Following the establishment of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) on 1 January 2026, the former International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) MRA and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) MLA arrangements transitioned to the Global ACI Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
A new Global ACI MRA Mark has been developed to support ongoing international recognition under this framework. However, following discussions at the Global ACI General Assembly in Prague in April 2026, its introduction has been paused while trademark registrations are completed across member economies.
What has changed?
Under the new framework:
- Global ACI is the licensee of the IAF MLA Mark
- Global ACI owns the ILAC MRA Mark
- A new Global ACI MRA Mark has been created but cannot yet be used until registration is complete and Global ACI formally launches it
NATA accreditations continue to be internationally recognised through the Global ACI MRA.
Can NATA Members continue using the existing marks?
Yes.
NATA-accredited Members authorised to use ILAC MRA Mark before 1 January 2026 may continue to do so during the transition period under existing agreements.
Key points:
- No action is required at this stage
- Existing conditions and requirements remain unchanged
- Use of the marks continues to be governed by IAF ML 2, ILAC-R7 and ILAC-P8
When will the transition occur?
Global ACI continues to progress trademark registration of the Global ACI MRA Mark with registration timelines varying by economy. An update on the registrations progress is expected at the Global ACI annual meetings in October.
For NATA Members, transition will only begin once:
- The Global ACI MRA Mark is legally available for use in Australia; and
- NATA receives formal notification from the Global ACI Secretariat.
NATA will provide accredited organisations with transition guidance once these conditions are met.
What does this mean for NATA-accredited Members?
Existing reports, certificates and statements displaying ILAC MRA Marks remain valid and may continue to be used until they are renewed, reissued, updated or replaced.
Once the Global ACI MRA Mark is formally launched in Australia, new, renewed or updated accredited documents will be required to display the new mark in accordance with NATA guidance.
Further information
Further information on the Global ACI MRA Mark can be found on the Global ACI website (www.global-aci.org) and publications.