The 22nd meeting of the IAF Multilateral Arrangement Committee (MLAC) was held on 4 October 2024 in Berlin, Germany. With robust attendance, the event facilitated critical discussions on advancing the integrity and efficiency of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). Delegates from regional accreditation groups (RAGs), accreditation bodies (ABs), and stakeholders participated to exchange ideas and review progress.

Key Discussions and Outcomes

Progress on Task Force Groups (TFGs)

Significant progress was reported on three TFGs established during the previous MLAC meeting, providing members with the latest developments in these crucial areas:

• Improving the MLA Scope Extension Process: The TFG proposed integrating elements of IAF MD 25 into IAF PL 3 to streamline scope extensions and align evaluation criteria with current practices. The group recommended establishing clear thresholds for international relevance and improving transparency.
• Addressing AB Cooperation: A unified cooperation document was proposed to consolidate principles from existing IAF and ILAC documents. This document aims to enhance cooperation among ABs, reduce inconsistencies, and maintain MLA integrity.
• Revision of IAF ML 4: Updates include clarifying evaluation procedures, addressing conflicts of interest, and withdrawing outdated annexes. These revisions align with ILAC policies and prepare for integration under the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, the single international organization for accreditation being formed by IAF and ILAC.

Evaluation and Regional Activities

The committee reviewed reports on evaluation activities and regional updates. It was noted that evaluations of RAGs remain on schedule, with modifications to scopes approved by the Joint Management Committee (JMC). Reports from RAGs, including the African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC), Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC), Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC), European co-operation for Accreditation (EA), Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC), and Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Accreditation (SADCA), highlighted ongoing initiatives to expand and refine accreditation processes.

Transitions and Scope Extensions

Two major transitions were concluded. The shift from ISO 14065:2013 to ISO/IEC 17029 was finalised, with certificates updated to reflect original accreditation dates and transition completion. The ICAO CORSIA scheme transition was also completed, ensuring continuity and clarity for stakeholders.

Strategic Initiatives for 2025 and Beyond

Document Revisions

The MLAC Chair introduced editorial revisions to IAF ML 1 and ML 3 to improve readability and update references. These revisions, classified as minor, have now been published with new version numbers without altering their intent or requirements.

Norman Brunner, Co-Convener of the Joint Working Group (JWG) A-Series, provided updates on the A1, A2, and A3 documents. A1 and A3 will likely remain in draft form until the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated is operational, focusing on aligning processes. A2, addressing peer evaluations for ABs, is nearing completion, with publication anticipated in late 2025.

Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated Preparations

Discussions addressed the combination of IAF and ILAC work under the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated. Efforts include harmonising documents and policies to ensure a smooth transition and support a unified accreditation framework.

Looking Ahead

The MLAC identified key actions for 2025:

• Revise IAF PL3 to enhance MLA scope extensions and align with the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated processes.
• Develop a comprehensive cooperation document to address gaps and improve AB collaboration.
• Finalize and publish the revised IAF ML4 to reflect updated practices and prepare for the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated integration.
• Maintain momentum on A-Series documents to ensure readiness for the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated framework.

Conclusion

Maria Papatzikou, MLAC Vice Chair and Acting Chair of the Berlin meeting, highlighted the MLAC’s commitment to strengthening global accreditation practice via the active engagement of the delegates in discussions to refine processes, address emerging challenges and prepare for future milestones, including the next IAF/ILAC annual meeting in October 2025.

The MLAC remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and maintaining the credibility and trust of the MLA as a cornerstone of international trade and regulatory confidence.