# Mandatory Document (MD) Compliance

This section provides a helpful guide to ensure your organization complies with and actively participates in the IAF's mandatory document requirements.

### Data Obligations

Accreditation Bodies (ABs) must upload Certification Body (CB) information to the IAF Database. To do this, follow these steps:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### **Collect CB Information**

Gather all necessary CB data from your organization, ensuring it is accurate and complete. This data will be required for successful import into the IAF CertSearch system.

To know how to format the CB information, go to: [Certification Body Fields Glossary](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/accreditation-bodies/iaf-certsearch-data-structure/certification-body-fields-glossary)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### **Select Your Preferred Import Method**

* **Manual Entry**: [Step-by-step guide to adding CB data manually](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/accreditation-bodies/data-management/certification-bodies/add-cb)
* **File Upload**: [How to import CB data using file upload](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/accreditation-bodies/data-management/import-certification-body/file-upload)
* **FTP Upload**: [Guide to importing CB data via FTP upload](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/accreditation-bodies/data-management/import-certification-body/ftp-access)
* **API Integration**: [How to import CB data via API](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/api-developer-guide/api-integration/accreditation-body-apis/accreditation-body-apis-1/certification-body-api)
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}

### **Ensure Monthly Data Updates**

Keep your organization’s conformance status accurate and up-to-date by uploading or updating CB information **at least once a month**. 

{% hint style="info" %}
If no necessary changes or new data are available for that month, you may inform the system that your data is up-to-date by triggering the **Update All** button.<br>

#### Where can I find the Update All button?

**Update All** button is present on the **Certification Bodies** listing page.&#x20;

\
To know more go to [Update All](https://support.iafcertsearch.org/accreditation-bodies/data-management/certification-bodies/update-all)
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

If you **forgot to upload/update that month,** a monthly reminder to update/upload your data will be sent to the users within our organizations via email.

#### When should I receive the monthly reminder?

You will receive a reminder **7 days before the end of the month**. Please note that this reminder will only be sent **if you haven't uploaded or updated your data before the scheduled reminder.**

### Related Articles

> [Keep data up-to-date using Update All](/accreditation-bodies/data-management/certification-bodies/update-all.md)


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