A2LA Expands IAAC Scope of Recognition

A2LA’s Scope of Recognition as an Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC) Multi-Lateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) signatory has been expanded to include accreditation of proficiency testing providers (ISO/IEC 17043) and reference material producers (ISO Guide 34). This expansion is the result of a peer review of A2LA’s proficiency testing provider and reference material producer accreditation programs. The IAAC MLA certificates will be signed at the 47th IAAC Executive Committee meetings in El Salvador, March 2017.

A2LA has been offering accreditation to ISO/IEC 17043 and ISO Guide 34 since 2000, and became one of the inaugural signatories to the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for the accreditation of proficiency testing providers and reference material producers. The extension of A2LA’s signatory status in the IAAC MLA brings additional recognition to our accreditation programs which adds value and expanded international recognition to A2LA accreditation. Customers of an A2LA accredited organization will have increased confidence in the products and services offered because they are assured that A2LA has been evaluated and found to have the appropriate systems and technical competence to provide these accreditation services.

A2LA granted its first reference material producer accreditation in November 2000, and recently began the transition (see ISO 17034 Transition Memo) from ISO Guide 34 to the newly published ISO 17034:2016 standard.

Internationally-recognized A2LA accreditation for these two standards supports the laboratory community by assuring technically-competent and customer-focused services to the laboratories. Accredited reference material producers and proficiency testing providers can be assured that their accredited services are accepted globally. A2LA’s team of experts evaluates the management system requirements, technical capabilities and statistical approaches through the entire process from project planning through the issuing of reports and certificates in a thorough, yet efficient audit approach. This has resulted in satisfied proficiency testing provider and reference material producer customers from federal government agencies, leading commercial manufacturers, academia, research institutions, and international clientele, spanning a broad array of industries including environmental, food, automotive, life sciences, energy, metrology, clinical, forensics and construction materials.