International • 1 min read
The creation of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, a new global accreditation organisation that will merge the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), has moved closer following the official registration of the organisation as a legal entity and an incorporated society in New Zealand. This milestone follows the successful approval of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated Constitution and General Rules by the members of ILAC and IAF through a positive vote.
As a key contributor to the global accreditation landscape, UKAS recognises the importance of this development. The merging of ILAC and IAF into the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated signals a significant advancement toward streamlining accreditation processes globally. UKAS has long supported the ILAC and IAF Mutual Recognition Arrangements, which facilitate the mutual acceptance of accredited results and certificates across national borders, reinforcing the goal of “accredited once, accepted everywhere.”
The creation of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated represents an important step toward enhancing international cooperation and promoting trust in accreditation across the world. UKAS will continue to play an active role in shaping the future of global accreditation, and further details on the new organisation are expected to be released in the coming months.