World Accreditation Day 2023
June 9th, 2023, marks World Accreditation Day (#WAD2023), a global initiative established by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF). This annual event aims to raise awareness about the importance of accreditation in various sectors. On this day, IAF and ILAC join forces with their members, partners, stakeholders, and users of conformity assessment to celebrate and emphasize the value of accreditation worldwide.
World Accreditation Day 2023 Theme – “Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade”
Accreditation’s Role in Supply Chain Restructuring:
The chosen theme for World Accreditation Day 2023 is “Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade.” This theme highlights how accreditation and accredited conformity assessment activities play a crucial role in the ongoing global supply chain restructuring. As organizations seek new markets and investment opportunities to build resilient and flexible supply chains, accreditation supports trade normalization. These efforts reinforce long-term growth in multilateral and bilateral trade relationships while enhancing the value of the ILAC/IAF mutual recognition arrangements. Consequently, greater supply chain efficiency and resilience are promoted.
Emphasizing the Importance of Accreditation:
- Ensuring Quality, Safety, and Reliability:
Accreditation serves as a vital process through which an independent organization, known as an accreditation body, verifies that a conformity assessment body (CAB) meets specific standards. CABs provide various services, including testing, inspection, and certification. By adhering to accreditation requirements, businesses, governments, and consumers gain confidence that the products, services, and systems they rely on meet the necessary standards. This assurance is crucial for ensuring quality, safety, and reliability. - Reducing Trade Barriers and Promoting Innovation:
Accreditation plays a significant role in reducing trade barriers. By providing a recognized and standardized framework for conformity assessment, it facilitates acceptance of products and services across borders. This harmonization of standards promotes international trade and fosters innovation by encouraging businesses to develop cutting-edge solutions that meet global requirements.
History of World Accreditation Day:
- Inception of World Accreditation Day:
The first World Accreditation Day (WAD) was celebrated on June 9, 2008. It was established by the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) to raise awareness about the importance of accreditation and its role in ensuring quality, safety, and reliability across different industries. - The Significance of June 9:
June 9 was chosen as the date for WAD because it commemorates the signing of the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) in 1994. The ILAC MRA is an agreement between accreditation bodies that establishes a framework for the mutual recognition of accreditations. This arrangement enables conformity assessment bodies accredited in one country to be accepted by their counterparts in other countries.
Conclusion:
World Accreditation Day 2023 serves as a global platform to promote the value of accreditation in ensuring the quality, safety, and reliability of products, services, and systems. Through its theme of “Accreditation: Supporting the Future of Global Trade,” this year’s celebration emphasizes the role of accreditation in facilitating supply chain restructuring, fostering trade normalization, and strengthening international relationships. By raising awareness about accreditation, WAD contributes to the creation of resilient and efficient supply chains while encouraging innovation and reducing trade barriers.
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