Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential to the global economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and supporting local communities. However, these businesses often face challenges such as limited resources, competition and difficulty accessing markets. For World Accreditation Day (WAD) 2025, IAF and ILAC will highlight how accreditation can help SMEs address these challenges, with the theme of Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Held annually on 09 June, WAD provides an opportunity for IAF, ILAC, their members and stakeholders to celebrate the positive impact of accreditation worldwide.

The Role of Accreditation for SMEs

For SMEs, building trust and credibility is essential for long-term growth. Accreditation plays a key role in this process by confirming the competence, impartiality, and reliability of conformity assessment bodies (CABs) providing services such as certification, validation/verification, testing and inspection.

When SMEs use these accredited services, they can demonstrate that their products, services or systems are compliant with standards and requirements, enhancing their reputation for quality, sustainability and reliability and strengthening confidence among customers, partners and regulators. Additionally, the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) and ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) can expand export opportunities by facilitating cross-border recognition of accredited conformity assessment results.

Over time, accredited conformity assessment can also lead to substantial cost savings for SMEs. By ensuring compliance with relevant standards, SMEs can mitigate the risks of product recalls, legal disputes and the need for costly rework. Moreover, these services can help improve production efficiency, reduce waste and streamline operations.

For SMEs aiming to scale and succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, accredited conformity assessment offers a strategic advantage. It opens doors to new opportunities, strengthens business resilience and supports long-term success. As the global business landscape continues to evolve, the role of accreditation will only grow more important, helping SMEs navigate challenges and maintain a competitive edge.

Join the Celebration

A set of resources, including a joint statement from the IAF and ILAC Chairs, a brochure and a video, are now available here for the use of members and stakeholders in celebrating WAD 2025.

Additionally, a variety of case studies related to our theme are available on the Business Benefits and Public Sector Assurance websites. These case studies illustrate how SMEs from different sectors have successfully leveraged accreditation to access new markets and achieve long-term growth.

IAF and ILAC will be hosting a virtual WAD celebration event on 09 June. We welcome members, partners and stakeholders to attend at either 9:00 UTC or 17:00 UTC, by registering in advance at one of the following links:

9:00 UTC session: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8RyTTi8lTVaJi5daZ-VWrQ
17:00 UTC session: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QQi-8F48QA-o0zE2cl7nJw

Additionally, IAF and ILAC members are organizing a number of events in their economies or regions. View a list of member events here.

We encourage everyone to celebrate with us online using the hashtag #WAD2025, to attend our virtual event and to contact your local accreditation body for further details on local media and online seminars and programs they may be organizing. A list of IAF Members is available here, and a list of ILAC Members is available here.

Follow IAF (International Accreditation Forum Inc) and ILAC (ILAC Accreditation) on LinkedIn, or IAF (@IAF_Global) and ILAC (@ILAC_Official) on X, for the latest updates.