Congratulations to INACAL-DA de Perú, new IAAC signatory for the MLA subscopes of Certification Bodies of EMS, ABMS and OH&SMS.  On December 20, 2020, the MLA Group agreed via electronic ballot that the Instituto Nacional de Calidad – Dirección de Acreditación (INACAL-DA) of Peru be accepted as an MLA signatory for the sub-scopes of Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Certification Bodies (Main scope: Level 3: ISO/IEC 17021-1, Level 4: ISO/IEC 17021-2, Level 5: ISO 14001), Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) Certification Bodies (Main scope: Level 3: ISO/IEC 17021-1, Level 4: ISO/IEC 17021-9, Level 5: ISO 37001), and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OH&SMS) Certification Bodies (Main scope: Level 3: ISO/IEC 17021-1, Level 4: ISO/IEC 17021-10, Level 5: ISO 45001).

 

IAAC held a virtual workshop on ILAC P10 “Policy on the metrological traceability of measurement results” on January 26, 2021. The keynote speaker was Giulia Suriani of ACCREDIA, Italy. Topics included the key changes in the new version, the choices for Metrological Traceability routes, internal calibration, and the competence of RMPs.

IAAC held its virtual meetings held in March 2021 and reviewed the work of the technical subcommittees and the MLA Committee during the challenging year of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Executive Committee carried out its annual management review based on the new IAAC Strategic Plan.  Additionally, during this week, IAAC performed an internal audit of its quality management system and MLA processes.

IAAC Membership

IAAC currently has a total of 58 members, 25 of which are full members, 5 are associates and 28 are stakeholders. Since last year’s General Assembly IAAC accepted 2 new members, one associate member and one Stakeholder.  5 Stakeholders withdrew their membership due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

IAAC MLA Signatories

IAAC currently has a total of 21 MLA signatory members from 18 countries.  The IAAC MLA membership continues to grow organically. ODAC the accreditation body of the Dominican Republic is the latest MLA signatory which was accepted in August 2020 for the scopes of Testing and Calibration Laboratories and Inspection Bodies. On August 2020, 5 IAAC MLA signatories extended their scopes to include Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems (OH&SMS) Certification Bodies. 3 MLA signatories extended to the subscope of Anti-Bribery Management Systems (ABMS) and 1 MLA signatory extended its MLA to include Energy Management Systems (EnMS) Certification Bodies. During the beginning of 2020, JANAAC of Jamaica extended its MLA scope to include Inspection Bodies.

IAAC MLA recognition by IAF and ILAC

IAAC is recognized by IAF and ILAC as Regional Cooperation for the main scopes of Testing (including Medical) and Calibration Laboratories; Inspection Bodies; Proficiency Testing Providers (PTP); Management Systems Certification Bodies (with subscopes QMS, EMS, FSMS, ISMS, MDMS and EnMS), and Product Certification Bodies (with sub scope Global G.A.P).

IAAC applied to extend its MLA recognition and in 2019 received an ILAC peer evaluation for the scope of Reference Materials Producers (RMP).  IAAC is in the process of an IAF peer evaluation to extend its MLA recognition for the scopes of Persons Certification Bodies and Green House Gases (GHG) Validation/Verification.

The IAAC officers

The current key IAAC officers are:

Liliane Somma of OUA, Uruguay, IAAC Chair

Andrea Melo of Cgcre, Brazil, IAAC Vice-Chair

Elias Rafoul of SCC, Canada, IAAC Treasurer

Ferney Chaparro of ONAC, Colombia, as MLA Group & MLA Committee Chair

Robert Knake of A2LA, USA, as MLA Group & MLA Committee Vice-Chair.

Alba Cabrera of ONA, Paraguay, as Management Committee Chair

Maria Miranda of ONARC, Cuba, as Management Committee Vice-Chair

Carlos Archila of OGA, Guatemala, as Technical Committee Chair

Sharonmae Shirley of JANAAC, Jamaica, as Technical Committee Vice-Chair

Training

QICA virtual workshop on “Determination of calibration intervals ILAC G24 - OIML D10" held on October 27 and 29, 2020, in Spanish.  There were 103 participants from metrology (SIM), accreditation (IAAC), and standards (COPANT) organizations and institutions.  The instructor was Claudia Santo of Uruguay.

