The global accreditation community is entering a historic new chapter with the election of Brahim Houla of the GCC Accreditation Center (GAC) as the Chair-Elect and Emanuele Riva of Accredia as the Vice-Chair of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, the new entity merging the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC).
Both will commence their three-year terms on 1 January 2026, coinciding with the official launch of the new global accreditation organisation.
Their election marks a defining moment in the evolution of international accreditation as IAF and ILAC merge to form the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated unifying the two organisations’ work under one trusted framework and a single mutual recognition arrangement (MRA).
“I am deeply honoured by my election as the future Chair of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated,” said Houla. “This is a historic moment for our community. Bringing together ILAC and IAF allows us to build a stronger, more coherent framework that will promote confidence in accreditation worldwide.”
“I’m privileged to take on the role of Vice-Chair at a time of major transformation for our industry,” added Riva. “As advances in technology, sustainability, and data reshape the way we operate, our ability to adapt and innovate will be key to strengthening the global accreditation system. I look forward to working alongside Brahim and our members to ensure a seamless transition and to advance our shared mission of global confidence in accreditation.”
NATA Joins the Final ILAC and IAF Meetings
The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) joined more than 400 peers from around the world in Bangkok, from 14–24 October 2025, for the final joint annual meetings of ILAC and IAF and the second General Assembly of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated.
Representing NATA were CEO Jennifer Evans, John Styzinski (Head of Accreditation Services), Danielle Dicker (Technical Manager), Brendon Moo (Head of Strategic Engagement and Communications), Andrew Griffin (Sector Manager, Legal and Clinical), and Brett Hyland (Stakeholder Manager).
Brett Hyland delivered a presentation on Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and their implications for conformity assessment and accreditation, highlighting the growing importance of interoperable data, robust chain-of-custody verification, and clearly defined roles for accredited laboratories and inspection bodies as DPP requirements emerge across global supply chains.
Transitioning to a Unified Global System
The General Assembly also formalised several historic decisions, including the wind-down of IAF and ILAC and the establishment of the new Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA), which will take effect from 1 January 2026. Existing IAF and ILAC marks will continue to be recognised during the transition to ensure stability and continuity.
For Australia, the establishment of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated represents continuity and confidence. It will preserve and enhance the global recognition of competent, impartial accreditation outcomes, ensuring that results endorsed by NATA-accredited facilities continue to be accepted across borders.
Updates from ILAC and IAF confirm that the transition remains on track, with detailed guidance being issued to help specifiers and regulators reference the new arrangements. NATA will continue to work closely with international partners to ensure Australian interests are represented and that members remain fully informed of any practical changes to marks, references, or recognition frameworks.
With the leadership of Mr. Houla and Mr. Riva, and the continued engagement of national bodies such as NATA, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated is well positioned to strengthen cooperation, trust, and consistency across the global conformity assessment community.
Stay tuned for further updates and hear a message from the Chair-Elect here.