Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Leveraging ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for Market Access

If you’re a PT provider accredited—or planning to be—to ISO/IEC 17043:2023, you’ve already taken a major step toward proving your technical competence. But if you’re aiming to reach international markets, simply being accredited isn’t enough. You need that accreditation to mean something outside your country.

That’s where the ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) comes in.

Over the past few years, I’ve worked with several PT providers that were technically excellent but struggling to enter new markets. Once they understood how to leverage the ILAC MRA properly, doors opened—new clients came in, their credibility increased, and they stopped needing to explain their qualifications over and over again.

Let’s break down how this works and how you can use it to grow your reach.

What Is the ILAC MRA and Why Is It Important?

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) is a global body that ensures consistency and trust among accreditation systems across countries. ILAC created the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) so that test results, calibration reports, and PT scheme outcomes would be recognized internationally.

In simple terms:
If your accreditation body is a signatory to the ILAC MRA, and your ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation is under that recognized scope, your services are globally accepted.

This is often referred to as the “tested once, accepted everywhere” principle. It means that regulators, industries, and laboratories around the world can trust your PT schemes without needing to re-verify your competence through their own national systems.

How the ILAC MRA Actually Works

Let’s walk through how the MRA functions in practice:

• ILAC recognizes national accreditation bodies that meet rigorous peer-evaluated standards.
• These ABs sign the MRA agreement, committing to mutual acceptance of each other’s accreditations.
• When your PT organization gets accredited by one of these signatory ABs for ISO/IEC 17043, your status is automatically accepted by other countries that also recognize ILAC MRA.
• In many sectors—especially regulated ones—this is what gives your results credibility beyond borders.

ILAC MRA is supported by regional cooperations, such as:

• APAC (Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation)
• EA (European co-operation for Accreditation)
• IAAC (Inter American Accreditation Cooperation)
• AFRAC (African Accreditation Cooperation)

These groups support regional acceptance and feed into ILAC’s global framework.

Key Benefits for PT Providers

Once you’re properly aligned with the ILAC MRA, here’s what you gain:

1. Immediate International Credibility

You won’t need to explain your technical competence from scratch. Your accreditation carries weight globally—because it’s recognized under a shared framework.

2. Easier Market Entry

Many governments, regulators, and laboratories only accept PT schemes from ILAC-recognized sources. If you don’t have that backing, you may be disqualified from tenders or participant pools.

3. Participant Trust and Confidence

Clients prefer PT schemes that are recognized internationally. The ILAC MRA gives your participants assurance that your program meets globally accepted standards.

4. Reduced Need for Duplicate Accreditations

Instead of applying for accreditation in multiple countries, you can rely on your single ILAC-recognized status to meet international requirements.

Using ILAC Recognition in Your Marketing and Operations

Many providers don’t take full advantage of their ILAC recognition. Here’s how you can start leveraging it:

Display the ILAC MRA Mark (Correctly)

Your accreditation body likely allows you to use the ILAC MRA combined mark—but only in accordance with strict guidelines. Check their policy and apply it to:

• PT reports
• Website footers
• Brochures and service descriptions

Reference ILAC Recognition in Proposals

Include a sentence like:
“Our ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation is issued by an ILAC MRA signatory, ensuring global acceptance of our PT scheme results.”

This instantly raises your credibility in international bids or with large, multinational clients.

Educate Your Participants

Don’t assume they know what ILAC is. A brief explanation on your reports or onboarding documents can reassure clients of your global standing.

Use ILAC Recognition to Expand

If you’re considering offering PT schemes in another country, check their regulatory framework. Often, they’ll list ILAC MRA recognition as a qualifier for accepted providers. This opens doors you may not have known were already unlocked.

Pro Tips

• Pro Tip: Always follow your AB’s rules when using the ILAC mark. It’s a powerful branding tool—but misusing it can get you in trouble.
• Pro Tip: Include an ILAC MRA explanation slide in your sales pitch or onboarding deck—it’s especially helpful when working with international clients.
• Pro Tip: Reference ILAC’s directory and tools on your website so clients can independently verify your recognition.
• Pro Tip: Attend webinars or sessions hosted by ILAC or your regional cooperation to stay updated on policy shifts and new MRA signatories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming You’re Covered Without Verification

Just because you’re accredited doesn’t mean you’re ILAC-recognized. Your accreditation body must be an ILAC signatory, and your specific scope (ISO/IEC 17043) must be listed.

Using the ILAC Logo Improperly

You can’t place the ILAC logo just anywhere. Check your AB’s branding guidelines, and avoid using the mark on certificates or reports not covered by your accredited scope.

Failing to Promote Your Global Recognition

This is a missed opportunity. If your scheme is globally accepted, say so. Show it clearly. Many providers bury this advantage when it should be front and center.

FAQs

Q: Is ILAC recognition automatic with ISO/IEC 17043 accreditation?
Not always. It depends on whether your AB is an ILAC MRA signatory and whether your scope is listed under that recognition.

Q: Can I use the ILAC logo on all marketing materials?
You must follow specific usage rules from your AB. Generally, the ILAC mark can only appear with your AB’s logo and only when referring to accredited activities.

Q: Will ILAC recognition help us win tenders?
Yes—especially for public sector or regulated tenders. Many specify “ILAC-recognized accreditation” as a minimum qualification.

ILAC MRA Is More Than Just a Logo

The ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement is one of the most powerful tools you can use to expand your market reach, validate your competence internationally, and streamline acceptance of your PT schemes.

But it only works if you understand it, use it strategically, and communicate its value clearly.

The PT providers I’ve worked with who promote their ILAC status see measurable gains—in trust, access, and reputation. This isn’t about compliance—it’s about growth.

Want help reviewing your ILAC mark usage or identifying untapped markets where your recognition applies? Let me know. I can help you build a communication strategy that turns recognition into revenue.