Scope of the IAF MLA

The IAF MLA is composed of IAF MLA main scopes and corresponding IAF MLA sub-scopes.

Certificates issued on the basis of an IAF MLA main scope are considered “equally reliable” because the CABs conform to the same standards.

Certificates issued on the basis of an IAF MLA sub-scope are considered “equivalent” as they are based on the same IAF endorsed standards or sector schemes. Sub-scopes are divided into two categories (Level 4 and Level 5). Level 4 sub-scopes are IAF endorsed normative documents used by ABs in conjunction with main scope documents to assess a CB’s competence in a specific sector. Level 5 sub-scopes are IAF endorsed normative documents used by CBs.

The IAF MLA currently consists of the following scopes:

• Level 1 is the endorsed normative document for ABs.
• Levels 2 and 3 are the main scopes, consisting of accreditation programs and endorsed normative documents.
• Levels 4 and 5 are the sub-scopes consisting of applicable documents and endorsed normative documents, as noted above.

As a supplement, IAF has developed a fast-track sub-scope evaluation process based on the evaluation of the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarking of food sector schemes. A corresponding Memorandum of Understanding between IAF and GFSI is in place to facilitate the acceptance of GFSI benchmarked schemes as IAF MLA sub-scopes.