ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment — Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is the international standard for conformity assessment and it specifies the requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection. This article will provide an overview of ISO/IEC 17020:2012, as well as highlight some of the most important points that apply to conformity assessment bodies operating in the food and beverage industry.
Applicable Standards
Organizations seeking ISO/IEC 17020:2012 – which focuses on the competence of inspection bodies – often benefit from related management system certifications. These include:
ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management System (QMS):
ISO 9001 is one of the most widely adopted standards globally. It ensures a strong quality management foundation, helping inspection bodies implement consistent procedures, manage risks, and enhance customer satisfaction.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 – Information Security Management System (ISMS):
Especially relevant for inspection organizations handling sensitive client data, ISO 27001 supports robust information security controls and compliance with data protection regulations.
ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management System (EMS):
For inspection bodies operating in environmental, industrial, or sustainability-driven sectors, ISO 14001 ensures compliance with environmental laws and reduces ecological impact.
ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS):
This standard enhances workplace safety, making it ideal for inspection teams working in hazardous or regulated environments such as construction, oil & gas, or manufacturing.
ISO 13485:2016 – Medical Devices Quality Management System:
For inspection bodies serving the medical or healthcare sectors, ISO 13485 ensures quality and compliance in the inspection and verification of medical devices and related services.
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 – IT Service Management System (ITSM):
Relevant for inspection services in the IT sector, this certification helps standardize service delivery and improve IT performance and accountability.
ISO 26000:2010 – Social Responsibility:
Though not certifiable, this guidance standard supports inspection bodies in integrating socially responsible practices into their operations and stakeholder interactions.
These certifications can complement ISO/IEC 17020 implementation by enhancing credibility, compliance, and operational efficiency.
What is the ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment?
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment is a global standard for the management of risk associated with the conformity of products, services, and systems. It helps organizations achieve conformity assessment objectives by establishing requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection.
It specifies the minimum requirements for the competence of individuals and bodies performing conformity assessment. Including assurance bodies, product certification bodies, system certification bodies, and operators of registered inspection activity.
Organizations need to comply with this standard in order to improve their capability to manage risk and ensure quality through conformity assessment. This will help them to achieve their strategic objectives, such as reducing costs and improving customer satisfaction. Also, protecting intellectual property.
Key Elements of ISO/IEC 17020:2012
ISO/IEC 17020 focuses on several critical aspects of inspection services:
- Scope: Defines the areas and activities covered under inspection services, tailored to the organization’s expertise.
- Structure: Ensures the organization has a defined structure, roles, and responsibilities for conducting impartial and consistent inspections.
- Processes: Establishes procedures for inspection planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up.
- Documentation: Emphasizes the need for accurate records, inspection reports, and decision-making logs.
- Quality Assurance: Requires implementation of quality control mechanisms to ensure reliable and valid inspection outcomes.
What are the requirements of this standard?
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment is a management system for organizations that require conformity assessment of their products and services. The requirements of this standard are intended to provide the bodies performing inspection with the necessary tools and principles to carry out their work effectively.
This standard specifies the overall framework, including the goals, objectives, and requirements, as well as the structure and content of conformity assessment bodies. It also provides guidance on how to develop and implement a conformity assessment program.
It establishes four basic principles that are essential for the effective performance of any conformity assessment process. These principles are quality assurance, systematic approach, proper identification of risks, and management of resources.
So, Organizations that require conformity assessment should ensure that their personnel are familiar with the provisions of this standard. They should also make sure that all relevant documentation is current and accurate.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Certification
Enhances credibility and opportunities for international recognition and business expansion
Demonstrates compliance and competence in carrying out inspection activities
Increases confidence among regulators, customers, and stakeholders
Improves operational efficiency through structured procedures
Reduces errors and non-conformities, minimizing rework and associated costs
Who Should Get ISO/IEC 17020 Certification?
This standard is ideal for:
- Inspection bodies in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, automotive, and healthcare
- Regulatory agencies and government inspection departments
- Accreditation and certification organizations
- Independent quality inspection companies
Eligibility criteria for ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment is a process of systematically verifying that a product, system or service meets the requirements of an established standard. It is aimed at ensuring that products, services and systems are consistently produced to meet requirements, thereby increasing their reliability and quality.
To be eligible for ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment, an organization must have the necessary resources and competence to perform conformity assessment activities. It must also have a system in place to assess the conformity of its products and services.
To be accredited to this standard, an organization must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include having a management system that is competent in conformity assessment and has the resources necessary to carry out conformity assessment activities.
Therefore, Organizations must also comply with several requirements when applying for accreditation to this standard. These include establishing conformity assessment processes, documenting conformity assessment activities, providing reports on conformity assessments, and taking appropriate corrective actions when required.
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Read About: ISO 17202:2002
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