As health care systems worldwide continue to strengthen quality, safety, and public trust, the global infrastructure that underpins conformity assessment and accreditation must evolve alongside them. On January 1, 2026, a significant milestone was reached: the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) formally came together under a single new organization, the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated. 

This change represents more than a new name. It reflects a deliberate move toward greater clarity, consistency, and confidence in the global accreditation system on which regulators, health systems, laboratories, and certification bodies rely.

Key Dates  

• December 6, 2024: Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated registered as a not-for-profit incorporated society in New Zealand. 

• January 1, 2026: Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated formally commences operations. ILAC and IAF transition into the new single global organization. 

• 2026: Transition period. Existing ILAC MRA and IAF MLA accreditations and marks remain valid and recognized while interest holders transition to the new Global Accreditation Cooperation MRA and mark. 

Trust and Recognition 

Importantly, this transition does not disrupt existing trust or recognition. 

• Accreditations issued under the ILAC MRA and the IAF MLA remain valid and recognized. 

• No service interruptions are expected for Accreditation Canada Diagnostics and its clients. 

• Existing ILAC and IAF marks will remain in use during the transition period, until the new Global Accreditation Cooperation mark is fully adopted. 

The new Global Accreditation Cooperation MRA incorporates the scopes previously covered by both ILAC and IAF, providing a single, clearer pathway for mutual recognition of accredited results worldwide. 

For Accreditation Canada Diagnostics and our clients, this change reinforces the global infrastructure that supports credible, internationally recognized accreditation outcomes.  

As this transition progresses, Accreditation Canada Diagnostics will continue to monitor developments and share updates as relevant.