In the world of conformity assessment, the need to interpret and adopt new concepts to meet market demands is a current priority. One of these concepts, “professional agnostic”, today offers fertile ground for reflection for the International Organization for Standardization community.
In June 2025, IAF added IFS Wholesale and Cash & Carry as an IAF MLA sub-scope. This allows for the acceptance of accredited certification to this scheme in multiple markets with a single accreditation, reducing costs and increasing value for businesses and consumers.
As the global community intensifies efforts to address climate change, the demand for credible and transparent greenhouse gas reporting and verification has never been greater. In August 2025, IAF Members voted to extend the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement to include ISO 14067 as a Level 5 sub-scope.
the IAF CertSearch API was launched in April 2025. Designed for corporations and regulators with large, complex global supply chains or customer networks, the API integrates directly into enterprise systems, making real-time certificate verification possible at scale.
MHM Advisory has become the first certification body accredited by the Standards Council of Canada to deliver ISO/IEC 42001 certification, creating a clear path for organizations to demonstrate responsible AI governance.
Compliance today is no longer a back-office formality. In the face of increasingly complex regulatory landscapes and global supply chains, organizations need systems that embed integrity into everyday decision-making. To meet this need, the International Organization for Standardization published ISO 37301:2021.
Axle load enforcement has long been a challenge worldwide. In 2022, Danka Africa, a Kenyan inspection body, achieved accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for axle load and dimensional inspections.
Around the world, the market for “green” construction has matured faster than the mechanisms that verify it. The Saudi Green Building Forum developed saaf® as a conformity assessment framework designed to localize sustainability while aligning with international assurance.
The recent accreditation of Kenya Bureau of Standards’ Product Certification Scheme by Kenya Accreditation Service represents far more than a technical milestone – it is a strategic enabler of Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Colombia’s move to sell fuels by the litre rather than by the gallon is more than a relabelling exercise. It is a system upgrade to the International System of Units underpinned by metrological traceability and accredited conformity assessment.
The Arab Accreditation Cooperation Secretariat recently underwent a thorough evaluation by IAF and ILAC as part of its re-evaluation process and scope extension for the international recognition of the ARAC Multilateral Recognition Arrangement.
The European co-operation for Accreditation has published its Annual Report highlighting key activities and partnerships, convened the EA Laboratory Committee Health Care Working Group in Dublin to address the transition to EN 15189:2022 and other critical topics, and, together with EQIN partners, released a Concept Note outlining the role and vision of the European Quality Infrastructure Network.
In today’s interconnected world, the success of trade and economic development relies heavily on the trust consumers place in the quality of products and services. A key element in building this trust is the accreditation system.
The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) held its 31st General Assembly from 24–27 June 2025 in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This year’s “Day of Standardisation,” on 25 June, was themed “Accelerating Fair and Just Trade in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) through a Coherent Regulatory Framework and Harmonised Standards.”
For World Accreditation Day 2025, IAF and ILAC will highlight how accreditation can support small and medium-sized enterprises.
IAF and UNIDO are enhancing their partnership to strengthen quality infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable development by integrating IAF CertSearch into UNIDO’s QI4SD Index.
In February 2025, IAF formally endorsed the Interprivacy Certification Scheme (IP-CS.1) as a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) sub-scope.
Welding is an essential technology in many manufacturing areas. Although the first applications were found on findings dated 5,000 BC, it became an industrial technology after WWI, and applications have expanded since the end of WWII.
As Africa advances toward a more integrated trading landscape under the African Continental Free Trade Area, mutual recognition arrangements in accreditation and conformity assessment play a crucial role in ensuring the acceptance of testing, inspection, and certification results across borders.
Digital Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification, DMRV, can enhance the traditional MRV process through digital technologies. What considerations need to be made by the conformity assessment community for the use of DMRV?
Accreditation and certification work jointly to increase market access, build consumer confidence and provide various other benefits.
IAF Outlook 