Objective accountability is a fundamental principle in ensuring that accredited organizations are held responsible for the actions of their inspectors. Ethical violations are not merely individual problems; they undermine the integrity of the entire accreditation system.
The scope and competencies of accreditation have evolved significantly over the past decades. Accreditation bodies demonstrate their competence by participating in international arrangements such as the IAF MLA and the ILAC MRA. The Global Accreditation Experience Index (GAEI) is a novel indicator to assess an economy’s accreditation capability.
Accreditation in the cosmetics industry serves as a guarantee for consumers and simultaneously facilitates and favors the export capacity of producers, acting as an essential tool to boost quality, safety and confidence in products.
In December 2024, IAF Members agreed to extend the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) to include Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) and Compliance Management Systems (CMS).
The recent proliferation of conformity assessment schemes and programs presents challenges, but also opportunities.
The IAF CertSearch database, created by IAF and its members, is a pivotal tool for businesses and regulators. It enables efficient verification of suppliers and their locations holding valid accredited certifications across global supply chains. The platform also provides real-time alerts for any changes in certification status, helping organizations manage supply chain risks effectively.
COP 29 took place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11-22 November 2024, with participation from IAF in multiple events.
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) was published in the EU Official Journal on 20 November 2024. Regulation EU 2024/2847 establishes EU-wide cybersecurity requirements for the hardware and software’s design, development, production, and market availability.
The 5th Arab Accreditation Week emphasized the region’s commitment to excellence in accreditation. Featuring over 1000 participants, the event included diverse workshops on key topics like ISO standards and laboratory accreditation.
KMPDC became the first healthcare regulatory body in Africa to achieve accreditation under ISO/IEC 17024:2012 on 20 June 2024.
Introduced in France by Act no. 2021-1018 of August 2, 2021, the goal of certification of occupational health and prevention services is to ensure the quality of the service provided by the autonomous centres responsible for them.
On 06 December 2024, the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated was officially registered as a legal entity and is now an incorporated society in New Zealand.
In 2025, the IAF Communications and Marketing Committee aims to focus on three main priorities.
The 22nd meeting of the IAF Multilateral Arrangement Committee (MLAC) was held on 4 October 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
In April 2024, the Electrophysiology department at Moorfields Eye Hospital received UKAS accreditation to the IQIPS standard, marking a significant achievement in its commitment to quality and patient care.
In Côte d’Ivoire, significant progress has been noted in terms of quality infrastructure, particularly in the area of accreditation.
Through its current members, a representative group of 12 local, regional and global conformity assessment bodies’ trade associations, the IAF CABAC aims to exercise a comprehensive contribution to the meetings and work of IAF working groups and permanent committees.
Modernity, flexibility, accessibility and navigability were the keywords of the rebranding of Accredia, the Italian Accreditation Body.
In 2024, PAB achieved multiple significant milestones.
IAF Outlook 