The Inter American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangment (MRA) with the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) with a scope in Testing and Calibration Laboratories, and also signed a Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) with the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) with a scope in Quality Management Systems (QMS), on November 12, 2006 in Cancun, Mexico at the IAF/ILAC Joint General Assemblies. This signing culminates 4 years of hard work undertaken by accreditation bodies members in the Americas who contributed their share to achieve this historic milestone. IAAC joins the European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA) and the Pacific Accreditation Cooperation (PAC) as having been granted Regional Body recognition within IAF. Regional Cooperation Bodies that are recognized by ILAC are the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and the European Co-operation for Accreditation (EA).

What does this mean to us as members of IAAC? We are now recognized members of the international accreditation communities. We are expected to promote and abide by ILAC and IAF Arrangements and to participate in ILAC and IAF activities. There are numerous committees in both organizations that are working on activities of interest to our region. A visit to the IAF website at www.iaf.nu or the ILAC site at www.ilac.org will give background on each organization and lists of committees and contact information.

Congratulations to all IAAC members and thank you to all who have contributed to this accomplishment!

IAAC Promotions Subcommittee