- Welcome Guest
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IAF and ILAC will celebrate World Accreditation Day (WAD) 2025 on 9 June through a virtual event, hosted in two time zones to enable international participation. This year’s event focuses on the theme Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
SMEs are the backbone of economies worldwide. They drive innovation, fuel job creation and contribute significantly to local and global markets. However, many SMEs face barriers in accessing international markets, demonstrating compliance or gaining consumer trust. Accreditation and accredited conformity assessment help bridge these gaps by verifying the quality, safety and sustainability of products, services and processes.
Event Highlights
The 2025 celebration will feature contributions from various organizations:
IAF and ILAC: IAF Chair Emanuele Riva and ILAC Chair Etty Feller will highlight the significance of accreditation in empowering SMEs and its role in global trade and supporting innovation and sustainability.
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO): UNIDO will discuss its initiatives supporting SMEs through capacity-building and facilitating access to international markets.
Foundation FSSC (FSSC): FSSC CEO Aldin Hilbrands will share insights into how accreditation and its certification schemes assist SMEs in enhancing food safety and sustainability practices.
SME Testimonials: Real-world stories will be shared by SME representatives who have directly benefited from accreditation and accredited conformity assessment. These testimonials will highlight improved access to markets, enhanced operational efficiency and stronger customer trust as outcomes of accreditation.
Join the Celebration
We welcome members, partners and stakeholders to attend the IAF/ILAC event 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 organising a number of events in their economies or regions. View a list of member events here.
WAD resources, including a joint statement from the IAF and ILAC Chairs, a brochure and a video, are 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.
Join the conversation online using #WAD2025, and follow IAF (International Accreditation Forum Inc) and ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Co-operation (ILAC)) on LinkedIn, or IAF (@IAF_Global) and ILAC (@ILAC_Official) on X for the latest WAD updates.
EIAC launched new accreditation schemes
The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) has launched new accreditation schemes for Validation/Verification bodies according to ISO/IEC 17029 and for the Medical Devices Quality Management Systems (MDQMS) certification bodies for ISO 13485 certifications according to ISO/IEC 17021-1 accreditation. Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed Chief Executive Officer of EIAC formally launched these schemes in an awareness ceremony in Dubai.
In her address Ms. Mohammed said that the new accreditation scheme for validation/verification bodies is in line with the UAE government’s commitment towards climate change. She noted that greenhouse gases emissions have become a greater challenge over time. And that the accreditation of validation/verification bodies would provide credible platform to the industry to recognise their environmental claims. Ms. Mohammed also said that the growing market of medical devices in UAE would benefit from the new scheme for accreditation of Medical Devices Quality Management Systems certification bodies.
Representatives of conformity assessment bodies and stake holders attended the ceremony.
EIAC CEO Ms. Amina Ahmed formally launching new accreditation schemes.
EIAC hosted APAC ITSMS training in Dubai
EIAC hosted the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) training on ISO/IEC 20000-6: Information technology — Service management- Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of service management systems. Staff and assessors of various accreditation bodies attended the training.
Mr. Abdulla Al Marzooqi director of certification bodies accreditation department of EIAC welcomed all delegates. He also thanked APAC for arranging the training in Dubai. Ms. Seema Khurana of United Accreditation Foundation, USA was the resource person.
EIAC hosted APAC training.
EIAC hosted APAC ISMS, ITSMS and AI Evaluator Workshop in Dubai
EIAC also hosted the APAC workshop for peer evaluators for ISMS, ITSMS and AI, in Dubai. APAC peer evaluators from various accreditation bodies attended the workshop.
EIAC thanked APAC for arranging the workshop in Dubai. Ms. Seema Khurana of United Accreditation Foundation, Mr. Young Jae Park of Korea Accreditation Board (KAB), Mr. Pu-Hsien (Bruce) Li of Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) and Mr. Zhigao Fu of China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) contributed to the workshop as resource persons.
EIAC hosted APAC peer evaluators’ workshop.
EIAC participated in Arab Health Medical Expo 2025
EIAC participated in Arab Health Medical Expo held on 27 January to 30 January 2025. Arab Health is the largest exhibition and forum of medical field in the region. Many exhibitors of medical products including devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare service providers and medical professionals attended the exhibition and discussion forums. The EIAC had an information booth in the exhibition. Accreditation information was provided to the visitors. A large number of medical professionals from the healthcare sector, including medical laboratories, visited the EIAC booth.
