IAF is a global network of accreditation bodies and other organisations involved in conformity assessment activities. Its key roles include:

• • to maintain and expand the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA), between Accreditation Body Members, with the aim of reducing risk to businesses and their customers and ensuring that an accredited certificate or validation/verification statement may be relied upon anywhere in the world;
• • to develop and harmonize accreditation practices across the world; and
• • to promote accreditation as an effective mechanism for providing confidence in goods and services, which is essential to global trade facilitation.