Recognition as IAF MLA signatory member

Before the year ends, the Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB) once again secured a formal recognition of its competence. At the 2023 International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and International Accreditation Forum (IAF) Joint Meeting in Montreal, Canada, held from November 6-15, 2023, Dir. James E. Empeño, received the formal recognition for PAB's accreditation of product certification bodies based on ISO/IEC 17065. This recognition acknowledges PAB as a member of the International Accreditation Forum, Inc.'s Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) within the scope of Product Certification – ISO/IEC 17065.

ISO/IEC 17065 outlines the requirements for bodies certifying products, processes, and services, ensuring their competency, fairness, and consistency in certification. Adhering to this standard implies ongoing improvements and ensuring certifications remain reliable and trustworthy as standards evolve.

The primary aim of the IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement (MLA) is to establish a system of mutual recognition for accredited certification and validation/verification statements among MLA signatories. Consequently, this facilitates the acceptance of accredited certification and validation/verification statements in various markets, all based on a single accreditation. Accreditation Body Members of IAF are admitted to the MLA only after undergoing a rigorous evaluation of their operations conducted by a peer evaluation team.

Accreditations granted by IAF MLA signatories are recognized worldwide based on their equivalent accreditation programs, therefore reducing costs and adding value to businesses and consumers.

IAF and ILAC Joint Annual Meeting

The joint meeting is an annual event that gathers accreditation bodies with the goal of upholding the credibility and integrity of accreditation and conformity assessment activities.

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is a worldwide association of accreditation bodies and other bodies interested in conformity assessment in the fields of management systems, products, processes, services, personnel, validation and verification, and other similar programs of conformity assessment. On the other hand, the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) is the international organization of accreditation bodies involved in the accreditation of laboratories, inspection bodies, proficiency testing providers, and reference material producers.

Significance of PAB’s Participation to the Meeting

Dir. Empeño's representation at this meeting underscores PAB's commitment to be involved and participate in various Working Groups (WG), committees, and assemblies. These engagements cover a wide range of interests, crucial updates on accreditation, related standards, and discussions regarding proposals, issues, and resolutions.

Through active participation in this meeting, the bureau gains invaluable insights, best practices, and various benefits, including financial and knowledge support, empowering it to formulate strategies for effectively carrying out its accreditation mandates.

For more information about PAB’s international involvement, please visit our website: www.dti.gov.ph.

Release Date: 30 November 2023.