Regional Cooperation Bodies (RCBs) (previously known as Regional Accreditation Groups in IAF) will maintain the same roles as in IAF and ILAC. RCBs will be evaluated every four years by Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated for compliance with documented requirements. 

RCBs play an essential role in supporting Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated by contributing to the multilateral recognition framework and peer evaluation processes. 

Their roles include: 

• Carrying out peer evaluations of accreditation bodies in their regions in alignment with Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated policies; 
• Contributing to the peer evaluations of other RCBs by providing experienced evaluators to Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated; 
• Offering regional input to technical and policy development; 
• Facilitating coordination between regional and global accreditation systems; and 
• Participating in governance processes where appropriate, such as serving on technical or advisory groups. 

As noted in the General Rules (GOV-002) Section 4.3, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated recognises the important contributions of RCBs and encourages their involvement in supporting its global objectives. Accreditation bodies are also required to be members of the relevant RCB if such membership is available. 

Last Update: October 10, 2025.