OUR STORY
Cultivating Trust and Integrity across the Organic Community.
IOAS is a non-profit organization committed to upholding the integrity of ecolabel claims in organic and sustainable agriculture, environmental management, textiles, social justice, and fair trade. We operate internationally, monitoring over 77 certification bodies across 75 countries, evaluating their competence and performance in certifying against sustainability standards.Â
We offer best-practice assurance services, including full accreditation, assessments, monitoring and oversight, training, and advisory services for regulators and scheme owners.Â
IOAS Inc was founded in 1997 by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM OI). Established in 1972, IFOAM is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing organic agriculture globally. IOAS was created to develop the IFOAM accreditation program, fostering trust between certification bodies in organic agriculture and supporting the growth of production and markets worldwide.Â
Our role as an independent, impartial technical assurance expert upholds integrity ethically, objectively and transparently, and ensures freedom from conflicts of interest within the industries in which we work. Our impact lies in our commitment to advancing a more sustainable world.
WHO WE ARE
What our clients say
We are very pleased with the way the IOAS assessor conducted the assessment. Very clear in asking questions, availability to listen to APCER's explanations and their points of view, as well as to explain the findings identified. -Â (June 2023 assessment)
Our auditor, was on time, professional, easy to communicate with, highly proficient in assessing information presented, patient, and friendly. Their exit interview included presentation of her findings and was willing to listen to our point of view. Their auditing abilities and professionalism should be the model of what a professional auditor should strive to become. - (July 2023 assessment)
Very prepared, carried out opening meeting clearly and pointedly, excellent in time management, very professional, courteous at every moment, very knowledgeable, findings were on the bullseye and precise, clear with all non-conformities found, an excellent listener, quick short and precise exit meeting. - (August 2023 assessment)
We were very pleased to meet and work with IOAS. Our assessor performed their work with high level of professionalism. It was really useful to receive their feedback, all findings were based on facts and scheme requirements. - (November 2023 assessment)
We sincerely appreciate your professional assessments this year, we do learn so much from you! - (July 2024 assessment)
The assessor ‘s professionalism and expertise to detail have truly made a significant impact on our operation. Very clear explanation and can understand the local situation and practice.
We have been working with IOAS since 2020Â for our COSMOS accreditation. IOAS is an accreditation body with much assessment experience. Assessments are done in a professional manner and communication is fast and accurate. Both the assessors and supporting staff are very friendly and always willing to answer questions.
The IOAS Assessor's professionalism and expertise to detail have truly made a significant impact on our operation. Very clear explanation and can understand the local situation and practice. - March 2024
We are very pleased to have a long-term relationship with IOAS. You are not only our AB, but also have been guiding and helping us grow. Many thanks to IOAS for accepting some of our demands. It is our honor to continue to be supervised by you. - March 2025
IOAS demonstrates excellent clarity in timelines and responsiveness. Their website is exceptionally well-structured, providing comprehensive and transparent information that greatly supports applicants throughout the accreditation process.
The IOAS Assessor's professionalism and expertise to detail have truly made a significant impact on our operation. Very clear explanation and can understand the local situation and practice.
The experience of working with IOAS is very enriching. The high quality and professional assessments carried out by IOAS has helped us in improving our quality management system and achieve a great degree of compliance ISO guide 17065 and certification scheme requirements. The professionalism at each level of operations is very helpful for certification bodies. (April 2025 Assessment)
Since 2003, when we were first accredited by IFOAM, we have been receiving IOAS accreditation services for more than 20 years. IOAS also keeps OFDC up to date with information on organic regulations and standards, and provide timely feedback on ourquestions, so that we can follow the latest developments in the industry. OFDC has benefited a lot from working with IOAS, and is now applying for the EU Compliance
recognition with the help of IOAS, and expects to receive approval from the European Commission later this year.
We plan to obtain new scheme in future, we will choose IOAS again, one very professional AB.
The assessor was very professional and with strong knowledge of the TE scheme requirements. With very well preparation and management of the assessment. He could well clarify the non-conformities/OFIs raised during the assessment at the exiting meeting. As a conclusion, the performance of the assessor is very good.
Trusted AB with professional assessor(s).
As ETKO, we have been accredited by IOAS for 18 years; during this period, we witnessed how the IOAS developed its operations as an independent, impartial and reputable organisation. IOAS employs Professional auditors and management staff in different geographies who are experts in their domain, always good planning, and are able to serve globally at a reasonable cost.Â
If we are a reputable Certification body today, we owe a lot to IOAS.