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A New Era of Global Trust: Welcoming the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated

A major milestone in the global accreditation landscape took effect on 1 January 2026 with the launch of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, a new unified international accreditation organization formed by the merger of International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This single body streamlines the global accreditation system, strengthens international trust, and introduces one consolidated Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

One Global Cooperation, one MRA.

The change aims to simplify processes, reduce duplication, harmonize accreditation policies and procedures and ensure more consistent application of standards across borders.

What is not changing is the continuity of recognition. Existing accreditations issued under the ILAC and IAF accreditations and marks remain valid during the transition, and regional cooperation bodies will continue their essential peer‑evaluation roles. For regulators, industries, and conformity assessment bodies, the new organization provides a clearer, more efficient framework while maintaining the trusted global recognition the international accreditation community relies on.

As a member, CALA remains fully committed to engage constructively as the new organization moves forward and contributes to a strong, trusted global accreditation framework.

For additional information about this new organization and its implications for regulators, industry, and consumers we encourage you to explore the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated website or read their press release here.