EIAC’s participation in Arab Health.
In the Republic of Uzbekistan, a robust mechanism is in place to monitor the health status of the population, ensure the provision of quality medical care, and enforce international standards in the production of medical equipment. This sector is governed by a series of resolutions and pertinent documents issued at both governmental and ministerial levels.
The Government has actively adopted international standards to safeguard public health, including those defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Notably, standards such as ISO 15189 and ISO 13485 have been introduced in recent years to enhance the quality of medical services and products.
The quality infrastructure in Uzbekistan is increasingly focused on integrating these standards and evaluating compliance during accreditation processes. The National Accreditation System prioritises the expansion of the service sector, recognising its vital role in ongoing development and public welfare. While the achievement of international recognition is commendable, the ongoing maintenance and improvement of standards remain critical.
The State Enterprise Uzbek Center for Accreditation (O’ZAKK) successfully achieved international recognition in several scope, including in Medical Device Quality Management Systems as per ISO 13485. This standard emphasises quality management systems in the production of medical devices and has received official recognition under the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (IAF MLA).
In Uzbekistan, both state-owned and private enterprises, ranging from large corporations to small businesses, are engaged in manufacturing of medical equipment. The quality of these medical products has a direct bearing on public health, making the production of safe medical devices a fundamental governmental responsibility in safeguarding consumer rights.
A comprehensive set of legal instruments governing product safety has been developed and implemented in Uzbekistan. Currently, the state register indicates that over 100 types of medical products are manufactured within the country.
Prior to the establishment of the national accreditation body for certifying management system certification bodies for medical device manufacturers, products had already been evaluated by certification bodies against established standards. The training of experienced assessors and the creation of a qualified service that complies with ISO 13485 are essential tasks within the National Accreditation System today.
Moreover, the push for competitiveness and quality within the industry has led to an expansion of accreditation services. In this regard, O’ZAKK has collaborated with leading accreditation bodies in the Asia-Pacific region, including the Korea Accreditation Board (KAB), achieving favorable outcomes. The qualifications of Uzbek assessors have been significantly enhanced through participation in various international training programs.
As part of a pilot project, one certification body has successfully obtained accreditation and is currently conducting audits to issue certificates of conformity to medical device manufacturers. Additionally, two more certification bodies are undergoing the accreditation process for this standard.
This progress signifies an improvement in the qualifications of Uzbek assessors and the introduction of new directions within the field. It not only fosters increased competition in the domestic market but also expands the options available to manufacturers.
Furthermore, the certification of accredited management systems serves as an effective mechanism for protecting the interests of consumers, regulators, and the broader public, particularly in the healthcare sector.
BAB’s Efforts to Strengthen Bangladesh’s Quality Systems and Global Trade
The Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) is the only national accreditation body mandated by law, to provide accreditation services to different conformity assessment bodies (CABs) operating in the country. Since its establishment, BAB has been playing a key role in improving national quality systems, building trust in local conformity assessment services, and helping local products and services gain acceptance in global markets. This shows BAB’s strong focus on quality, innovation, teamwork and supporting the country’s long-term economic growth.
To encourage and promote BAB accreditation, BAB builds partnerships with regulators, industries, universities, and international organisations. To improve product/service quality, ensure safety, and build trust in conformity assessment activities, BAB has launched a series of initiatives such as training programs for CABs and regulators to upgrade their skills, public awareness campaigns to explain how accreditation protects consumers, and how Mutual Recognition Arrangements ensure global acceptance of results from BAB-accredited CABs and boosts trade.
In 2024-2025, BAB trained 207 technical personnel from local CABs, universities, and government agencies, hosting six training sessions on different international standards and technical topics. These programs helped participants stay updated with global best practices and customers’ requirements. BAB is also working to sign three MoUs with regional and international development partners and peer organisations by the 2025-2026 financial year, to develop the capacity of accreditation schemes and improve institutional capacity supporting cross-border trade in agricultural and food products.
