SUMMARY A joint IAF/ILAC/ISO survey of more than 4000 participants showed that a large majority of respondents prefer remote or blended audits, assessments, and evaluations, feel that remote activities provide as much confidence as on-site, and would like to see continued or increased use of remote activities in the future. BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic caused a substantial...
The impacts of climate change continue to grow, disproportionately affecting the poor. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals' objective of leaving no one behind, the climate crisis must be urgently addressed, including with standards. The IAF Mulitilateral Recognition Agreement (MLA) includes conformity assessment programmes in multiple fields for climate change mitigation and environmental protection, including energy management systems (ISO 50003,...
IAF Members have elected Mr. Emanuele Riva of Italian accreditation body Accredia as the new IAF Chair. He replaces Mr. Xiao Jianhua of CNAS, whose second of two terms ended at the 2021 IAF General Assembly on 04 November. On this occasion, Mr. Riva shares a message with Members and stakeholders: Dear IAF Members and Stakeholders, I would...
IAF held its 35th General Assembly online on 04 November 2021. Members approved the draft 2022 budget and heard progress reports on the IAF/ILAC project to form a single international organization for accreditation, the IAF response to COVID-19, IAF Certsearch, and committee activities. A number of Executive Committee members finished their terms at the General Assembly, including Xiao Jianhua...
This issue includes a message from the new IAF Chair, Mr. Emanuele Riva, who assumed the role following the end of Mr. Xiao Jianhua's second term in November 2021; updates from IAF committees' 2021 annual meetings; and an overview of the new IAF website. It also includes the results of the global IAF/ILAC/ISO survey on remote techniques for conformity...
IAF and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) have published the joint document Expected Outcomes for Certification to ISO 22000, a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). ISO 22000 Food safety management systems — Requirements for any organization in the food chain specifies what an organization needs to do in order to demonstrate its ability to control food safety hazards...
This issue of IAF Outlook includes an update on the ILAC/IAF Single International Accreditation Organization project, information on the IAF efforts to fight counterfeiting in the testing, inspection and certification industry, and an analysis of the transformative technology techniques used for audits, assessments and evaluations. It also features updates from regions and stakeholders, notably the achievements of APAC and...
An IAF member shall comply with applicable laws and regulations both domestic and international, and all IAF members shall act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of IAF, not engaging in conduct likely to bring discredit upon IAF (IAF Code of Conduct - IAF PL 1:2009, Issue 2) Accordingly, IAF shall not work with any entity...
The ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group (APG), an informal group of quality management system experts, auditors and practitioners drawn from IAF and ISO/TC 176, has revised its paper 'ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group Guidance on: Auditing Competence'. Competence is part of the backbone of any organization. The APG paper has been revised to provide an expanded view in relation...
IAF and ILAC are excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, Accreditation Matters. This podcast series will feature discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports regulators, global trade and consumers. In our first episode, Brendon Moo of the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) interviews...
Standards and conformity assessment provide the tools to deliver trust and confidence about the environment in which we live. But what happens when this environment changes? Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, digitalization has fundamentally altered the way we live, work and relate to each other. Conformity assessment actors have had to develop alternative ways of working based on AI, machine...
IAF held its 36th General Assembly online on 17 November, as part of the 2022 ILAC-IAF Joint Annual Meetings. Attendees heard a variety of reports, including updates on implementation of the IAF 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, IAF CertSearch, financial matters, committee work and the increases in IAF Members and IAF MLA signatories. IAF Board and Executive Committee member Ekanit Romyanon...
IAF and ILAC have released the second episode of our new podcast, Accreditation Matters, which features discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports regulators, global trade and consumers. In this episode, Rebecca Sheehan of the ILAC Secretariat interviews IAF Chair Emanuele Riva (Accredia) and AFRAC Chair Ron...
IAF Members continue to make strides in their recognition under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). Since the 2021 IAF General Assembly, one Regional Accreditation Group Member has achieved a scope extension, while eight Accreditation Body (AB) Members have joined the IAF MLA and 10 AB Members have achieved scope extensions. IAF works closely with the regional accreditation groups...
IAF Chair Emanuele Riva represented IAF at the 9th Annual Meeting of International Organisations (IOs), which was held from 05-06 December in Paris, France. The meeting brought together members of the IO Partnership, which strives to support effective, efficient, trusted and transparent international instruments, and build confidence among regulators and legislators that international instruments can meet their policy aspirations and...
IAF and ILAC have released the third episode of Accreditation Matters, our podcast featuring discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports regulators, global trade and consumers. In this episode, IAF CABAC Chair Marcus Long (IIOC) interviews IAF UAC Vice-Chair Sheronda Jeffries (TIA QuEST Forum) and Professor Pavel...
This issue of IAF Outlook includes articles on a new accreditation scheme for the natural and organic cosmetics sector, and the publication of ISO 37301:2021, a certifiable standard under accreditation on compliance management systems. It also features updates from the Regional Accreditation Groups and stakeholders, notably on ISO’s gender action initiatives, the Global Quality Infrastructure Index (GQII), news from...
