The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) was a global authority responsible for promoting the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies to ensure their competence, impartiality, and performance capability. Founded in 1977, ILAC's primary mission is to foster the international equivalence and acceptance of results generated by accredited testing and calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, and proficiency testing providers. This global network enhanced trust and confidence in services provided by accredited organizations, facilitating international trade by reducing technical barriers. On January 1, 2026, ILAC became part of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI), which was created through the integration of ILAC and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

ILAC's extensive membership included accreditation bodies from around the world and stakeholders from various sectors including government, industry, and associations. These members collaborated through a structured framework to develop and harmonize international accreditation practices. One of the primary tools ILAC used to achieve mutual recognition is the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA), which members signed to indicate that they adhere to the same standards and procedures. This arrangement ensured that data and test results from one country were accepted in another without the need for further testing, which significantly enhanced the efficiency of global trade and regulatory processes.

ILAC worked closely with international standard-setting organizations like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), as well as other global accreditation cooperatives like the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This cooperation helped ensure that the standards and guidelines utilized in accreditation processes were aligned with international norms, facilitating consistency and reliability across borders. By promoting the competence and equivalence of accredited bodies worldwide, ILAC supported consumer safety, environmental protection, and overall public health.

Following the establishment of Global ACI, a transition period is underway for the replacement of the former ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) Mark with the new Global ACI MRA Mark. Existing arrangements allow continued use of the ILAC MRA Mark under specified conditions until the Global ACI mark becomes legally available in individual economies.

For more detailed information about ILAC’s initiatives, structure, and impact on global accreditation practices, please visit their official website.