ANAB Expands Its International Recognition with the International Accreditation Forum for Aerospace Quality Management Systems

The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) has expanded its international recognition with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) multilateral recognition agreement (MLA) to include the International Aerospace Quality Group (IAQG) Industry Controlled Other Party (ICOP) sub-scope as of April 23, 2025.

Accreditation is an important tool in the removal of technical barriers to trade and in promoting the international acceptance and recognition of goods and services. This is achieved through MLAs signed by accreditation bodies that have demonstrated their competence through rigorous peer evaluation. IAF is the global oversight body for conformity assessment accreditation bodies whose core function revolves around establishing a unified global framework for conformity assessment, aimed at minimizing risks for both businesses and consumers.

“The extension of the MLA to include this sub-scope marks a significant step in ANAB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity and safety of the aviation, space, and defense industry,” said Lori Gillespie, ANAB vice president of management systems, validation and verification, and product certification. “This expansion, along with the development of new programs under the MLA, demonstrates ANAB’s deep commitment to supporting our stakeholders and accredited aerospace certification bodies.”

“Ensuring independent monitoring of IAQG-recognized certification bodies is crucial for managing our certification scheme. We are thrilled to see ANAB recognized by the International Accreditation Forum for AQMS standards,” said Eric Jefferies, president of IAQG. “As a key partner in our scheme, we appreciate ANAB’s support in instilling confidence in our stakeholders.”

“ANAB is a highly regarded and reliable accreditation body, and we value the continued collaboration throughout our enduring partnership,” said Bret Cooper, chair of the IAQG’s Americas Certification Oversight Team.

ANAB has been involved in the aviation, space, and defense industry for nearly three decades, partnering with original equipment manufacturers, certification bodies, and scheme owners as the program was being developed. ANAB played a key role as a stakeholder, representing accreditation and accredited conformity assessment activities in shaping the requirements for the program’s initial launch. As the scheme evolved and expanded, ANAB continued to serve in formal roles at both regional and international levels, representing global accreditation bodies’ interests. Just as important in the infancy of the scheme as it is today, close collaboration between industry, accredited certification bodies, and accreditation bodies, such as ANAB, has been instrumental in developing a comprehensive series of standards designed to support oversight, improve the supply chain oversight, and drive continued safety.

ANAB’s participation contributes to consistent and reliable management system conformity assessments against the 9100 series, which establish requirements for maintaining quality and safety through the complex aerospace supply chain.

IAF’s recognition of the IAQG certification scheme reinforces global credibility and international acceptance of aerospace management system certification.