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/