The merger of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) into Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) became operational on 1 January 2026. The new organisation brings the world’s accreditation system together under a single international body while maintaining continuity of existing recognition arrangements.

For UKAS-accredited clients, the most important message is that there is no impact on the validity of existing accredited certificates. Organisations certified to standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 27001 continue to hold internationally recognised certification through the UKAS accreditation framework.

The former IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) and ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) are being consolidated into a single Global ACI Mutual Recognition Arrangement. This is intended to simplify international recognition whilst maintaining the global acceptance of accredited certificates, inspection reports and laboratory results.

Clients should not expect any disruption to certification activities, surveillance audits, recertification audits or the acceptance of their accredited certificates. Existing accreditation arrangements remain recognised during the transition period.

The overall objective of the merger is to create a more efficient and consistent global accreditation framework by reducing duplication, harmonising policies and strengthening confidence in accredited conformity assessment across international markets.

In summary, for UKAS-accredited organisations, the formation of Global ACI represents an evolution of the international accreditation infrastructure rather than a change to certification requirements. Accredited certificates remain valid and internationally recognised, while the new organisation aims to provide a more streamlined and unified approach to global accreditation and mutual recognition.

Source: Global ACI