In 2023, IAF has seen rapid growth in the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA), with IAF Members endorsing ten new certification schemes as IAF MLA sub-scopes. These endorsements, which nearly double the number of sub-scopes in the IAF MLA, will enable mutual recognition of certificates issued by accredited certification bodies within each scheme.

This expansion of mutual recognition holds significant benefits for stakeholders. For businesses, it can increase market access and reduce audit costs. The IAF MLA provides regulators with a globally recognized system to accept accredited certification, streamlining processes, enhancing compliance and promoting trust in entities holding accredited certification. It can provide consumers with confidence in the safety, quality, and sustainability of goods and services.

‘This milestone represents a remarkable feat of collaboration between IAF and scheme owners, highlighting our dedication to advancing mutual recognition of accredited certification worldwide,’ said Kylie Sheehan, MLA Committee Chair. ‘By expanding the MLA to encompass these new schemes, we have further strengthened the foundation of mutual recognition, enhancing market access and reducing trade barriers worldwide.’

‘This achievement reflects our determination to promote competence, professionalism, and sustainability across industries,’ said Emanuele Riva, IAF Chair. ‘IAF remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence and harmonization, striving to fulfil our goal of “accredited once, accepted everywhere”.’

New certification schemes endorsed in 2023 include:

– BRCGS Global Standards for Food Safety, Agents and Brokers, Packaging Materials, Storage and Distribution, Gluten Free Certification Program, Consumer Products – Personal Care Household and Consumer Products – General Merchandise, owned by BRC Trading Limited (BRCGS). Read more here.

– GLOBALG.A.P. Produce Handling Assurance (PHA), owned by FoodPLUS GmbH (GLOBALG.A.P.).

– IFS Food, owned by IFS Management GmbH (IFS). Read more here.

– Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP), owned by International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG). Read more here.

Additionally, IAF and the International Personnel Certification Association (IPC) renewed their memorandum of understanding for the recognition of the IPC Management System Auditors scheme, which IAF Members first endorsed in 2017. Read more here.

The IAF MLA relies significantly on the MLAs of Recognized Regional Accreditation Groups, which perform the majority of peer evaluation activities, providing an invaluable contribution to IAF work. As IAF and its processes continue to evolve, we anticipate further consideration of how IAF and Regional Accreditation Groups can cooperate to expand the IAF MLA, further supporting the needs of stakeholders.

A number of additional schemes are currently under evaluation within IAF. As the IAF MLA continues to grow, the global community can look forward to continuing reductions in trade barriers and enhancement of public confidence in products and services worldwide.

View the current list of IAF MLA scopes here.