Signatories to the IAF MLA

The IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) is built upon the foundation of existing and developing regional MLAs established worldwide. As such, IAF has formally recognised the MLA programs of the following six Regional Accreditation Groups (RAGs):

• African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC)
• Arab Accreditation Cooperation (ARAC)
• Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (APAC)
• European co-operation for Accreditation (EA)
• Inter American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC)
• Southern African Development Community Cooperation in Accreditation (SADCA)

The table below presents the main scope(s) that each RAG was recognized for in 2024 under the IAF MLA.

Accreditation Bodies (ABs) recognised under these regional MLAs may apply for recognition under the IAF MLA, based on the acceptance of mutual recognition arrangements established within their respective RAGs.

Membership in the IAF MLA is facilitated through participation in a recognised RAG’s MLA for the relevant programs. IAF members who are also signatories to regional MLAs may be accepted into the IAF MLA for those same programs.

The number of IAF MLA signatories has continued to grow in recent years, enhancing global confidence among businesses and regulators. A complete list of IAF MLA signatories is available in IAF MLA MC 17, and newly admitted signatories and scope extensions noted during the 2024 IAF General Assembly are listed in Annex 2 of this report.

The graphs below illustrate the evolution of the number of signatories across different MLA scopes at the regional level.

Note: Not all signatories to Regional MLAs have applied to become a signatory of the IAF MLA.

In 2024, the IAF MLA comprised six recognised RAGs and 86 ABs, representing a total of 100 economies.