QICA virtual workshop on “Determination of calibration intervals ILAC G24 - OIML D10" held on November 2 and 4, 2020, in English.  There were 48 participants from metrology (SIM), accreditation (IAAC), and standards (COPANT) organizations and institutions.  The instructor was Claudia Santo of Uruguay.

QICA virtual workshop on “Managing risks and opportunities in Testing and Calibration laboratories” held on November 10 and 12, 2020, in English and Spanish.  There were 111 participants from metrology (SIM), accreditation (IAAC), and standards (COPANT) organizations and institutions.  The instructor was Pedro Sismondi of Argentina.

IAAC Peer Evaluators virtual forum

IAAC launched its 1^st IAAC Peer Evaluators Virtual Forum on July 16, 2020. 118 IAAC Peer Evaluators participated in the Zoom meeting. The Forum was organized by the MLAC and PEMS with support of the IAAC Secretariat. The meeting topics included an explanation of the roles and responsibilities of the IAAC Peer Evaluator Management Subcommittee (PEMS), a presentation on the proposed changes to the MD 002 MLA procedure which included remote peer evaluations and accreditation of flexible scopes. There was a presentation on a new Guide for Remote Peer Evaluations. The Virtual Forum is a new way for IAAC to hold regular meetings with peer evaluators with the aim of harmonizing practices and keeping them updated on changes and MLA developments.

IAAC held its 2^nd Peer Evaluators Virtual Forum on October 5, 2020.  116 IAAC peer evaluators joined the Zoom meeting for a training on the Frequently Asked Questions on the implementation of ISO/IEC 17011, a review of the approved MLA procedure to carry out remote peer evaluations, and a discussion on the Guidance document to conduct remote peer evaluations.  These virtual sessions allow peer evaluators to provide feedback and ask questions on the new procedures that are being implemented by IAAC.

IAAC carried out a training workshop for new peer evaluators on ISO/IEC 17011:2017, in October 2019, in Washington DC, USA. The host body was ANAB. 14 English speaking peer evaluator applicants participated in the workshop and were qualified as trainee peer evaluators.

Technical Cooperation Project

IAAC is participating in a technical cooperation project titled "Quality Infrastructure for Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean" by the 3 regional organizations for accreditation, standards and metrology: IAAC, the Panamerican Standards Commission (COPANT) and the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM). Sponsor organizations included the Physikalisch-Techniche Bundesanstalt (PTB) of Germany and the Organization of American States (OAS).

New IAAC logo and redesigned website

IAAC redesigned the IAAC logo which will be used in all documentation, promotional materials and the website. The IAAC website was redesigned and is easier to navigate.  You may visit it at www.iaac.org.mx.

 

IAAC Meetings

IAAC will hold its General Assembly virtual meetings via Zoom in August 2021.

IAAC adopted the mandatory document IAF MD 13:2020 [MD 039] Knowledge Requirements for Accreditation Body Personnel for Information Security Management Systems (ISO/IEC 27001). It is available in the Mandatory Documents page of the IAAC website.

Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas (QICA)

The Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas (QICA), comprises the three independent regional organizations involved in quality infrastructure in America: the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT), the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) and the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC), each of which has an active and broad participation in American countries in their respective areas of expertise.

QICA is a platform to develop joint projects, information sharing, and cross-functional training and development that, by acting collaboratively, exceeds the abilities of any one-organization acting alone.

The most recent training activities were organized by QICA, with the support of PTB, Germany, and the Organization of American States (OAS). 

QICA virtual workshop on “Determination of calibration intervals ILAC G24 - OIML D10" held on October 27 and 29, 2020, in Spanish. There were 103 participants from metrology (SIM), accreditation (IAAC), and standards (COPANT) organizations and institutions. The instructor was Claudia Santo of Uruguay.

