The mid-term meeting of the new international organisation Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) took place in Prague from 20 to 26 April 2026. A delegation from the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) also attended the meetings as observers.

Representatives from the international accreditation sector came together in the various committee meetings. The organisation’s logo and new name were also presented prior to the General Assembly.

Key topics of the discussions

The European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) tabled, amongst other things, the necessary motion regarding the required amendments to the Global ACI Statutes. A special meeting to vote on the amendment to the Statutes is scheduled for 18 June 2026.

In addition, an update was provided on the status of the trademark application. The official launch of the Global ACI trademark for use by accredited bodies is not planned before the next General Assembly in Panama in October 2026.

Use of the ILAC and IAF logos

The continued use of the logos of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is to remain possible until further notice, even for non-members who have submitted a Letter of Intent. Enquiries regarding the continued use of the logos can be directed to Global ACI.

Letter of Intent regarding DAkkS’s accession

DAkkS had already notified Global ACI of its intention to join in the form of a Letter of Intent on 27 December 2025. This was based on a recommendation from the German Accreditation Advisory Board, following the achievement of preliminary legal agreement on essential necessary amendments to Global ACI’s fundamental documents. These amendments are now to be achieved through the EA motion.

The final decision can only be made once the requirements set out by the EA have been fully met. The decision on whether to join then rests with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).

About Global ACI

Global ACI was founded to bring together the work of ILAC and IAF. The aim is to create a single organisation that organises a global peer evaluation for accreditation bodies.

This peer evaluation can serve as the infrastructure enabling member states of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to refer to a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA) within the framework of trade agreements.

Only a legal reference by WTO member states to the Global ACI MRA, or a reference through contractual agreement in national voluntary schemes, can lead to mutual recognition of declarations of conformity.

Global ACI was launched on 1 January 2026 and began operations following the General Assembly in April. It aims to cover all areas of accreditation, in particular laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, validation/verification bodies, manufacturers of reference materials and biobanks.

Through its MRA, Global ACI aims to strengthen confidence in the work of accreditation bodies and help to remove technical barriers to trade worldwide.