On January 1, 2026, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated assumed the roles of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), becoming the single international authority on the accreditation of laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, validation/verification bodies, reference material producers and biobanks.
Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated strengthens international trust through its Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA), which enables the acceptance of accredited conformity assessment results across multiple markets, eliminating the need for repeated testing or certification and facilitating global trade.
The new single international accreditation organisation, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, is the international organisation of accreditation bodies, stakeholders, and regional cooperation bodies. It is registered in New Zealand as a Not-For-Profit, Incorporated Society.
The benefits of establishing a single international organisation include:
One Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) covering all types of conformity assessment with global acceptance;
Streamlining of the organisation’s operations, less duplication of activities;
Improved capability to develop harmonised accreditation practices, requirements and procedures;
A strengthened dialogue with Stakeholders to improve the relevance and efficacy of accreditation; and
An enhanced global presence for promoting Accreditation and the Quality Infrastructure