Global Accreditation Cooperation

The Transition to Global ACI

The global accreditation community has entered a new chapter. As IAF and ILAC unify under the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, ANAB is helping accredited organizations move forward with clarity, confidence, and continuity.

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A unified global framework, built on principles ANAB has long advanced

On January 1, 2026, the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, known as Global ACI, began operations as the single international body responsible for managing multilateral recognition arrangements across all areas of conformity assessment. It unifies the work formerly carried out by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).

This is a milestone for the worldwide accreditation system, and it reflects ideas ANAB and the broader U.S. conformity assessment community have championed for years: transparency, international recognition, market access, and trust in accredited results. The new structure gives those principles a coordinated home.

For accredited organizations, the most important message is continuity. The transition is structured and phased, designed to preserve confidence in accredited results rather than disrupt it. ANAB is working closely with regulators, scheme owners, and partners to guide that change.

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Where things stand today

During the planned transition period, there is no immediate effect on accredited conformity assessment bodies. Operations continue under current requirements until further notice.

Global ACI is operational

Global ACI has released its name, permanent website, and mark, and now oversees multilateral recognition arrangements worldwide.

Existing marks remain valid

The IAF MLA and ILAC MRA marks stay in effect, and all accreditation requirements continue to apply during the transition.

A formal framework is in place

Global ACI MRA-006 sets consistent rules for using the new MRA mark and making accurate claims of accreditation status.

What this means for accredited organizations

The release of Global ACI MRA-006 establishes how accreditation bodies and conformity assessment bodies use the new mark and describe their accredited status. A few points matter most for CABs:

  • The new Global ACI MRA Mark signals that an accreditation body is a Global ACI MRA signatory and that the CAB is accredited by a Global ACI Full Member under internationally recognized standards.
  • Accredited CABs may use the Combined MRA Mark only within their granted scope of accreditation and in accordance with the rules set by their accrediting body and MRA-006.
  • All claims of accreditation must remain clear, accurate, and not misleading, referring only to the scopes and activities for which accreditation has been granted.
  • The existing IAF and ILAC marks continue to be recognized as equivalent during the transition, so there is no need to act before the new mark becomes available in your economy.
Read Global ACI MRA-006

The transition timeline

The move from the legacy IAF and ILAC marks to the Global ACI MRA Mark is phased, with continuity protected at every step.

  • January 1, 2026
    Global ACI begins operations, replacing IAF and ILAC as the single body managing multilateral recognition arrangements across conformity assessment.
  • Transition period
    Signatories that held IAF MLA or ILAC MRA signatory status as of December 31, 2025 may continue using the IAF and ILAC marks until the Global ACI MRA Mark becomes available in their economy. The legacy marks are recognized as equivalent during this time.
  • When the new mark becomes available
    Once the Global ACI MRA Mark is registered and available in a given economy, signatories transition to the new mark in accordance with published procedures.
  • Extended transition window
    Continued use of the IAF MLA and ILAC MCR marks is expected to conclude within a few years, or later if needed to address regulatory or market considerations.

How ANAB is leading the transition

ANAB serves as a steady point of reference for the U.S. conformity assessment community throughout this change, translating new requirements into practical guidance and advocating for global recognition.

A guide through the change

ANAB will share specific details, timelines, and resources with customers, assessors, and stakeholders as the transition progresses.

An advocate for recognition

ANAB has long supported transparency, market access, and trust in accredited conformity assessment, the principles the new framework reinforces.

A stabilizing force

By working with regulators, scheme owners, and partners, ANAB helps preserve continuity and confidence in accredited results.

A trusted resource for CABs

From mark-use questions to claims of accreditation status, ANAB helps CABs understand how and when to transition.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to do anything right now?

No. During the transition period there is no immediate effect on accredited conformity assessment bodies. Your existing marks and accreditation requirements remain in effect, and operations continue under current requirements until further notice.

Are the IAF and ILAC marks still valid?

Yes. The IAF MLA and ILAC MRA marks remain valid and are recognized as equivalent to the Global ACI MRA Mark during the transition. Signatories that held IAF or ILAC signatory status as of December 31, 2025 may continue using them until the new mark becomes available in their economy.

When will I need to switch to the Global ACI MRA Mark?

You transition once the Global ACI MRA Mark becomes registered and available in your economy, following the published procedures. The anticipated end date for using the legacy marks is January 1, 2029, or later if regulatory or market considerations require it.

What is Global ACI MRA-006?

MRA-006 is the Global ACI requirement that defines how the MRA Mark and Combined MRA Mark may be used, the conditions for use, and the rules for making claims of accreditation status. You can read the full document on the Global ACI website.

Who can I contact with questions?

Reach out to Warren Merkel, ANAB Vice President, Policy, at [email protected] with any questions about Global ACI or the transition process.

Questions about the transition?

ANAB is here to help you navigate the move to Global ACI.

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