The General Assembly of the new organization, Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated, was held in Bangkok (Thailand) on 23-24 October 2025. On this occasion, a total of 156 membership applications were discussed and decided, formalizing the role of the new structure in the global accreditation system.

At the IAF and ILAC General Assemblies, it was decided to gradually dissolve IAF and ILAC as of January 1, 2026, due to the launch of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated.

Merger Process

IAF and ILAC have initiated the merger process in line with the strategic decision made in October 2019. Following the decision taken at the IAF-ILAC General Assembly Meeting held in Berlin (Germany) in October 2024, the registration process of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated started. While 2025 is planned as a transition period, the new organization will become fully operational as of January 1, 2026.

Election of the Chair and the Vice-Chair

Brahim Houla (GAC, GCC Accreditation Center), currently the Chairman of the APAC MRA/ARAC MLA Committee, was elected as the first Chair of Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated; while Emanuele Riva (ACCREDIA, Italy), currently the IAF Chair, was elected as the first Vice-Chair of the organisation.

The selection process for the Chairs of the Technical Committee and the members of the Financial Audit Committee will be completed by November-December 2025, through an electronic ballot. The Board of Directors will appoint the Treasurer and Quality Manager, and all duties will officially begin as of January 1, 2026.