BAB works tirelessly to create a culture of quality and trust in CABs serving in the healthcare, environment and export sectors, to ensure their competency to generate reliable and technically valid testing results. BAB also works to expand its facilities to the divisional level, to make its service more people-oriented and easily accessible. BAB has been successful in bringing public laboratories of the country under its accreditation schemes. Some of the key BAB-accredited public laboratories include: Testing Laboratories & National Metrology Laboratory (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute), Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (Bangladesh Atomic Energy Center), National Control Laboratory (Drug Administration), Quality Control Laboratories ( Department of Livestock Services and Department of Fisheries), National Food Safety Laboratory (Institute of Public Health), Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory & Pesticide Analytical Laboratory (BARI), Institute of Technology Transfer and Innovation, Leather Research Institute Laboratory, Institute of National Analytical Research and Services (BCSIR) Textile Testing and Consultation Services (Bangladesh University of Textiles (BUTEX). Dhaka Laboratory, Department of Environment. These laboratories play a vital role in monitoring the quality of products and services and ensuring compliance with regulatory and customer requirements.
BAB actively works with regional and global partners to facilitate regional and international cooperation in accreditation. On 26 February 2025, Dr. Shahzad Afzal, Director General of the South Asian Regional Standards Organization (SARSO) met BAB’s Director General, Mr. Md. Anwarul Alam at BAB’s head office. They emphasised stronger collaboration among SAARC countries in setting common standards and strengthening strong regional cooperation in accreditation.
As Bangladesh works towards its development goals, BAB remains central for promoting the “Made in Bangladesh” campaign by ensuring quality, reliability, and global trust of its products and paving the way for their global acceptance. It is expected that BAB will continue this progress and further accelerate the country’s quality movement.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO) [1], in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) countries, a unit increase in public health expenditure increases long-term Gross National Income growth by about one percentage point. However, according to the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO), Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) represent, depending on the UEMOA member states, between 80% and 95% of the companies surveyed [2]. Based on this observation, investing in health, particularly the fight against diseases, could be crucial to support economic development in UEMOA member states. This article highlights the role of accreditation in the fight against two major infectious diseases in the world, particularly in Africa, namely tuberculosis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a mycobacterium, the Koch bacillus, which most commonly affects the lungs but can also affect other organs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) [3], 1.25 million people died from tuberculosis in 2023. An estimated 10.8 million people contracted tuberculosis worldwide in 2023. TB is present in all countries and age groups. However, it is a preventable and treatable disease. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis continues to cause a public health crisis and remains a threat to health security. Ending the tuberculosis epidemic by 2030 is one of the health-related targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
AIDS is an infectious disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV weakens the immune system, making the individual vulnerable to other infections. HIV is a sexually transmitted infection. Research has identified drugs to combat the virus, discovered in 1983. It is important to note the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. According to the WHO [4], HIV remains a major public health problem worldwide, resulting in 40.4 million deaths to date, and continues to be transmitted in every country worldwide. An estimated 39.0 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2022, more than two-thirds of them in Africa. In 2022, 630,000 people died from HIV-related causes and 1.3 million acquired HIV. There is no cure for HIV infection. However, HIV has become a chronic condition that can be managed, with the potential for long and healthy lives. Ending HIV by 2030 is among the health-related targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The West African Accreditation System (SOAC WAAS) is the accreditation body for UEMOA member states [5]. As part of its policy to support the health policies of its member states, SOAC WAAS has developed a specific accreditation scheme for the medical sector. With a rate of 21%, this sector is second to have the largest number of conformity assessment bodies accredited by SOAC WAAS. These are laboratories accredited according to the ISO 15189 standard. It should be noted that SOAC WAAS ISO 15189 accreditation scheme is covered by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) mutual recognition agreements since 2022. Laboratories accredited for HIV and tuberculosis testing represent 74% of the total, with 26% for tuberculosis and 46% for HIV respectively. These results were made possible thanks to the strong involvement of international cooperation. Thus, accreditations in the field of HIV were obtained with the support of United States of America (USA) cooperation, while those in the field of tuberculosis mobilized various partners such as the Global Fund, under the coordination of the Supranational Laboratory for Tuberculosis in Benin (SRL-Cotonou). The intervention of SRL-Cotonou and its network of partners has enabled tuberculosis testing laboratories located outside UEMOA to benefit from SOAC accreditation, particularly in Cameroon and Gabon.
Thus, the UEMOA countries’ accreditation system, supported by SOAC WAAS, participates to meet the expectations of member states in terms of public health. However, the risks of reduced international cooperation in health, partly driven by the vision of the new USA authorities, should encourage all stakeholders to find other ways to maintain the results achieved in the fight against infectious diseases in Africa such as tuberculosis and AIDS. In doing so, economic development in UEMOA member states, primarily driven by SMEs, would not be compromised.