 

QICA virtual workshop on “Determination of calibration intervals ILAC G24 - OIML D10" held on November 2 and 4, 2020, in English. There were 48 participants from metrology (SIM), accreditation (IAAC), and standards (COPANT) organizations and institutions. The instructor was Claudia Santo of Uruguay.

 

 

QICA virtual workshop on “Managing risks and opportunities in Testing and Calibration laboratories” held on November 10 and 12, 2020, in English and Spanish. There were 111 participants from metrology (SIM), accreditation (IAAC), and standards (COPANT) organizations and institutions. The instructor was Pedro Sismondi of Argentina.

 

 

IAAC adopted the mandatory document IAF MD 21:2018 Requirements for the Migration to ISO 45001:2018 from OHSAS 18001:2007. It is available on the IAAC website on the mandatory documents page.

The IAAC CBSC Chair informs that the IAF MD 21:2018 Requirements for the Migration to ISO 45001:2018 from OHSAS 18001:2007 relates to the ISO 45001 transition which has an end date near the end of 2021.

This means that any IAAC peer evaluations involving ISO 45001 that occur in 2021 will need to use IAF MD 21.

The IAF / ILAC A-Series Working Group has published a list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers on the implementation of specific clauses of ISO / IEC 17011. The Spanish translation was carried out by the IAAC Secretariat.

The FAQs are for the use of IAF and ILAC, regional cooperations, accreditation bodies and peer evaluators. They are offered as a tool to help the understanding and application of ISO / IEC 17011, to achieve the equivalence in the results of peer evaluations based on ISO / IEC 17011. It is important to note that the answers represent the point of view of the members of the Series-A Working Group and are offered as a guide based on the experience of the members.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ISO / IEC 17011 - (ENGLISH)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ISO / IEC 17011 - (SPANISH TRANSLATION)

The list of questions is not exhaustive, if your accreditation body would like to ask a specific question, you can send them to the IAAC Secretariat (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and we will send them to the Working Group for its consideration. Each question has a publication date that could be updated accordingly, new questions will also be added to be posted on the IAF and ILAC website and translated into Spanish by the IAAC Secretariat.

ILAC recognizes the IAAC MLA for RMP

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) recognizes the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) Multi-lateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) for the scope of Reference Material Producers (RMP) using ISO 17034, as a result of the ILAC regional peer evaluation for this MLA scope extension which was carried out during 2019/2020.

Reference Material Producers that are accredited by signatories of the IAAC MLA for RMP may now receive international recognition of their accredited RMP programs.  This achievement is significant as regional development of reference materials programs that support the specific markets and the needs of the Americas, and will serve the process for improvement of testing, calibration, and proficiency testing services offered within the region.  It provides another platform for the support of regional growth, innovation and development.

The IAAC Chair would like to thank all parties that made this achievement possible including the member Accreditation Bodies, IAAC peer evaluators, the MLA Chair and Vice-Chair, the IAAC Executive Secretariat, and the Stakeholders

 

The Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas (QICA), comprises the three independent regional organizat

ions involved in quality infrastructure in America: the Pan American Standards Commission (COPANT), the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM), and the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC), each of which has an active and broad participation in American countries in their respective areas of expertise.

QICA is a platform to develop joint projects, information sharing, and cross-functional training and development that, by acting collaboratively, exceeds the abilities of any one organization acting alone.

Here is a description of the most recent virtual activities, workshops, and webinars organized by QICA, with the support of PTB, Germany, and the Organization of American States (OAS).

 

 

5th CABUREK QI4CE

The 5th CABUREK QI4CE took place from October 17th to 19th in Panama. With the support of PTB, Germany, participants from IAAC, SIM, and COPANT reviewed the progress and lessons learned to move forward and improve CABUREK as an instrument for Accreditation, Metrology, and Standardization in the region. We got new lessons and good results implementing Quality Infrastructure in initiatives for the Circular Economy.

