The Global Accreditation Cooperation, Incorporated (Global ACI) is ushering in the next chapter of globally recognized conformity assessment!
On January 1, 2026, the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) and the IAF Multilateral Arrangement (MLA) were replaced with the Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA). Since then, there have been ongoing developments and many questions from A2LA customers and accredited organizations about what these changes will mean for them.
Here are a few answers to your current Global ACI FAQs. Please note: A2LA will continuously update this page to include more information and details as they become available.
Are ILAC MRA and IAF MLA marks still globally accepted?
As of January 1, 2026, Global ACI became the licensee of the IAF MLA mark and the owner of the ILAC MRA mark. This means you can continue to use your ILAC/IAF mark during the transition period to the new Global ACI mark. No new agreements are required for this continued use. Existing agreements remain valid within their original scope and duration.
When will we need to update our MRA mark to the Global ACI mark?
A new Global ACI MRA Mark has been introduced but is still currently being registered in the countries of Global ACI members. Therefore, organizations should continue using their ILAC/IAF mark until the registration process is complete and the mark has been formally launched. A2LA will notify its accredited CABs when the new Global ACI mark is available for use.
Once we transition to the Global ACI mark, the IAF MLA and ILAC MRA marks will no longer be used on new accreditations, renewals, reissued, or updated documents, and all full members must begin using the Global ACI MRA Mark.
Will our CAB’s recognition be affected by this change?
No, it will not be affected. According to a Global ACI guidance document, “The Global ACI MRA has been established to ensure continuity of international recognition previously provided under the IAF MLA and ILAC MRA frameworks.”
Have more questions?
A2LA Accredited CABs can contact their Accreditation Officer or reach out to the A2LA Customer Care Team for more information. Customer services can be reached at 301-644-3248 or email us at info@A2LA.org.
You can also find more information by visiting the Global ACI website, and its additional publications.
- Global ACI MRA-006 Use of the MRA Mark by Accreditation Bodies and Conformity Assessment Bodies, and Claims of Accreditation Status by Conformity Assessment Bodies
- Transition guidance on the use of the IAF MLA mark and ILAC MRA marks
- Supporting video on the transition guidance published on the Global ACI YouTube channel