This page contains links to training materials and resources such as e-learning courses, information toolboxes, and presentations on technical topics. The training materials are made available as public information to assist people interested in understanding Quality Infrastructure, accreditation and conformity assessment. The materials cover a wide range of technical topics for example ISO/IEC standards and mandatory requirements documents that are...
IAF has programmes to: Develop guidance, rules and procedures for the operation of accreditation, certification / registration and mutual recognition programmes resulting in "Certified once, accepted everywhere" Ensure that all accreditation body members operate to the highest standards of competence and probity and only accredit bodies that have demonstrated that they are competent and impartial Harmonise accreditation procedures and their...
Standards, certification, testing, inspection and accreditation (collectively known as the Quality Infrastructure) help businesses of all sizes and sectors to reduce costs, limit their environmental impacts, improve quality, access new market opportunities, and differentiate themselves from competitors. Business Benefits showcases how accredited conformity assessment is used around the world by businesses to deliver positive benefits. The site has been developed...
Contact details of the Accreditation Bodies and Regional Accreditation Groups which are signatories to the MLA are listed here. Recognized ABs Recognized Regions About IAF MLA Accreditation Body and Regional Accreditation Group Members of IAF are admitted to the IAF MLA only after a stringent evaluation of their operations by a peer evaluation team which is charged to ensure...
Contact details of the Accreditation Bodies and Regional Accreditation Groups which are signatories to the MLA are listed here. Recognized ABs Recognized Regions Scopes Currently there are five main scopes for the IAF MLA: Management Systems Certification, Product Certification, Certification of Persons, Greenhouse Gas Validation and Verification, and Validation and Verification. A main scope means certificates are ‘equally reliable’...
Contact details of the Accreditation Bodies and Regional Accreditation Groups which are signatories to the MLA are listed here. Recognized ABs Recognized Regions Evaluation Process Accreditation Body Members of IAF are admitted to the MLA only after stringent evaluation of their operations by a peer evaluation team. It is the responsibility of this team to assess that the applicant...
Note: Many of the publications available above reference the use of International Standards as part of the requirements for accreditation, so you may be wondering how to do this while respecting copyright. Copyright allows IEC and ISO to safeguard the use of the content of International Standards so that the integrity and authenticity of that content is preserved, and that...
Accreditation Assessment Practices Group (AAPG) The Accreditation Assessment Practices Group (AAPG) is an informal group of accreditation experts, assessors, auditors and practitioners, drawn from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), particularly ISO’s Policy Committee for Conformity Assessment (ISO/CASCO) and some of its Technical Committees e.g. ISO/TC 176 and ISO/TC 207. It was established...
ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group (APG) The ISO 9001 Auditing Practices Group (APG) is an informal group of quality management system (QMS) experts, auditors and practitioners, drawn from the the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the ISO Technical Committee 176 Quality Management and Quality Assurance (ISO/TC 176). The APG has prepared a number of papers and presentations on auditing QMSs...
ISO 14001 Auditing Practices Group (APG) The ISO 14001 Auditing Practices Group (APG) is an informal group of Environmental management system (EMS) experts, auditors and practitioners, drawn from the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the ISO Technical Committee TC 207 sub committees for Environmental Management and Environmental Auditing (ISO/TC207/SC1 and SC2). The APG has prepared a number of papers and...
Please note the latest IAF information on COVID-19, which includes: * Please note that in the case of any discrepancies between the original English versions of IAF documents and their translations, the English documents shall prevail.
Expanding the scope of the IAF MLA The IAF MLA is reviewed on an on-going basis to better serve the needs of stakeholders. A number of evaluations of private sector schemes to become IAF MLA sub-scopes were in progress in 2021, and Foundation FSSC’s FSSC 22000 certification scheme was endorsed on 12 March 2021. FSSC 22000 outlines requirements for the...
Annex 1– New IAF MLA Signatories and Scope Extensions IAF Resolution 2021-17 – Regional Accreditation Group IAF MLA Scope Extensions The General Assembly noted the MLA scope extensions, since the 2020 General Assembly, of the following IAF Regional Accreditation Group members: APAC – Sub-Scope: Level 4: ICAO CORSIA ETM - Volume IV, ISO 14064-3, ISO 14066; Level 5: ICAO CORSIA...
MLA Monitoring and Improvement Activities IAF is committed to monitoring and reviewing the MLA to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of stakeholders. In addition to consulting widely with stakeholders, IAF carries out a number of programmes and activities to continuously improve the value and effectiveness of the MLA. Feedback Complaints provide a valuable mechanism for receiving feedback...