 

 

V Congress of the Plastic Industry

Representatives of the Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas (QICA) participated in the Quality Infrastructure Forum for Sustainable Industrial Development in Asunción, Paraguay on October 18, 2023.

 

Synergies between Metrology and Accreditation

On October 11, 2023, IAAC and the Inter-American Metrology System (SIM) held a joint workshop titled “Synergies between Metrology and Accreditation”. The virtual event was attended by representatives of Accreditation Bodies and Metrology Institutes of the Americas. The workshop included panel discussions regarding ways to achieve and maintain international recognition arrangements, the use of reference materials and compliance with ILAC policies on metrological traceability, and the challenges and opportunities to strengthen joint and coordinated work between the ABs and NMIs to strengthen the Quality Infrastructure in the region.

 

 

V Congress of the Plastic Industry

The Quality Infrastructure Council of the Americas (QICA) and PTB participated on May 23, 2023, virtually in the V Congress of Plastic Industry in Lima, Peru, with a presentation on a quality infrastructure that generates confidence in the transition towards a Circular Economy.

 

 

X Meeting of the Inter-American Committee on Science and Technology (COMCYT) and Policy Dialogue “Artificial Intelligence: Public Policy Imperatives for the Americas”

Javier Arias, a QICA representative, participated with a keynote presentation at the 10th Meeting of the Inter-American Committee on Science and Technology (X COMCYT), which was held on May 5, 2023, at the OAS headquarters in Washington D.C.

 

4º CABUREK QI4CE

From March 27 to 31, 2023 the 4th CABUREK was held within the framework of the "Quality Infrastructure for Circular Economy" (QI4CE) project, with the support of PTB, Germany. 70 participants from IAAC, SIM, and COPANT reviewed the progress of national Accreditation Standardization and Metrology projects focused on the Circularity of plastics, agribusiness, and construction.

 

Workshop: standards, Labels, and Certifications for Circular Economy in Plastics

On March 23, 2023, was held the QICA Workshop on "Standards, Seals, and Certifications for the Circular Economy in Plastics in the Latin American and Caribbean region". A successful result was obtained with the participation of 350 people who came together to listen to panelists and experts share their experiences in the region.

Watch the event recording on YouTube

 

QICA workshop on the ISO/CASCO Committee

On March 9, 2023, COPANT organized the QICA WORKSHOP ON THE ISO/CASCO COMMITTEE which was held virtually.

The objective of the workshop was to introduce and explain to QICA members the structure of the ISO/CASCO committee. The importance of participating through the national standardization bodies, how to participate in the COPANT regional Focus Group on ISO/CASCO, and its role.

During the workshop, there was participation of speakers such as Reinaldo Figueiredo (President of CASCO), Cristian Vázquez (IRAM - Coordinator of the GF COPANT on CASCO), the Experience of National Mirror Committees (ICONTEC, IRAM, TTBS, INTECO, ANSI), and during the fifth presentation, Ferney Chaparro (AAC Technical Secretary) and Claudia Santo (SIM Executive Secretary), addressed the issue of How to involve the National Accreditation Bodies and the National Institutes of Metrology.

 

QICA Virtual Meeting

On February 1, 2023, the first QICA meeting was held with the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of IAAC, COPANT, and SIM.

During the meeting, each president spoke about the needs of COPANT, IAAC, and SIM, and ideas for working together and proposing activities and events of interest to the region were discussed. Comments were made on the need to define the structure and governance of QICA and it was agreed to hold periodic meetings of the Secretaries and of QICA's management.

 

QICA web publication: Quality Infrastructure for Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean

This study was published in October 2022 and is the result of the experiences and research on the interrelation between Quality Infrastructure and Circular Economy, from its fundamental concepts to its application. It also mentions some key elements such as metrology, standardization, accreditation, and conformity assessment that make up Quality Infrastructure.

Download document

 

	Kory Eguino, Executive Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Víctor Gandy, Executive Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
	Claudia Santo, Executive Secretary This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.