Inspection and testing
ISO/IEC 17020: Conformity assessment, requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
The standard that accreditation bodies use to evaluate inspection bodies, and a useful benchmark for any inspection service.
01Purpose
ISO/IEC 17020 specifies requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities.
02Scope
Applies to inspection bodies of type A (third party), type B (part of an organisation, inspecting only for it) and type C (part of an organisation that may also inspect for others, with safeguards). Accreditation is granted by national accreditation bodies such as TÜRKAK in Turkey.
03Main requirements
- Impartiality and independence according to the body type
- Confidentiality
- Organisation and management
- Competent personnel and supervision
- Facilities and equipment, including calibration
- Inspection methods and procedures
- Handling of inspection items and samples
- Inspection records and reports
- Complaints and appeals
- Management system requirements
04Typical applications and industries
Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 is required for some regulated inspections and frequently requested in tenders. For many buyer side inspections, accreditation is not mandatory, but the principles remain good practice.
05Audit and inspection considerations
- Is accreditation required by regulation or contract for this inspection?
- Does the accreditation scope cover the specific inspection type?
- How is impartiality ensured?
06Common nonconformities
- Accreditation claimed outside the accredited scope
- Inspection reports not traceable to methods
- Equipment calibration gaps
07How QUALITAS TR can support
QUALITAS TR follows ISO/IEC 17020 principles of impartiality and competence in its working methods without claiming accreditation. Where accredited inspection is required, we state it in the proposal and coordinate with an accredited body.