Following their merger decision, the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) are set to continue their activities under the GLOBAC (Global Accreditation Cooperation) framework. The establishment process of GLOBAC was a key agenda item during the IAF-ILAC annual meetings held in Berlin on October 9, 2024.
During the IAF-ILAC General Assemblies, the first General Assembly meeting of GLOBAC was also conducted.
After ILAC and IAF members approved the GLOBAC Articles of Incorporation and General Principles, the first General Assembly decided to formally initiate the registration process for GLOBAC.
What’s Happening in the Transition to GLOBAC?
The merger of IAF and ILAC to form GLOBAC, a single international body overseeing both laboratory and certification activities, is scheduled to be fully operational by January 1, 2026. Until that time, the existing agreements of IAF (MLA) and ILAC (MRA) will remain valid. Members will be able to apply for GLOBAC membership during this transition while retaining their current statuses.
The official documents for GLOBAC will be finalized by the end of 2025. Members will sign transition agreements during this period to join GLOBAC. Financial arrangements will ensure that membership fees do not exceed IAF and ILAC levels, with a review planned by the end of the 2025 fiscal year.
