The ARAC MLA is internationally recognized by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)—the two global associations of accreditation bodies.

This recognition means that accreditation granted by an ARAC MLA signatory is considered equivalent, in terms of confidence and reliability, to accreditation provided by any signatory of the IAF or ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangements.

“Accredited once, accepted everywhere!”

This means that a test report or certificate issued by an accredited Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) can be accepted by all signatories of the IAF and ILAC multilateral agreements. In this sense, the ARAC MLA serves as an international passport, facilitating global trade.

Thanks to this international recognition:

• International markets place trust in the ARAC MLA and the conformity assessment results from organizations accredited by its signatories.
• Products and services do not need to be re-tested, re-calibrated, re-inspected, or re-certified in each country where they are imported or sold.
• It facilitates the free movement of goods and services both within Europe and globally.

The scope of IAF and ILAC recognition of the ARAC MLA is as follows:

• Calibration Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025)
• Testing laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025)
• Medical Testing Laboratories (ISO 15189)
• Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020)
• Management Systems Certification Bodies (ISO/IEC 17021-1)
  • Quality Management Systems QMS (ISO 9001)
  • Food safety management systems FSMS (ISO 22000)
  • Environmental management systems EMS (ISO 14 001)
  • Energy Management Systems EnMS (ISO 50001)
  • Information Security Management Systems ISMS (ISO/IEC 27001)
  • Occupational health and safety management systems OH&SMS (ISO 45001)
  • Medical devices Quality management systems MDQMS (ISO 13485)
• Product Certification Bodies (ISO/IEC 17065)