Peer Evaluation Process ABs are admitted to the IAF MLA only after a stringent evaluation of their operations by a peer evaluation team which is charged with ensuring that applicants comply fully with both international standards and IAF requirements. IAF, the RAGs and their AB members, invest significant resources to ensure and maintain the integrity of the MLA through robust...
Changes in the Scope of the IAF MLA During 2022 There were no changes to the scope of the MLA during 2022, however several scheme endorsement applications were received from private scheme owners during this period. At the end of 2022 there were 11 private schemes under evaluation against the requirements of IAF PL3 Policies and procedures on the IAF...
Expanding the scope of the IAF MLA The IAF MLA is reviewed on an on-going basis to better serve the needs of stakeholders. A number of evaluations of private sector schemes to become IAF MLA sub-scopes were in progress in 2021, and Foundation FSSC’s FSSC 22000 certification scheme was endorsed on 12 March 2021. FSSC 22000 outlines requirements for the...
IAF MLA Improvement Activities IAF is committed to monitoring and reviewing the MLA to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of stakeholders. In addition to consulting widely with stakeholders, IAF carries out a number of programmes and activities to continuously improve the value and effectiveness of the MLA. Feedback Complaints provide a valuable mechanism for receiving feedback relating...
Annex 1 – Scope of the MLA In 2022, the IAF MLA consisted of the following scopes: Level 1: ISO/IEC 17011:2017 Level 2: Product Certification: Level 3: ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Level 4: GLOBALG.A.P. IFA General Regulations Version 4 Level 5: GLOBALG.A.P. IFA CPCCs Version 4 Level 2: Management Systems Certification: Level 3: ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Level 4: ISO/TS 22003:2013, ISO 22003-1:2022 ISO/IEC...
Annex 2– New IAF MLA Signatories and Scope Extensions IAF Resolution 2022-16 – Regional Accreditation Group IAF MLA Scope Extensions The General Assembly noted the MLA scope extensions, since the 2021 General Assembly, of the following IAF Regional Accreditation Group members: AFRAC – Main Scope: Product Certification – ISO/IEC 17065; Main Scope: Certification of Persons – ISO/IEC 17024. IAF Resolution...
About CABAC - Represent the interests of Conformity Assessment Body Association Members. - Achieve consensus amongst members of the CABAC as to the needs and expectations of the providers of accredited conformity assessment and to communicate this to the IAF. - Assist the IAF in determining how well the needs and expectations of the providers of accredited...
About UAC - The User Advisory Committee (UAC), represents the interests of end-users of accredited conformity assessment, such as scheme owners and industries. - UAC members can assist IAF in determining how well the needs and expectations of scheme owners and end-users of accredited conformity assessment are being fulfilled in the market. - UAC members can stay...
Changes in the Scope of the IAF MLA During 2023 2023 witnessed a significant increase in the size of the IAF MLA. 10 private sector schemes were endorsed as new IAF MLA sub-scopes: BRC Global Standard – Food Safety Issue 8 (9) BRC Global Standard – Agents and Brokers Issue 3 BRC Global Standard – Packaging Materials Issue 6 BRC...
Annex 1 – Scope of the MLA The IAF MLA consisted of the following scopes at the end of 2023: Level 1: ISO/IEC 17011 (V2017, V2004) Level 2: Product Certification: Level 3: ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Level 4: GLOBALG.A.P. IFA General Regulations V4 GLOBALG.A.P. PHA General Regulations V1.0 BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety Issue 8 (9), Part III & IV BRCGS...
Annex 2– New IAF MLA Signatories and Scope Extensions IAF Resolution 2023-17 New Regional Accreditation Group IAF MLA Signatories The General Assembly noted the admission to the IAF MLA, since the 2022 General Assembly, of the following IAF Regional Accreditation Group Member: SADCA – Main Scope: Management Systems Certification – ISO/IEC 17021-1; Sub-Scope: Level 4: ISO/IEC 17021-3; Sub-Scopes: Level 5:...
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the Report presented by the IAF Liaison Officers to the IAQG (Aeronautical Industry).
The Annual Meeting received the Report of IAF to ISO TC/207 (ref IAF-W1-01-003).
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the Report presented by the IAF Liaison Representative to ISO TC/207 (ref IAF-W1-01-002).
The Annual Meeting asks the Executive Committee to consider the suggestion by the ISO TC/176 Liaison Representative to IAF for the establishment of a Task Force in IAF with membership made up from Accreditation Body Members of IAF, ISO/TC176, ISO-CASCO, Certification / Registration Body members of IAF, Industry Members of IAF, Auditor recognition bodies, such as IATCA, Industry Sector groups...
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the Report presented by the ISO TC/176 Liaison Representative to IAF.
