Introduction of the new combined MLA mark from EA and DAkkS

A strong symbol of international recognition of DAkkS accreditation

Press Release, 05.12.2025

On 1 September 2025, the European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) published the combined MLA mark (or “EA mark”). As a signatory to the EA Multilateral Agreement (MLA), Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle (DAkkS) is permitted to use the EA mark and make it available to its conformity assessment bodies as a combined EA-DAkkS accreditation symbol. With immediate effect, DAkkS-accredited bodies can now easily apply for the EA mark. It is issued free of charge.

EA mark as an additional symbol indicating international recognition of DAkkS accreditations

As a signatory to the EA Multilateral Agreement (MLA), DAkkS is authorised to make the EA mark available to its accredited bodies. The EA mark is issued as a combined EA-DAkkS accreditation symbol in all required image formats, analogous to the issue of the simple DAkkS accreditation symbol.

With immediate effect, all DAkkS-accredited bodies with the exception of accredited biobanks can apply for the combined MLA mark from EA and DAkkS free of charge. The mark may be used on results reports and certificates to indicate that they are recognised internationally. The EA mark indicates that conformity assessments have been carried out reliably and according to recognised international standards. This increases transparency and strengthens trust in certificates and test reports from bodies accredited by DAkkS.

Application for the EA mark free of charge

Applications for the EA mark are now made automatically as part of the application process for every initial accreditation, reaccreditation or amendment.

Even if you submitted your application before the official introduction of the EA mark, the combined mark will be automatically provided to you with your next notice.

In the event that you wish to use the EA mark immediately, please send an informal request by e-mail to your contact person at DAkkS. In this case, the EA mark will be provided to you at short notice and at no cost.

As part of the application process, DAkkS will also provide you with the guidelines for using the EA mark, which implement the rules from the EA document Supplement 1 to EA-3/01 Rules on the use of EA MLA mark. These guidelines are now included as an appendix to the licence conditions.

Use of the EA mark

The combined MLA mark may be used in all cases where the DAkkS accreditation symbol may also be used. However, please note that use of the EA mark without the DAkkS accreditation symbol is not permitted.

The isolated DAkkS accreditation symbol without the EA mark will of course continue to be made available to you. Use of the EA mark is entirely voluntary.

With the EA mark, DAkkS is pleased to offer its accredited bodies another combined mark that underlines the international recognition of their accreditation and strengthens trust in accreditation worldwide.

Countries registered for the EA mark

In conclusion, please note that the EA mark is not registered in all countries in which DAkkS carries out accreditation activities.

The combined MLA mark from EA and DAkkS may currently only be awarded to conformity assessment bodies in these countries:

Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Moldova, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.

Differences from the combined MRA mark of ILAC and DAkkS / MLA mark of IAF and DAkkS

The mutual recognition expressed by the combined MLA mark of EA and DAkkS is more binding than that expressed by the combined ILAC-DAkkS or IAF-DAkkS marks. Within the European Economic Area, this recognition requirement means that the results of conformity assessment bodies are effectively equivalent. This strengthens confidence in accredited conformity assessment results, ensures the free movement of goods within Europe, supports international trade, and removes trade barriers.

While the ILAC-DAkkS and IAF-DAkkS marks are valid worldwide without strict recognition requirements, the combined EA-DAkkS mark triggers a recognition requirement within Europe. In this respect, while the EA-DAkkS mark is superior to the international accreditation symbols in terms of content, it is strictly limited to the EU/EA area.

Combined use of the EA mark with the combined ILAC-DAkkS mark / IAF-DAkkS mark

In the medium term, the ILAC and IAF brands will cease to exist, as the two organisations are set to merge to form the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (GLOBAC). Consequently, there are no plans to introduce a combined ILAC-EA-DAkkS or IAF-EA-DAkkS mark. Currently, there is no MRA mark for the new organisation.

Provided that ILAC and IAF have not yet been dissolved, EA-DAkkS and ILAC-DAkkS or IAF-DAkkS marks may be used together on results reports and certificates.