IAF is pleased to announce that the Italian Anticorruption Authority (ANAC) has recognized the value of the IAF CertSearch database for confirming the validity of management system certificates required for participation in public tenders in Italy, and will move to exclusively using IAF CertSearch for these verifications. ANAC is an independent Italian administrative authority responsible for the prevention of...
IAF and ILAC have released the fourth episode of our Accreditation Matters podcast, which features discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports regulators, global trade and consumers. In this episode, Dr. Aparna Dhawan interviews Dr. Bernardo Calzadilla-Sarmiento and Dr. Stefanie Vehring on the circular economy and how...
2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group (APG), which aims to provide informational support to quality management system (QMS) auditors, consultants, and quality practitioners. The group comprises ISO/TC 176 audit experts from around the world, as well as nominated experts from IAF and ISO/CASCO, who work on a volunteer basis. Since its first meeting...
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Personnel Certification Association (IPC) are pleased to announce the renewal of their memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the recognition of the IPC Management System Auditors certification scheme as a sub-scope of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). IPC Management System Auditors is the first person’s certification scheme ever to have achieved...
This issue of IAF Outlook presents a rich tapestry of insights and advancements within the realm of conformity assessment and accreditation. From pivotal standards like the BRCGS Global Standards and ISO/IEC 17024 to the growing role of conformity assessment in promoting sustainability and circular economy practices, this issue captures the evolving landscape of quality assurance. Amid the digital transformation,...
IAF and ILAC have released the fifth episode of our podcast, Accreditation Matters, which features discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports industry, regulators, global trade, consumers, and the drive towards sustainability. In this episode, IAF Chair Emanuele Riva (Accredia) interviews the IAF Sustainability WG Co-convener Cesare...
Due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gas emissions despite the growth and deployment of renewable energy sources in electricity generation, hydrogen holds promise to significantly reduce carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors, including long-haul transport, steel and iron, cement, and chemicals. Hydrogen combusts and releases energy without making carbon dioxide, making it an emissions-free source of energy. This can help...
IAF is pleased to welcome the Saudi Accreditation Center (SAAC) as a new IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) signatory. On 16 January 2024, SAAC gained recognition for the main scope of Management System Certification – ISO/IEC 17021-1 and the sub-scopes ISO/IEC 17021-3 and ISO 9001 (QMS). SAAC's recognition by IAF was facilitated by its recognition under the Arab Accreditation...
IAF and ILAC have released a new episode of their podcast, Accreditation Matters, which features discussions with international experts on important matters to the international quality infrastructure community and the way that accreditation supports industry, regulators, global trade, consumers, and the drive towards sustainability. Listen to the episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts or Amazon Music, or watch...
IAF and IESBA Join Forces to Support Growth in the Market for High-Quality Sustainability Information Delaware and New York City, USA, February 5, 2024 – The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) today announced a strategic partnership to advance the use of a common framework of high standards of ethical conduct to...
IAF and ILAC have released a new episode of their podcast, Accreditation Matters, which features discussions with international experts on matters of importance to the international quality infrastructure community. Accreditation Matters highlights the way that accreditation supports industry, regulators, global trade, consumers, and the drive towards sustainability. 'The Importance of Accreditation for the Private Sector' is the second episode in...
IAF is pleased to welcome the Global Accreditation Bureau (GAB) as a new IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) signatory. On 12 February 2024, GAB gained recognition for the main scope of Management Systems Certification – ISO/IEC 17021-1, the level 4 sub-scopes ISO/IEC 17021-3, ISO/IEC 17021-2 and ISO/IEC TS 17021-10, and the level 5 sub-scopes ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and...
IAF-ISO Joint Communiqué on Addition of Climate Change Considerations to MSS On 22 February 2024, IAF and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) published a joint communiqué to highlight the upcoming publication of Climate Action Amendments to new and existing ISO management systems standards. Two new statements are being added to a number of existing management systems standards,...
On 22 March 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Featured Standards (IFS) signed an updated Scheme Endorsement Agreement to recognize the IFS Logistics standard under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). The previous issue of the agreement, signed in April 2023, finalized the endorsement of IFS Food. IFS Logistics evaluates the quality and safety of logistics operations...
On 19 April 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and Foundation FSSC (FSSC) signed an updated Scheme Endorsement Agreement to recognize the FSSC 24000 certification scheme under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). This updated agreement adds FSSC 24000 to FSSC 22000 as an IAF-recognized scheme. FSSC 24000 is a social management system scheme designed to help organizations in...
On 21 May 2024, IAF published the new Mandatory Document IAF MD 29, Transition Requirements for ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024. This document includes requirements for the transition from ISO/IEC 27006:2015 and ISO/IEC 27006:2015/Amd 1:2020 to ISO/IEC 27006-1:2024, Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection - Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of information security management systems - Part 1: General. It is...
On 21 May 2024, IAF published Issue 2 of IAF MD 16 Application of ISO/IEC 17011 for the Accreditation of Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) Certification Bodies. This document is mandatory for the consistent application of ISO/IEC 17011:2017 Conformity assessment - Requirements for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies for scoping the accreditation of FSMS certification bodies. The document...
