Since Global ACI launched in January 2026, one question has come up more than once from our clients and from businesses shopping for ISO certification:
“How do I know if the certification body I’m using is actually recognized internationally?”
The answer comes down to one thing — whether your certification body’s accreditation body is a Global ACI Full Member.
This page explains what that means, why it matters, and how to check it in under two minutes.
Key Recognition Criteria
A certification body is internationally recognized only when the accreditation behind it comes through a credible recognition chain.
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Why This Matters
When you get an ISO certificate, the trust behind it comes from a chain:
Recognition chain
Global ACI → Accreditation Body → Certification Body → Your ISO Certificate
If any link in that chain is missing or unrecognized, your certificate may not carry genuine international credibility.
Specifically:
- If your certification body is not accredited, your ISO certificate is not internationally recognized.
- If your certification body’s accreditation body is not a Global ACI Full Member, that accreditation may not be recognized in other countries.
This matters most when you are dealing with:
- International buyers who ask for proof of recognized certification.
- Government tenders that require accredited certification.
- Export markets where ISO certificates must meet specific recognition standards.
What is a Global ACI Full Member?
Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI) has different types of members. The most important for this topic is the Full Member.
A Global ACI Full Member is an accreditation body that has:
- Applied to join the Global ACI MRA (Multilateral Recognition Arrangement).
- Gone through a peer evaluation — an independent assessment of their competence and processes.
- Been found to meet Global ACI’s requirements.
- Signed the Global ACI MRA.
Once signed, a Full Member accreditation body is recognized by all other Full Members worldwide. Certificates issued by certification bodies accredited by a Full Member carry genuine international recognition.
If an accreditation body is not a Full Member — or is still going through the evaluation process — their accreditation may not yet carry full international weight.
How to Check — Step by Step
Step 1: Find out who accredits your certification body
Look at your ISO certificate. It should mention the accreditation body — either by name or logo. Common examples in India include NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies). Internationally, you may see UKAS, DAkkS, ANAB, JAS-ANZ, and others.
If you cannot find this on your certificate, ask your certification body directly: “Which accreditation body accredits you?”
Step 2: Go to the Global ACI Full Members list
Visit the official Global ACI website: https://global-aci.org/en/full-members/
This page shows all accreditation bodies that have signed the Global ACI MRA. The list is regularly updated.
Step 3: Search for your accreditation body
Use Ctrl+F, or Cmd+F on Mac, to search for the name of the accreditation body. If it appears in the list, your chain of recognition is intact.
Step 4: Check the scope
Not all Full Members are signed for all scopes. The Global ACI MRA covers different areas — management systems, laboratories, inspection bodies, and more. Make sure your accreditation body is listed for the scope relevant to your certification.
For example, if you hold an ISO 9001 certificate, which is a management system certification, your accreditation body should be listed under the management systems scope.
What if My Accreditation Body is Not Listed?
This could mean a few things:
- They are in the process of joining. Some accreditation bodies are still going through peer evaluation after the Global ACI transition. Check with your CB to ask for the expected timeline.
- They have not applied yet. Some smaller or newer accreditation bodies may not have joined the Global ACI MRA. In this case, certificates issued through CBs they accredit may not carry full international recognition — yet.
- They may be listed under a different name. Some accreditation bodies go by abbreviations or different English names. Try searching by the country name as well.
If your accreditation body is genuinely not on the list and has no timeline for joining, it is worth speaking to your certification body about what this means for your certificate’s international standing.
What About NABCB — India’s Accreditation Body?
NABCB — the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies — is India’s main accreditation body for management system certification bodies. It operates under the Quality Council of India (QCI).
NABCB was a signatory of the IAF MLA, which means its accreditation was internationally recognized under the old system. As of the Global ACI transition, NABCB is in the process of aligning with the new Global ACI MRA framework, as are most major national accreditation bodies worldwide.
For the most current status of NABCB under Global ACI, check the Full Members list on global-aci.org or visit nabcb.qci.org.in.
A Note on “Accredited” Claims
It is worth being careful about how the word “accredited” is used. Some certification bodies claim to be accredited without specifying by whom — or list accreditation from bodies that are not recognized under the Global ACI MRA.
Before choosing a certification body, always ask two questions:
- “Which accreditation body accredits you?”
- “Is that accreditation body a Global ACI Full Member?”
If a CB cannot answer both questions clearly, that is a red flag.
About Guardian Assessment Private Limited
Guardian Assessment Private Limited is accredited by a recognized accreditation body. Our ISO certificates are issued through a chain that is aligned with the international accreditation framework.
If you want to verify our accreditation or have questions about our recognition status, contact our team — we are happy to share the details openly.
We believe transparency in accreditation is not optional. It is the foundation of trust in ISO certification.
Quick Reference
| Question | Where to Find the Answer |
|---|---|
| Who accredits my CB? | On your ISO certificate or ask your CB |
| Is that body a Global ACI Full Member? | global-aci.org/en/full-members/ |
| Is NABCB a Global ACI Full Member? | Check global-aci.org or nabcb.qci.org.in |
| What scope is my CB accredited for? | Ask your CB or check your accreditation certificate |
| What if my AB is not listed? | Ask your CB for the timeline and plan |
Frequently Asked Questions : About Global ACI Full Member
Ans) For domestic purposes, your certificate may still be accepted. But for international recognition — especially in countries that require Global ACI MRA-backed accreditation — it could become an issue. This is why it is worth checking now rather than when a buyer asks.
Ans) Yes — but certificates issued by unaccredited CBs are not internationally recognized. Some companies choose this route for cost reasons, but they give up the global credibility that comes with accredited certification.
Ans) Most major accreditation bodies are in the process of joining. The 2029 deadline creates a practical incentive — after that, certificates without the Global ACI MRA mark will not carry international recognition.
Ans) Yes. Only Full Members are signatories of the Global ACI MRA, which means their accreditation carries international recognition. Associate or affiliate members are part of the organization but may not yet be MRA signatories. For your purposes, what matters is whether your accreditation body is an MRA signatory — which means they are a Full Member.
Official Sources Used
Use these links when checking accreditation recognition and scope:
- Global ACI Full Members: https://global-aci.org/en/full-members/
- NABCB: https://nabcb.qci.org.in/
- Guardian Assessment Private Limited: https://www.guardiancertification.com
Contact
Guardian Assessment Private Limited | Andheri West, Mumbai | +91 92199 75790 | guardianassessment@gmail.com | www.guardiancertification.com