Ensuring the security of Internet of Things devices requires a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation, best practices and trust mechanisms. In this context, voluntary conformity assessment programs have emerged as a strategic tool to complement government regulations.
Conformity assessment services, executed by the conformity assessment bodies accredited by the Colombian accreditation body ONAC, are crucial in strengthening Colombia’s productive sectors through certification, inspection, calibration, and testing services. This study provides a granular view of how conformity assessment services align with various sectors of the economy.
The Global Accreditation Experience Index is the first longitudinal dataset on accreditation. The data shows that developing economies are increasingly engaging in international accreditation, with some surpassing their counterparts with longer-established systems.
The agricultural sector plays a key role in the economies of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. As part of its policy to support the development policies at the national level, the West African Accreditation System has developed specific accreditation schemes for the agri-food sector.
AI is developing at a rapid rate. ISO standards are a human-centered approach making sure AI works for people, not the other way around.
On 10th March 2025, the Kenya Accreditation Service and the African Organisation for Standardisation formalized a landmark collaboration to enhance trade and quality infrastructure across Africa.
EA published its 2024 MLA Report, confirming 44 member signatories and growth in key scopes. It also hosted workshops on IT systems for accreditation bodies and on the Implementing Regulation EU 2024/2981.
The Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Accreditation held virtual committee meetings and its 29th General Assembly in March 2025.
Cybersecurity is a strategic priority for organizations in every sector. With the growing number of cyber threats and the increasing attention of institutions to data protection, companies must adopt solid management systems, preferably internationally recognized. In this context, a new “Reference Practice” (PdR) project was initiated in Italy.
ARAC has launched the development process for its 2026–2030 Strategy, setting a forward-looking vision for accreditation in the Arab region. As part of its capacity-building efforts, ARAC also hosted a regional training workshop on ISO/IEC 17029 and ISO 14065, strengthening the technical expertise of accreditation bodies.
The African Accreditation Cooperation conducted two half days’ virtual training from 14–15 January 2025 on Decision Making Including the Role of Task Force Groups.
In response to its mandate for continual improvement and stakeholder engagement, the Ethiopian Accreditation Service conducted a survey to gather feedback on the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of EAS’s services.
Digitalization and automated construction materials testing bring many benefits to construction projects, especially when a large number of samples need to be tested manually. The shift to adopt electronic test reports marks a crucial step toward a paperless culture in the testing and certification industry and also responds to the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s 2050 goal to achieve carbon neutrality.
Non-destructive testing plays a crucial role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of critical components across industries. In a significant milestone for the aviation sector, the Kenya Accreditation Service has accredited Kenya Airways’ NDT Technical Department as a Type A Inspection Body under ISO/IEC 17020:2012.
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.
IAF Outlook 