The Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) is a regional association of accreditation bodies and other organizations dedicated to advancing conformity assessment in the Americas. IAAC promotes cooperation among accreditation bodies and interested parties, aiming to develop conformity assessment structures that enhance products, processes, and services while reducing risk for businesses and their customers. Through accreditation, IAAC ensures users can trust the competence and impartiality of accredited bodies, fostering confidence in certificates and reports issued under its framework.

Established in 1996 in Montevideo, Uruguay, IAAC is committed to harmonizing accreditation practices and facilitating trade by ensuring regional and international acceptance of accredited conformity assessment results. Incorporated as a civil association under Mexican law in 2001, IAAC operates as a non-profit organization supported by membership fees and voluntary contributions. It manages Multi-lateral Recognition Arrangements (MLAs) to ensure that accreditations granted by one member are recognized by all, reducing duplicate accreditations and enhancing global competitiveness under the concept of "accredited once, accepted everywhere."

IAAC collaborates with organizations such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), the Pan-American Technical Standards Commission (COPANT), and the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM). These partnerships strengthen IAAC's capacity to represent the Americas in international accreditation and standardization fora, contributing to trade liberalization and quality improvement.

The organization supports accreditation bodies at all stages of development through capacity-building programs, training, and technical resources to enhance competence and ensure uniform application of international standards. Its membership is categorized into Full Members (operating under international criteria), Associate Members (developing accreditation bodies or nations without established systems), and Stakeholder Members (certification and inspection bodies, testing laboratories, and other conformity assessment organizations).

Governed by a General Assembly and an Executive Committee, IAAC operates through specialized committees to achieve its objectives. By building a reliable accreditation infrastructure and reducing technical barriers to trade, IAAC contributes to economic development and technical progress in the Americas.

For more information about IAAC’s history, activities, and membership, please visit their official website.