IAF Recognition for Conformity Assessment Bodies
IAF recognition acknowledges Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) — independent and impartial entities operating across automotive R&D, vehicle safety evaluations, ADAS trials, vehicle efficiency measurements, OEM component evaluations, and certification activities aligned with IAF standards. Their technical competence, impartiality and reporting discipline form the backbone of trust across the mobility ecosystem.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to specialised technical and research entities that deliver reliable automotive evidence. Recognition ensures consistency, impartiality and credibility of outcomes. Eligible applicants include:
R&D Laboratories
Centres conducting applied research, new materials analysis, prototype validation and innovation trials.
- Eligibility: R&D infrastructure, published methods, qualified engineers.
- Typical scope: new propulsion systems, sustainable materials, advanced simulations.
Vehicle Safety Evaluation Centres
Facilities executing crashworthiness studies, occupant protection assessments and advanced driver-assistance (ADAS) trials.
- Eligibility: crash labs, validated ADAS protocols, impartial reporting.
- Typical scope: crash evaluations, ADAS scenarios, battery fire-propagation, restraint systems.
Vehicle Efficiency Laboratories
Laboratories dedicated to measuring fuel consumption, emissions and energy efficiency.
- Eligibility: reference-grade dynamometers, traceable measurement chains.
- Typical scope: WLTP cycles, emission factors, hybrid & EV efficiency evaluations.
OEM Part Evaluation Labs
Laboratories verifying durability, quality and compliance of original equipment components.
- Eligibility: OEM partnerships, traceable protocols, impartial verification.
- Typical scope: braking systems, airbags, lighting, electronic modules.
Automotive Software & Cybersecurity Labs
Centres validating software reliability, ECU security and connected-vehicle resilience.
- Eligibility: secure labs, qualified assessors, documented assurance processes.
- Typical scope: ECU hardening, penetration assessments, OTA update reliability, data integrity.
Certification Bodies
Independent organisations certifying automotive systems, products and processes against IAF standards.
- Eligibility: impartiality structures, sector experience, recognised schemes.
- Typical scope: IAF safety, sustainability, digital integrity and mobility standards.
What We Validate
Methods
Documented, validated and internationally recognised procedures aligned with IAF standards.
Measurement Uncertainty
Defined uncertainty budgets with traceability to international references.
Instrumentation Integrity
Qualified instrumentation with maintenance logs and status monitoring across operating ranges.
Competence
Assessed personnel qualifications, training records and impartial decision-making.
Recognition Workflow
1) Pre-check & Draft
Submit draft scope with method references and service areas.
2) Evidence Review
Validation dossiers, uncertainty models and competence records are reviewed.
3) Verification
On-site or witness activities confirm technical execution and impartiality.
4) Decision & Listing
Recognition granted and CABs listed in the IAF public directory.
Label Use & Public Directory
Recognised CABs may use the “IAF Recognised Conformity Assessment Body” label according to guidelines, always linked to their published scope.
Ready to Begin Recognition?
Submit a pre-check request and scope draft. Our team will guide you through review, verification and listing.
Apply for IAF Recognition