What is the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation ?

ILAC is the international cooperation between the various laboratory accreditation schemes operated throughout the world. ILAC was formalised as a cooperation in 1996 when 44 national bodies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This MOU provided the basis for the further development of the Cooperation and the establishment of the multilateral recognition Arrangement that was signed by 36 member accreditation bodies in 2000. This Arrangement facilitates the international acceptance of test data, and the elimination of technical barriers to trade.

As part of its global approach, ILAC also provides advice and assistance to countries that are in the process of developing their own laboratory accreditation systems. These developing systems are able to participate in ILAC as associate members, and access the resources of ILAC's more established members.

In conjunction with ILAC, specific regions have also established their own accreditation co-operations, notably in Europe (EA) and the Asia-Pacific (APLAC). These regional co-operations work in harmony with ILAC and are represented on ILAC's Executive. ILAC is encouraging the development of such regional co-operations in other parts of the globe.

ILAC is the world's principal international forum for the development of laboratory accreditation practices and procedures, the promotion of laboratory accreditation as a trade facilitation tool, the assistance of developing accreditation systems, and the recognition of competent test facilities around the globe.

The latest edition of ILAC News, a publication published twice a year, is available as a pdf download. Previous editions can also be downloaded from the the ILAC website.

The ILAC Website www.ilac.org