[1]https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/%40ed_dialogue/%40sector/documents/publication/wcms_892131.pdf
[2]https://www.bceao.int/fr/content/presentation-du-dispositif-de-soutien-au-financement-des-pmepmi
[3]https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
[4]https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids
[5]The member states of UEMOA are Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo.
For several years, the National Quality Subsystem (grouping of quality infrastructure entities in Colombia) and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (German Metrology Institute – PTB) have been working together. This cooperation is carried out through a series of projects called “Artical”, whose objective is to strengthen the competent and coordinated services of the National Quality Subsystem.
The third version of the project (Artical III) aims to strengthen quality infrastructure services in Colombia, to promote the circular economy. To this end, the project focuses on the identification of the needs for quality services and the improvement and development of new quality infrastructure services for the circular economy sectors, especially the plastics, construction materials, and electrical and electronic equipment sectors.
Several activities were conducted to develop a methodology that would allow a prioritisation of the sectors and subsequently of the products, in order to focus the search for gaps and unmet needs on the points that generate the greatest impact in environmental and economic terms.
First, to define the sectors on which the program should focus, the Colombian National Accreditation Body (ONAC) developed a methodology to prioritise two of the three sectors initially proposed. The following criteria were considered:
As a result of this analysis, it was concluded that the chains with the greatest potential to generate the necessary impacts are construction and demolition waste (CDW) and plastics; therefore, the project focused on the plastics and construction sectors.
The two prioritised sectors were subjected to a second stage of analysis, in which PTB requested the formation of a Core Group made up of members of the National Metrology Institute of Colombia (INM), the Colombian Institute of Technical Standards and Certification (ICONTEC), the National Association of Colombian Businessmen (ANDI), ONAC and PTB.
The objective of this group was to design and organise a first workshop, within the framework of the Artical III project, in which the different stakeholders would discuss circularity issues in the two prioritised sectors. The purpose of the workshop was to identify gaps and opportunities for improving quality infrastructure services to promote circularity in these value chains.
As input for the development of the workshop, ONAC developed a methodology based on criteria whose objective is to diagnose gaps in metrology, standardisation and accreditation, facilitate the integration of quality services in circular production processes and develop strategies aligned with the Colombian regulatory and sectoral context.
For the construction of the methodology, an analysis was made of several methodologies to stimulate quality in value chains, the methodologies analysed are listed below:
However, after carrying out the analysis, it was determined that no methodology was sufficiently adaptable to the Colombian context, therefore, it was necessary to build a new methodology that would allow combining these approaches to adapt to the needs of the circular economy in Colombia. The new methodology is based on the following criteria, which enable the evaluation of the importance and impact of each of the products and their circular value chain.
These criteria were discussed at the workshop, which took place on February 19, 2025 at ONAC’s facilities and had the participation of different stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, representatives of the plastics and construction sectors, among other relevant actors. The participants contributed their ideas and helped to improve the construction of the criteria proposed.
The workshop also provided a space for discussion by sector. In these spaces, the participants most interested in each sector discussed among themselves in order to decide on the products on which the development of new quality infrastructure services should be focused. In this way, the representatives of each sector defined the products, both plastic and construction and the reasons why the viability of some materials is greater compared to others.
Finally, some points in the chain of circularity were identified which the core group considered most relevant to emphasise in the development of the project. These links were discussed by the representatives of each sector and finally subjected to an analysis considering the products previously selected. In this discussion, the quality infrastructure services that could meet the needs of the value chain for each product in the links proposed were identified and listed.
Finally, the exercise was very useful in defining the focus of the Artical III project and allows defining lines of action on the part of the quality infrastructure entities to support the implementation of the circular economy by small and medium-sized enterprises.
Romanas Lacost S.A. is a Costa Rican SME located in Tibás, San José, specialising in the maintenance, calibration, sale, and repair of weighing equipment. Although its main office is in Tibás, its services extend throughout Costa Rica, establishing itself as a key player in the weighing equipment and calibration sector.
Its services are primarily directed at sectors such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, where precision in weighing is crucial to ensure product quality and safety.
Since February 15, 2019, Romanas Lacost has held accreditation from the Costa Rican Accreditation Body (ECA) under the INTE-ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard for the calibration of non-automatic weighing instruments and standard weights, as described in the accreditation scope LC-143. This accreditation ensures that its laboratory meets the highest international standards for technical competence in calibrations, guaranteeing precise and reliable results.
