International Accreditation Forum

Introduction:

The IAF is the World Association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies. The primary function of the IAF is to develop a single worldwide program of conformity assessment, which reduces the risk for businesses and their customers by ensuring that accredited certificates may be relied upon. The IAF members represent the 83 government and semi-government accreditation bodies and industry associations.

The IAF comprises the Members, the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and the Secretary. They all work as a team to achieve the objective of the IAF and achieve their common goals of trade facilitation worldwide. The highest decision-making body of the IAF is the Members in a General Meeting.

Importance of International Accreditation Forum (IAF)

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is crucial for several reasons, primarily revolving around ensuring global standardization, quality, and trust in various sectors. Here are some key points highlighting its importance:

Harmonization of Standards: IAF works to ensure that accreditation and certification processes are consistent across different countries. This helps harmonize standards globally.
Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRAs): IAF’s MRAs facilitate the acceptance of accredited certification bodies across borders, reducing the need for duplicate certifications.
Trade Barriers Reduction: By ensuring that products and services meet international standards, IAF accreditation helps reduce technical trade barriers.
Market Access: Products and services accredited under IAF standards can gain easier access to international markets, fostering global trade.

IAF Publications:

Mandatory Docs (MD Series)

Policy Docs (PL Series)

MLA Docs (ML Series)

Procedure docs (PR Series)