IAF and ILAC have released a new episode of Accreditation Matters, 'The Role of Accreditation in the Public Sector'. This marks the third podcast in our sub-series on the role of accreditation in the food industry. The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music, or for viewing on YouTube. In this episode, Colin...
IAF and ILAC have released the final podcast in our Accreditation Matters sub-series on the role of accreditation in the food industry. This episode highlights the importance of accreditation for intergovernmental organizations (IGOs). The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music, or for viewing on YouTube. In this episode, Colin Christmas (IAF Working...
This issue of IAF Outlook covers a wide range of topics shaping the accreditation landscape worldwide. We explore artificial intelligence (AI) with articles on ISO/IEC 42001 Information technology — Artificial intelligence — Management system, the role of standards and accreditation in ethical AI governance, and AI priorities for accredited assurance bodies. We further examine the use of technology with articles...
On 06 June 2024, IAF Chair Mr. Emanuele Riva, invited by China’s State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) and China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS), attended China’s 2024 World Accreditation Day (WAD) event held in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei Province, China. He delivered a notable speech at this event. Mr. Riva commended CNAS for conducting accreditation in...
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and International Featured Standards (IFS) signed an updated Scheme Endorsement Agreement to recognise the IFS Broker and PACsecure standards under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). IFS Broker is the standard for auditing the service compliance of brokers, sales representatives, traders and importers of food, household and personal care products or packaging materials. The...
Posted on behalf of UNIDO The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is thrilled to announce the release of its new publication titled “Tackling Climate Change: Fostering trust in climate action through quality and standards”. Climate change is the biggest challenge of our times. From shifting weather patterns that threaten human health to rising sea levels that increase...
09 June 2024 marked World Accreditation Day (WAD), an initiative established by IAF and ILAC to raise awareness about accreditation. Each year, WAD brings the global conformity assessment community together with events, webinars and workshops. With the theme of ‘Accreditation: Empowering Tomorrow and Shaping the Future’, WAD 2024 underscored the important role of accreditation in navigating the complexities of...
In 2024, IAF Members have made significant strides in their recognition under the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA). The IAF MLA aims to ensure mutual recognition of accredited certifications and validation/verification statements between signatories. This allows for the acceptance of the certifications and validation/verification statements in many markets, saving costs and benefiting businesses and consumers worldwide. Members achieved the...
On 09 July 2024, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and BRCGS signed an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU). The updated MOU finalizes the endorsement of the BRCGS Global Standard Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing as an IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) sub-scope, adding it to seven BRCGS standards already endorsed. The BRCGS Global Standard Ethical Trade and Responsible Sourcing...
This issue of IAF Outlook covers a wide range of accreditation news from IAF, IAF Members and stakeholders. It highlights new publications, including ISO/IEC TS 17012: Conformity assessment — Guidelines for the use of remote auditing methods in auditing management systems, a UN/CEFACT Business Requirement Specification on digital product conformity certificate exchange, and the 2023 Global Quality Infrastructure Index Report....
The increasing prevalence of sustainability reporting globally, along with its standardization at national and regional levels, underscores the importance of a robust sustainability assurance framework. In this context, financial auditors have leveraged their expertise in financial assurance to quickly develop and modify a suite of international standards, specifically for sustainability reporting assurance processes. This expertise facilitated a constructive dialogue...
In a significant move towards enhancing trust in corporate sustainability disclosures, IAF and the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) have formalized their intent to collaborate. This partnership, outlined in a recent exchange of letters, aims to establish a robust framework for sustainability assurance, which is increasingly vital in today’s business environment. IAF’s letter of intent emphasized IAF...
In December 2024, IAF Members agreed to extend the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) to include Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) and Compliance Management Systems (CMS). The extension adds ISO 37001:2016 for ABMS and ISO 37301:2021 for CMS as Level 5 sub-scopes, with ISO/IEC TS 17021-9:2016 for ABMS and ISO/IEC TS 17021-13:2021 for CMS as the corresponding Level 4 sub-scopes. ...
IAF and the World Sustainability Organization (WSO) have signed a scheme endorsement agreement to finalize the endorsement of Friend of the Sea as an IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) sub-scope. Friend of the Sea is a certification scheme that promotes sustainable practices in the marine industry, focusing on responsible fishing and aquaculture. As global awareness of environmental issues grows,...
This issue of IAF Outlook covers a wide range of topics and developments in the world of accreditation. It explores the importance of ethical and professional responsibility within the accreditation landscape, accreditation's role in supporting safe and sustainable cosmetics, and the opportunities and challenges posed by the increasing number of conformity assessment schemes. It also profiles the Global Accreditation Experience...
About IAF The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is a worldwide association of accreditation bodies and other bodies interested in conformity assessment in the fields of management systems, products, processes, services, personnel, validation and verification and other similar programmes of conformity assessment. Our primary function is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment which reduces risk for businesses and their...