The accreditation has been fundamental for Romanas Lacost in providing credibility and trust to its clients. This support ensures that calibrated equipment meets rigorous international standards, which is essential in processes where weighing precision is critical. Additionally, it has allowed them to differentiate themselves in the market and serve clients requiring specific certifications to operate, strengthening their position as leaders in the sector.
For Romanas Lacost, accreditation has had a significant impact on customer loyalty. By meeting rigorous international standards, Romanas Lacost builds a reputation based on the quality of its services and the reliability of its results, generating trust and loyalty among its clients. Satisfied customers tend to repeat purchases and recommend services, amplifying the company’s reach through positive word-of-mouth.
As a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), Romanas Lacost faces challenges such as maintaining consistency and reliability in its services in an environment with growing demand. Accreditation has allowed them to establish standardised processes that guarantee precise and consistent results, facilitating efficient management of workload volume without compromising quality.
Impact on the Sector and Commitment to Excellence
Romanas Lacost’s firm commitment to quality and continuous improvement enables its contribution to sector development through innovative solutions. This has generated a positive impact on the local economy, fostering trust and loyalty among its clients.
In conclusion, Romanas Lacost S.A. is a notable example of how an SME can sustainably grow by meeting high international standards through continuous improvement, allowing the implementation of conformity assessment standards and differentiation. This support and trust have enabled the company to consolidate itself as a reference in calibration and marketing of weighing equipment in Costa Rica. Accreditation has been a strategic factor in strengthening its reputation and retaining customers, promoting sustainable growth in the market.
Bangladesh Accreditation Board (BAB) is a statutory body established by “The Bangladesh Accreditation Act, 2006” under the Ministry of Industries, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. The board is mandated by the act to make provisions for the issuance of accreditation certificates to different laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies, training institutions, or persons, in line with the relevant International and national standards and guidelines.
BAB started testing the laboratory accreditation scheme in 2011 and issued its first-ever accreditation certificate in 2012. Since this time, activities of BAB have been expanded in response to valued stakeholders, at home and abroad. BAB is currently operating 4 accreditation schemes for testing, calibration, and medical laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies. As of October 2024, BAB has accredited 144 Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) operating in both private and public domains.
In 2015 BAB signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with the Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (now APAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC). Membership for Halal Accreditation with other similar international and regional organizations including the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) is in process.
The government of Bangladesh declared “The World Accreditation Day” 9 June as a National Day (Category C) in 2013. Every year this day is celebrated nationwide with great enthusiasm, to promote mass awareness about accreditation and dissemination of accreditation information. On the eve of the World Accreditation Day 2024, BAB published souvenirs highlighting the theme of the day and the importance of accreditation, and organized different seminars, symposium stakeholder meetings, and so on. A special supplement was published in the widely circulated daily newspapers and a television talk show was also aired on this occasion.
Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Md. Anwarul Alam, Director General, BAB is seen in the World Accreditation Day 2024 rally
Like previous years, a colorful rally led by Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Md. Anwarul Alam, Director General, BAB was held on the occasion of ‘World Accreditation Day 2024’. The experts, regulators, well-wishers, and beneficiaries from different stakeholders including senior officials of the Ministry of Industry, representatives of different accredited CABs, the business community, academia, quality and accreditation persons, and journalists from electronic and print media participated in the rally. Different electronic media aired and print media published the news with great emphasis.
To improve national accreditation infrastructure in the country BAB organizes need-based training on different international standards and technical topics. This also helps in the facilitation of accreditation activities and making a competent assessor/expert pool.
Mr. Md. Anwarul Alam, Director General, BAB and Mr Hohammad Shhohaieb, Initiative Director, UK Bangladesh Standards partnership initiative, BSI along with the participants.
| As part of the ministry-led innovation program for service simplification, BAB has a program to provide accreditation services appropriately by establishing a modern technology-based, efficient, accountable, corruption-free administrative and accreditation system. In this regard, BAB showcased “Pre-qualification Self-Assessment of Testing and Calibration Service Providers Interested in Accreditation through Online” on its website for feasibility and client’s opinion. |  |
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Mr. Md. Anwarul Alam, Director General, BAB describing the service simplification of BAB to Zakia Sultana, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Industries. |
BAB is committed to maintaining APAC/ILAC MRA status in compliance with international norms, and assists in the overall development of Bangladesh by trade facilitation; delivering confidence and protection of public interest through quality accreditation services without discrimination, and ensuring maintaining independence, impartiality, transparency and objectivity in the decision-making process. To this end, BAB regularly organizes meetings with significant stakeholders for feedback, opinions, and suggestions.
