Many organisations are familiar with UKAS-accredited certification, but fewer understand what sits above the national accreditation bodies.

From January 2026, the former International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) came together under a single international organisation called Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI). Global ACI now performs the international role previously carried out by IAF and ILAC, operating a global recognition arrangement between accreditation bodies around the world.

So where does UKAS fit in?

Global ACI oversees the international framework for mutual recognition between accreditation bodies.
UKAS is the UK’s national accreditation body and a member/signatory within that international framework.
Certification bodies such as Atlas Certification are accredited by UKAS to assess organisations against standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO/IEC 27001.
Certified organisations receive accredited certification that is recognised and trusted internationally through these arrangements.

In simple terms:
Global ACI → UKAS → Certification Body → Certified Organisation

Understanding this structure helps explain why accredited certification carries international recognition and confidence.

For the time being the IAF logo which is displayed on Atlas Certification certificates remains valid.