Accreditation bodies, which have been evaluated by peers as competent, have signed an arrangement, the Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA), that enhances the acceptance of goods and services across national borders.

The purpose of the MRA is to ensure mutual recognition of accredited conformity assessment activities such as certification, testing, inspection, validation and verification between signatories to the MRA, and subsequently acceptance of accredited conformity assessment in many markets based on one accreditation.

Signatories must recognise and support acceptance of certificates, reports and statements issued by organisations accredited by all other signatories of the MRA, provided the certificates, reports or statements are issued within the scope of the IAF MLA signatory.

This recognition and acceptance removes technical barriers to trade (TBT) by reducing redundant conformity assessment.

Accreditations granted by IAF MLA signatories can be recognised worldwide based on their equivalent accreditation programs, reducing costs and adding value to business and consumers.