Not all certificates are equal. Learn why choosing an IAF-recognized accredited certification body ensures your ISO9001 certification is accepted worldwide in tenders, contracts, and international business requirements.

Accreditation is the formal recognition that a certification body is competent to perform ISO9001 audits and issue certificates. Here's how the global system works:
ISO creates and maintains the ISO9001 standard that defines quality management system requirements globally.
Accredited certification bodies conduct audits against the standard and issue internationally recognized certificates.
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) ensures global mutual recognition of accredited certificates worldwide.
IAF accreditation ensures that your certificate is valid and trusted across all countries.
The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) is the global association of accreditation bodies that ensures mutual recognition of certificates worldwide.
IAF establishes global standards for accreditation bodies
Ensures mutual recognition agreements between countries
Maintains integrity of international certification
Non-IAF recognized certificates lack global acceptance
Understanding the difference between internationally accredited and non-accredited certificates could save your business thousands of dollars and ensure global acceptance.
Only IAF-recognized accredited certificates guarantee global acceptance and recognition
May not be accepted internationally, lacks credibility, no official oversight
Globally recognized, accepted in international tenders, officially verified
Understanding the four-level hierarchy ensures you choose the right path to internationally recognized ISO9001 certification.
Global association that establishes standards and ensures mutual recognition agreements between countries
Examples:
Country-specific organizations that accredit certification bodies within their jurisdiction
Examples:
Accredited organizations that conduct ISO9001 audits and issue certificates to businesses
Examples:
Organizations that achieve ISO9001 certification through accredited certification body audits
Examples:
Choosing an IAF-recognized accredited certification body is essential for global credibility and recognition.
Global Tender Eligibility
International tenders and multinational corporations require IAF-recognized ISO9001 Certification. Non-accredited certificates won't qualify globally.
Universal Customer Trust
IAF accreditation ensures your certificate is genuine and recognized worldwide. International customers can verify authenticity through national accreditation body registers.
Consistent Audit Quality
IAF-recognized accredited bodies undergo rigorous international oversight. This ensures consistent, high-quality audits that meet global standards.
International Risk Reduction
Using a non-IAF recognized provider could result in certificates rejected by international clients, global regulators, or multinational partners.
While certification bodies conduct the external audits, CertCrowd helps you prepare by giving you the tools to manage your ISO9001 system in one place.
With CertCrowd, you can:
See how CertCrowd makes ISO9001 preparation faster and more efficient than traditional methods.
Download our free resources to help you understand and prepare for ISO9001 certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get ISO9001 Certification without IAF recognition?
Yes, but it is not recommended. Non-IAF recognized certificates may not be accepted internationally or by customers who require globally recognized certification.
How do I verify if a certification body has international recognition?
Check if the certification body is accredited by an IAF member accreditation body. Each country has its own IAF member (e.g., JAS-ANZ for Australia, UKAS for UK, ANAB for USA).
What is the difference between local and international accreditation?
Local accreditation is recognized within a specific country, while IAF recognition ensures mutual acceptance across all IAF member countries worldwide through multilateral recognition agreements.
Does CertCrowd act as a certification body?
No. CertCrowd is a compliance management platform that helps organisations prepare for internationally recognized audits. Certification is carried out by IAF-recognized accredited bodies only.
ISO9001 International Accreditation through IAF ensures that your certificate is recognized, trusted, and valuable globally. By choosing an IAF-recognized accredited body, you protect your investment and meet the requirements of international customers, global regulators, and multinational tenders.
With CertCrowd, preparing for internationally recognized certification is faster and simpler. Instead of juggling spreadsheets and files, you manage everything in one secure platform designed to align with global ISO9001 standards.
Learn more about ISO9001 certification with our comprehensive resource library