The Annual Meeting resolves that the chairman of the Technical Committee be authorised to make equivalent changes to the IAF Guidance on ISO/IEC Guide 66, Issue 2 (including the 2 Annexes) as approved by members of IAF in November 2001 to those agreed in the Technical Committee for the above 2 documents arising from comments made by members of IAF...
(including the 4 Annexes) the Annual Meeting resolves that the guidance document as approved by the members of IAF in October 2001 be further amended by the 7 non-substantial amendments agreed in the Technical Committee on 5 November 2001, affecting clauses G.2.1.39, G.3.4.4, G.3.5.2, G.3.7.4, Annex 3, 4.4, Annex 4, 1.1, and Annex 4, 2.2, and be published by IAF...
Acting on the recommendation of the Technical Committee, the Annual Meeting resolves that the IAF Guidance on ISO/IEC Guide 61 Issue 2 as approved by the members of IAF in October 2001 be further amended by the 8 non-substantial amendments agreed in the Technical Committee on 5 November 2001, affecting clauses 0.1.1, G.2.1.3, G.2.1.28, G.2.3.2, G.2.7.3, G.2.7.4, G.3.4.3, G.3.5.10, and...
The Annual Meeting supports the principle of random sampling for accreditation body witness audits of accredited certification / registration body activities, and that this be treated by certification / registration bodies as an obligation, not a favour. The Annual Meeting directs the Board to issue guidance requiring IAF Accreditation Body Members to require accredited certification / registration bodies to have...
The Annual Meeting, noting the information provided to it, votes to grant Special Recognition Status as a Special Interest Liaison Group, under Section 3.13.03 of the Bylaws, to ISO, ISO/CASCO, ISO/TC176 and to the QuEST Forum, Inc.
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the Report presented on behalf of the Chairman of ISO/CASCO (ref IAF-AM-02-016). Resolutions IAF16 ver4.doc Printed 8 November, 2002
The Annual Meeting agreed that the two parts of the Draft Annex 2 to the IAF Guidance to ISO/IEC Guide 61 be submitted to comment for a period of 30 days. The document revised subsequent to receipt of comment will be submitted to members for approval in a 60 day letter ballot.
The Annual Meeting agreed that IAF, in conjunction with the ISO 9001 Advisory Committee and other stakeholders, should develop consensus on best practices for auditing of management systems, recognizing the need for innovation following the introduction of ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 19011.
The Annual Meeting confirmed that the date of 15 December 2003 for transition to ISO 9001:2000 for accredited certification will not be extended.
The Annual Meeting approved the proposed amendment (ref IAF–GM–02-010) to the IAF General Procedures Part Two – General Procedures for the Development of IAF Documents to include a new section for the IAF Endorsement of Normative Documents, as circulated and declared the endorsement of the following standards and guides: • ISO / IEC Guide 61:1996 - General Requirements for Assessment...
The Annual Meeting received the Secretary’s report (ref IAF-AM-02-012) on the admission to membership since the 2001 Annual Meeting of two new Accreditation Body Members KAS – the Korean Accreditation System TUNAC the Tunisian Accreditation Council Three new Association Members APEDA - the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (India) AIOICI - the Association of the Independent Certification...
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the report presented on behalf of the Chairman of ISO/CASCO (ref CASCO 96/2003).
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the report presented on behalf of the Chairman of ISO/TC 176 (ref IAF 17 - Item 8.1.1).
The Annual Meeting received with appreciation the report presented on behalf of the Secretary General of ISO.
The Annual Meeting, acting on the recommendation of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Inspection, resolved that the final draft document “ IAF-ILAC Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17020”, be circulated to all IAF members for approval by 60 day letter ballot and that this guidance document be used as the basis for Accreditation Bodies assessing Inspection Bodies for...
The Annual Meeting, acting on the recommendation of the Technical Committee, in support of the principle that IAF, its members and their constituents, should avoid actions that create confusion or conflict of interest between the respective roles of accreditation bodies and certification/registration bodies, resolved that IAF will not endorse: the provision of any conformity assessment services by Accreditation Body members...
The Annual Meeting, acting on the recommendation of the Technical Committee, resolved that IAF issue a Communique to the following effect: Draft IAF Communique ISO 9001 Certification after 15 December 2003 At its Annual Meeting in Bratislava, Slovakia, in September 2003, IAF reaffirmed to the market that all accredited certification/registration of Quality Management Systems to ISO 9001:1994, ISO 9002:1994...
The Annual Meeting, acting on the recommendation of the Technical Committee, thanked Mr Kronvall and his Task Group for their work and resolved that the draft IAF Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17024:2003 (ref TC/43/03) be circulated to all IAF Members for approval by 60 day ballot.
