- Welcome Guest
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The Grain and Feed Trade Association (Gafta), United, Kingdom, is welcomed as a Stakeholder member of ILAC.
We welcome Gafta and look forward to working with our Gafta colleagues.
07 July, 2025
The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Grain and Feed Trade Association (Gafta) have formalised their collaboration, recently signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
ILAC is the specialised body administering a global multilateral Mutual Recognition Arrangement among accreditation bodies responsible for accreditation of conformity assessment bodies, including testing laboratories.
Gafta is the international trade association representing companies involved in the trade of agricultural commodities, spices and general produce. Gafta seeks to promote free trade of agricultural commodities, to encourage an open, predictable trade environment to avoid trade disruption, to promote international standards based on sound science to facilitate trade; and to raise awareness of the instrumental role played by the international trade in transporting safe, sustainable, nutritious and affordable food and feed from areas of surplus to areas of deficit to feed a growing world population and ensure global food security.
ILAC and Gafta have been cooperating since 2021 and have collaborated on the communication of the requirements of Gafta for the inspection of agricultural commodities, general produce, and spices for international trade. Gafta operates a scheme for superintendents and a scheme for analysts that recognise ILAC member accredited inspection bodies and test laboratories within those schemes. You can view and download the MoU here.
Further information on Gafta and its activities is available at: https://www.gafta.com/
World Accreditation Day (WAD), a global initiative established by IAF and ILAC, is celebrated annually on 09 June to raise awareness of the importance of accreditation. This year, WAD focuses on the theme of Accreditation: Empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the critical role that accreditation plays in supporting SMEs around the world.
Supporting the Backbone of the Global Economy
SMEs are the foundation of national economies, accounting for the majority of businesses globally and serving as key drivers of employment, innovation and economic resilience. Despite their importance, SMEs frequently encounter obstacles such as limited resources, market access challenges and competitive pressures.
Accreditation provides SMEs with a vital tool to overcome these hurdles. By leveraging accredited conformity assessment services, such as certification, testing, inspection and validation/verification, SMEs can strengthen their credibility, enhance their quality assurance and gain recognition in both domestic and international markets.
Accreditation: A Strategic Advantage for SMEs
Accreditation confirms the competence, impartiality and consistency of the conformity assessment bodies that provide services to businesses. When SMEs use accredited conformity assessment services, they demonstrate compliance with recognised standards and regulatory requirements. This not only builds trust with customers and stakeholders but also opens the door to global trade through international arrangements such as the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) and the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), which enable mutual recognition of accredited conformity assessment results across borders.
The benefits for SMEs go beyond market access. Accredited conformity assessment helps minimise business risks, reducing product recalls, preventing costly rework and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. It also contributes to operational efficiencies, cost savings and continuous improvement, helping SMEs grow sustainably and stay competitive in an evolving marketplace.
Join the Celebration
IAF and ILAC have released a number of resources for WAD 2025, including a joint statement from the IAF and ILAC Chairs, a brochure and a video that can provide more information about how accreditation empowers SMEs. 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 celebrate WAD through a 45-minute virtual event, hosted in two time zones to enable international participation. We welcome all interested parties 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 holding a number of events in their economies or regions. View a list of member events here.
Join the conversation online using the hashtag #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.
The signatory status of International Accreditation Service, Inc, (IAS), USA, to the ILAC MRA has been extended to include the accreditation of Proficiency Testing Providers (ISO/IEC 17043).
The full list of signatories to the ILAC MRA is available from https://ilac.org/signatory-search/ .
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.
The United Group of Conformity Assessment Bodies (UGCAB), Iraq, is welcomed as a Stakeholder member of ILAC.
We welcome UGCAB and look forward to working with our UGCAB colleagues.
The Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network (APFAN) and the AOAC South West Pacific (AOAC SWP) Section in association with the University of the South Pacific (USP) Centre for Sustainable Futures and the Chemical Society of the South Pacific (CSSP), welcome you to join the upcoming APFAN PT5 Workshop / AOAC SWP Annual Meeting to be held in Suva in Fiji on 8th – 10th September 2025.
This International Workshop has the theme “Building Sustainable Food Analysis Capacity in the Asia Pacific – Enhancing Global Comparability”.
The Technical Program will cover a number of topics including:
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Management System
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Technical System
Food Composition and Nutritional Testing
Residue and Toxin Testing in Pacific Products
Analyses for Sustainable Futures
Food Microbiology Testing
Testing of Indigenous / Underutilised Foods
Capacity Building Initiatives in the Asia Pacific
Discussion of PT5 Results
The registration fees and Call for Papers will be made available in early June 2025.
We also acknowledge and welcome participants of the 12th OCEANIAFOODS (INFOODS) meeting on the 12th September – “Indigenous Peoples Food Systems and the Food Composition in Oceania”. Welcome also to members of the Pacific Islands Testing Committee (PITC) under the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII) and associated national laboratory networks, with meeting rooms available on the 11th and 12th September after this Workshop.
For further information, please contact Stewart Jones, Coordinator, APFAN at: apfan.apfan@yahoo.com
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 these days, teamwork, transparency and collaboration are essential for innovation. Reality is changing and there is an increasing use of digital means and formulation of work processes through them. Accreditation must be present in these processes and ensure that those engaged in the profession are aware of and act within the framework of the accreditation principles.
