JANAAC, the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation, an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce (MIIC), has unveiled its new brand identity, JANAAC Global Accreditation. 

The event, attended by Heads of Agencies, Business Leaders, Partners and Accreditation Clients, marked a strategic evolution for the agency as it expands its international footprint and reaffirms its commitment to excellence in accreditation services.

Established in 2007 and officially commencing operations in 2008, JANAAC has been instrumental in setting standards of excellence for conformity assessment bodies (CABs) across the Caribbean region. To date, JANAAC’s impact spans eleven countries including Jamaica, supporting economic growth and enhancing market access through internationally recognised accreditation.

Mrs. Sharonmae S. Walker, CEO of JANAAC Global Accreditation explained that under its new brand, JANAAC Global Accreditation, continues to build upon its legacy of achievement on the global stage. Notably, JANAAC holds full membership in the International Laboratory.

Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the Inter-American Accreditation Cooperation (IAAC).In 2023, JANAAC became the first accreditation body in the Caribbean to hold membership in the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), further solidifying its role in facilitating global trade and market acceptance of accredited services.

Highlighting recent accolades, Mrs S. Walker advised that JANAAC is 1 of 8 accreditation bodies in the world to receive recognition from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to accredit food testing laboratories under the FDA Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) Program, effective February 26, 2024.

This comes in addition to JANAAC being 1 of 4 globally recognised accreditation bodies since June 2022, having the largest scope (10 of 11 possible scopes), to accredit third-party certification bodies to conduct food safety audits in keeping with the requirements of the FDA Accredited Third-Party Certification Program, assuring trading partners of the quality and safety of food exported to the United States. Additionally, JANAAC was approved for its fourth IAAC multilateral recognition arrangement (MLA) for the accreditation of calibration laboratories to the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, effective March 19, 2024, adding to the international recognition of its accreditation programmes. Other MLAs include the accreditation of Testing Laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025), Medical Laboratories (ISO 15189) and Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020).

In expressing her enthusiasm about the agency’s rebranding and its future impact, the CEO stated: “Our transition to JANAAC Global Accreditation reflects our strategic vision to promote global trade and increase consumer confidence through internationally recognised accreditation and training services. This evolution not only strengthens our position as a leader in accreditation but also reinforces our commitment to quality infrastructure and economic prosperity.”

She revealed that the new brand identity is accompanied by a refreshed mission: “To promote global trade, increase consumer confidence and market access through internationally accepted accreditation and training services” and vision: “A premier internationally recognised accreditation body that transforms quality infrastructures, facilitates global trade and improves quality of life” and underscored JANAAC Global Accreditation’s dedication to fostering industry competitiveness and ensuring access to high-quality products and services globally.

The rebranding includes a new logo that underwent a rigorous development and approval process with inputs from the Accreditation Council and the Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Senator the Honourable Aubyn Hill, to ensure alignment with the agency’s strategic direction. The CEO explained that the new logo is a symbol of national pride, global outreach, and vibrancy in trade, which aligns with JANAAC’s strategic goals and values.

As JANAAC Global Accreditation continues to expand its services and influence and remains steadfast in promoting the global vision of being “accredited once and accepted everywhere”, driving economic growth and development not only for Jamaica but for the entire Caribbean region and beyond.