The difference between IAF and non-IAF - What does an accredited certification body mean, and why does it matter?

The difference between IAF and non-IAF

In the ISO certification process, an essential aspect is the accreditation of the certification body. Many business owners receive ISO certificates, but not all certificates offer the same guarantee — some are issued by bodies that are not accredited or internationally recognised.

That is why it is crucial to understand the difference between:

• accredited certification bodies (IAF or signatories to the IAF Multilateral Agreement)

• and non-accredited certification bodies (without IAF recognition)

What is accreditation, and what is the role of IAF

The European co‑operation for Accreditation (EA) and the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) are organisations that manage the mutual recognition of accreditation bodies. An ISO certificate IS NOT ACCREDITED if it does not bear the logo of an accreditation body from the list available on the IAF website.

The IAF sets clear criteria for accreditation bodies and verifies them. When a certification body is accredited, it means that a recognised accreditation body (IAF member) has assessed and confirmed that it meets international standards.

This process provides confidence in the certificates issued: certificates issued by accredited certification bodies are recognised internationally, can be accepted in public tenders, international collaborations, etc.

Accredited vs. non-accredited certification body

✔ Accredited certification body

• It is certified by a recognised accreditation body (IAF member) for the standards it works in.

• It issues certificates that bear the logo of the accreditation body and, as a rule, the IAF logo or a reference to the IAF.

• Its certificates are recognised and accepted in public procurement, tenders, and international partnerships.

• It helps the company to demonstrate real compliance, transparency, and verifiable management.

✘ Non-accredited certification body

• Not listed in the IAF-recognised accreditation bodies. For example, an accreditation body that "presents itself" but **IS NOT an IAF member is not valid.

• The certificates issued may not be recognised by the authorities, especially in public procurement, where an "accredited ISO certificate" is explicitly required.

• There is a risk of paying for a "paper" certificate that does not bring you real benefits: it cannot be used as valid evidence in tenders, partnerships, or international recognition.

Why does it matter to your company?

• Validity in tenders/public procurements

• Procurement documents often say: "accredited ISO certificate issued by an accredited certification body according to the standard...".

• If your certificate is not accredited, you may be disqualified.

• Credibility in front of partners and customers

• A certification from an accredited certification body conveys seriousness, trust, and competence.

• International recognition

• If you plan to work in other countries or with international companies, IAF accreditation makes the difference.

• Risk reduction

An accredited body follows strict procedures, rigorous audits and monitoring — which reduces the risk of fake certificates, errors, and hidden non-conformities.

How to check if the certificate is accredited

The steps are simple:

• Check if the certificate bears the logo of an accreditation body from the list available on the IAF website.

• Check if the certificate includes the IAF logo (or reference to IAF) or other clear signs that the certification body is accredited.

• Ask the certification body to send you the annex to the accreditation certificate issued by the accreditation body. If it cannot provide it, there is a risk that it will not be accredited.

• In the context of a tender, if “ISO accredited certificate” is explicitly requested, a certificate issued by a non-accredited body is not valid.

Conclusion

If your company is going to obtain ISO certification, don’t compromise: choose an accredited certification body (IAF or IAF MLA signatory) to ensure that the certificate has real value.

The difference between IAF and non-IAF is that a non-accredited certificate may seem cheap, but it can cause you significant losses if it is rejected in a tender or if partners consider it invalid.

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