Mr. Md. Anwarul Alam, Director General, BAB and senior BAB officials along with the participants of the stakeholder workshop.
BAB always strives to establish itself as a reliable accreditation organization in regional and the international arena. Over time, the spectrum of BAB activities has been expanding. The Bangladesh government has taken different initiatives and approved new projects in the annual development program for modernization of accreditation infrastructure and capacity building. In the future, through increasing the work portfolios and activities, BAB will continue its significant role in the socio-economic development of the country.
EIAC jointly hosted the APAC annual meetings in Dubai
The annual meeting of Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (APAC) was jointly hosted by the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC), Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS) and GCC Accreditation Center (GAC). The Meetings are held from July 13 to July 18, 2024, in Dubai, UAE. This was the first time that annual meetings and general assembly of APAC were held in the UAE and middle east region.
Over 200 delegates attended the 2024 APAC Annual Meeting.
EIAC’s peer re-evaluation conducted by ARAC
The re-evaluation of Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) was conducted on 06-10 May 2024. The peer evaluation was conducted by the Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC). The six-member peer evaluation team was comprised of peer evaluators from Egypt, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Jordon and South Africa.
The peer evaluation covered the existing scope ISO/IEC 17025 (Testing and Calibration), ISO/IEC 17020 (Inspection) and ISO 15189 (Medical).
EIAC hosted executive committee meetings of ARAC
The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) hosted the executive committee meetings of Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC) in Dubai, UAE on 18 July 2024. The meetings were held in connection with ARAC’s mid-year meetings.
EIAC granted ISQua hospital accreditations
The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) granted accreditations to three hospitals and a day surgery center. The accreditations were granted according to the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua) requirements & standard.
The accreditation certificates were officially delivered during the celebrations of the World Patient Safety Day.
EIAC attended Joint IAF-ILAC annual meetings in Berlin
The joint annual meetings of IAF-ILAC were held in Germany on 1-10 October 2024. The EIAC delegation headed by Ms. Amina Ahmed Mohammed, CEO, attended the meetings. The EIAC strongly support the activities of IAF and ILAC and an MRA/MLA signatory to both organizations.
EIAC conducted training on forensic and crime scene
The Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC) has conducted various training.
EIAC launched a new training series on the “Integrated Forensic Management System (EIAC-IFMSO)”. The module is developed by taking guidance from ILAC G19, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance aspects. Aspects from multiple standards including ISO/IEC17020, ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO 15189 are included across various forensic disciplines.
In this regard training was conducted on 23-27 September 2024. The training highlighted the future directions in integrated forensic testing and crime scene inspection & analysis, utilizing multiple management systems and its accreditation, with a specific focus on relevant forensic and criminology scopes.
Delegates had interactive sessions to understand the effective application of accreditation criteria in accordance with multiple standards. Mr. Mohammed Abdel Motagaly was the resource person for this training.
Series of ISO 15189 training including transition training to new version of ISO 15189 were conducted in May, June and October 2024.
ISO/IEC 17025 training and training on measurement uncertainty, method validation and metrological traceability were conducted in June, July and September 2024.
EIAC’s delegation attending APAC annual meetings
EIAC hosted ARAC executive committee meetings
EIAC granted accreditations to hospitals
EIAC’s delegation attending joint IAF-ILAC annual meetings
EIAC’s training on ISO forensic and crime scene
Medellín, Colombia.- The Dominican Accreditation Body (ODAC, by its acronym in Spanish) will host the next General Assembly of the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC).
The announcement was made at the Thirty-Second General Assembly of the IAAC, held in the city of Medellín from August 18 to 23, which brought together more than 100 attendees from 27 countries in the Americas and the Caribbean region.
Once a year, all IAAC members hold technical meetings to contribute to the homologation of criteria for accreditation processes and international standards.
The discussions held at this event generate a positive impact on the quality infrastructure of the countries involved; in addition to serving as an incentive to promote competitiveness through the evaluation of accredited conformity.
The executive director of ODAC, Ángel David Taveras Difo, welcomed with great enthusiasm and commitment that the institution coordinates this activity for the first time.
“We assume this responsibility with integrity, which we are sure will enhance our country’s brand,” the official said.
The next general assembly is scheduled to take place on August 2025, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.