Cuevas (ONA, Paraguay) as Vice-Chair of the Training Subcommittee.
• Patricia Aguilar (INACAL, Peru) as Vice-Chair of the Certification Bodies Subcommittee.

Re-elections in the Executive Committee: 

In addition to the new appointments, several positions have been renewed through re-election, acknowledging the excellent performance of their current leaders: 

• Andrea Melo (CGRCE, Brazil) as Chair of the Executive Committee.
• Rhonda Banks (ANAB, USA) as IAAC Treasurer.
• Paola Marsico (OAA, Argentina) as Chair of the MLA Committee.
• Mirtha Leiva (ONA, Paraguay) as Chair of the Promotions Subcommittee.
• Verónica Ruano (SAE, Ecuador) as Vice-Chair of the Promotions Subcommittee.
• Rita Cinca (OAA, Argentina) as Chair of the Certification Bodies Subcommittee.

Commitment to accreditation excellence 

These leaders will play a crucial role in the continuous improvement of accreditation processes across Latin America and North America, facilitating the harmonization of standards and promoting transparency and trust among institutions.

The IAAC remains committed to strengthening accreditation systems in the region, ensuring that its members continue to cooperate effectively in promoting quality and technical competence among evaluating bodies.

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The IAAC General Assembly Grants Voting Rights to Stakeholder Members

 

During the XXXI IAAC General Assembly held in Manaus, Brazil, on September 1, 2023, the IAAC full members made an historic decision, by unanimously approving the right to vote for IAAC Stakeholder members. This key achievement places IAAC at the forefront of the international accreditation community, as the first regional Cooperation to grant Stakeholders voting rights, and will significantly contribute to the development of Accreditation and Accredited Conformity Assessment in the Americas region.

This decision shows the level of openness and maturity of IAAC to foster transparency, inclusiveness, and the participation of all its members. By involving Stakeholders in decisions with an impact on the region, IAAC is more inclusive and benefits from a wide range of perspectives to continue promoting accreditation as a valuable tool to facilitate trade and for the public benefit.  Regulators and governments use the results of accreditation to provide services that enable an unpolluted environment, safe food, clean water, energy, and healthcare services.

IAAC Stakeholder members include accredited conformity assessment bodies, associations of accredited conformity assessment bodies, and other organizations interested in conformity assessment.  The Stakeholders have a Committee that meets twice a year and has 2 representatives who participate in the Executive Committee meetings.

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