The originally named Association of Certification Bodies was founded in 1984 in response to a UK Government request that certification bodies should work together to provide a collective input to the newly established National Accreditation Council for Certification Bodies (NACCB). In 1992 the Association adopted its current title and was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 1996. ABCB is recognised by Government, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), and a wide range of organisations as the lead UK trade association for nationally accredited third party certification bodies.