The direct impact is already evident today. Basic processes are answered by the various AI softwares. Some of the answers they receive are AI-based and we must check and ensure that there is indeed an appropriate response to the findings when performing activities to test professional competence. The use of technological means must be in accordance with national, regional and international requirements. Those who participate influence these activities.
We are involved on a regular basis in the activity and, as required, in supporting our partners in our activities and those who have signed MOU’s with us.
The parallel work required these days at ILAC and Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated requires many hours of meetings reviewing documents and agreements between all members. Thanks to all those involved in the work, the consultants to the Secretariat and the representatives who volunteer their time and expertise. They work for the success of our activities and the implementation of the decisions of all ILAC members.
ILAC Meetings
The IAF/ILAC Mid-term meetings were held virtually during March/April 2025.
The next IAF/ILAC annual meetings will be held as an in-person event in Bangkok, Thailand from 15 – 24 October, 2025.
In addition to the in-person meetings noted above all ILAC Committees, Working Groups and Task Forces continue to progress the items on their work plans, via a combination of email and remote meetings.
Information on future meetings and events, including major regional meetings, can also be found in the ILAC Calendar.
Decision to Establish a Single International Organisation for Accreditation
Following extensive work and discussions within IAF and ILAC in 2024 the IAF and ILAC membership agreed the Constitution and General Rules for a new organisation, to take over the existing roles of both IAF and ILAC. Following the annual meetings of IAF and ILAC in October 2024, the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated was registered in New Zealand.
The launch date for the Cooperation to become operational and to take over the roles of IAF and ILAC, is provisionally 1 January 2026. Further information on the transition and exact date will be publicised shortly.
The ILAC MRA
The scope of recognition of the recognised regions to the ILAC MRA is available from Recognised Regional Cooperation Bodies International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ilac.org)
Information on the acceptance of calibration, testing and inspection results programs provided by PTPs and reference materials produced by RMPs via the ILAC MRA is available from ILAC MRA and Signatories International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation.
There are currently 118 signatories to the ILAC MRA representing 119 economies. The ILAC MRA covers recognition for accreditation in the areas of calibration (ISO/IEC 17025), testing (ISO/IEC 17025), medical testing (ISO 15189), inspection (ISO/IEC 17020), proficiency testing providers (ISO/IEC 17043) and reference material producers (ISO 17034). The list of signatories to the ILAC MRA is available from the ILAC MRA Signatory Search.
The ILAC MRA Annual Report 2024 and associated Infographic will be published shortly, and members will be notified by email. The documents will be uploaded to the ILAC Website when available.
Case studies and research on the recognition of the ILAC MRA by governments and regulators are available from the Public Sector Assurance website. The website is a collaborative initiative of the INetQI members and there are over 330 case studies, 90 research papers and 60 supporting materials available to view.
The Business Benefits website is a reference website designed to demonstrate the monetary value of standards, conformity assessment and accreditation for businesses. The website represents another successful collaboration of the INetQI partners with over 95 case studies categorised into 6 areas of value. All of the case studies identify a clear financial benefit. The site also includes more than 75 research papers.
Both the Public Sector Assurance and the Business Benefits websites contain a dedicated search function for each of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The case studies on these sites are now all linked to applicable goals.
ILAC Membership
The ILAC membership as of 31 March 2025 is:
The ILAC membership consists of 161 organisations from 135 different economies worldwide. Over 114,600 laboratories, over 15,600 inspection bodies, over 700 PTP and over 300 RMP are accredited by the ILAC Full Members (signatories to the ILAC MRA).The latest statistics and graphs on the number of accreditation bodies, accredited laboratories, inspection bodies, PTPs and RMPs are available from the ILAC Facts & Figures page.
ILAC Executive Committee
In 2024 the Executive Committee met virtually and held in-person meetings. The first meeting for 2025 was held on 30 April.
The IAF and ILAC Joint Executive Committee (JEC) held four (4) meetings in 2024 (February, June, September and October). The first meeting for 2025 was held on 3 April.
ILAC Liaisons and other International Activities
The current list of ILAC liaison activities includes:
ILAC Liaisons with ISO and ISO/CASCO Policy Committees
ILAC Liaisons with ISO/CASCO Working Groups/Task Forces
ILAC Liaisons with Other Organizations
ILAC thanks all the ILAC liaison officers, and their organisations, who volunteer their time to assist ILAC in carrying out these activities for the benefit of all ILAC members.
Information on ILAC’s partnerships, including copies of communiqués, joint procedures, press releases and MoUs is available from the ILAC Partnerships Page.
ILAC Secretariat
There have been no changes to Secretariat staff since the last newsletter.
Documents and Brochures
Publications finalised and released in 2024 include:
ILAC-P9:01/2024 ILAC Policy for Proficiency Testing and/or Interlaboratory comparisons other than Proficiency Testing
Follow @ILAC_Official on “X” or ILAC on LinkedIn to receive the latest ILAC news, including information on meetings, events, liaison activities and new publications.
The November 2024 edition of the ILAC Newsletter is available from News-and-Events/ILAC Newsletter/Archive (ilac.org). The next edition will be published in November 2025.