Accreditation criteria: ISO/IEC 17020:2012
Inspection Bodies
Standard
ISO/IEC 17020:2012
At a glance
Who it's for
- Third-party inspection companies
- Pressure equipment and lifting inspection
- Construction and building inspection
- Product and shipment inspection
Key requirements
- Defined inspection methods and procedures
- Inspector competence and authorization records
- Independence classification (Type A, B or C)
- Control of inspection equipment and records
Benefits of accreditation
- Evidence supporting confidence in inspection results
- Competitive advantage in regulated sectors
- Consistency across inspectors and locations
- Independent assessment against defined inspection requirements
Overview
What does a inspection body do?
An inspection body is an organization responsible for conducting inspections, examinations, measurements, tests or evaluations of products, services, processes or installations to determine conformity with specified requirements. These requirements may include regulatory standards, industry specifications or customer-defined criteria.
Inspection bodies play a crucial role in ensuring the quality, safety and compliance of products and services across various industries. They provide independent verification that products, services or systems meet the required standards and specifications.
Criteria
ISO/IEC 17020:2012
ISO/IEC 17020 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the competence of inspection bodies and the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 demonstrates that an inspection body has the technical competence, resources and management system in place to conduct inspections effectively and impartially. The standard covers the qualification and competency of personnel, the validity and reliability of inspection methods, and the impartiality and integrity of the inspection process.
Process
Your 6-step path to accreditation
- 01
Application
Inspection bodies initiate the accreditation process by submitting an application form along with required documentation, such as quality manuals, procedures and evidence of competence.
- 02
Assessment
ACBNA conducts an on-site assessment to evaluate the inspection body's compliance with ISO/IEC 17020 requirements, including a review of documentation, interviews with personnel and observation of inspection activities.
- 03
Review by accreditation committee
The assessment findings are reviewed by the accreditation committee, which determines whether the inspection body meets the accreditation criteria. The committee may request additional information or clarification before making a decision.
- 04
Committee decision
Based on the assessment findings and recommendations, the accreditation committee makes a decision regarding accreditation status. Accredited bodies receive a certificate and are listed on ACBNA's official registry.
- 05
Annual surveillance
Accredited inspection bodies undergo regular surveillance assessments to ensure ongoing compliance, including site visits, document reviews and interviews with personnel.
- 06
Reaccreditation at 4 years
Accreditation is valid for four years. To maintain accreditation, inspection bodies must undergo reaccreditation at the end of this period, involving a comprehensive reassessment of competence, management system and compliance with ISO/IEC 17020.
Scope
Accreditation scope domains
The industries and sectors in which inspection bodys operate.
General manufacturing
Inspections of manufacturing processes across industries such as electronics, textiles and consumer goods.
International commerce and trade
Pre-shipment inspections, customs compliance assessments and product certifications to facilitate global trade.
Food safety and hygiene
Food processing facilities, restaurants and catering services, verifying compliance with food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Healthcare facilities, medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical production processes for regulatory compliance and patient safety.
Construction and engineering
Inspections of construction sites, infrastructure projects and building materials against building codes and safety regulations.
Environmental compliance
Environmental regulations and pollution control measures, including waste management procedures and environmental standards.
Occupational health and safety
Workplace safety standards and regulations to identify and mitigate workplace hazards for employee safety.
Governmental compliance
Compliance with government regulations across industries including manufacturing, transportation and utilities.
Automotive and transportation
Automotive manufacturing processes and vehicle inspections against transportation safety regulations.
Financial and banking
Compliance with financial regulations and auditing standards for banks, insurance companies and financial institutions.
Energy and utilities
Energy production facilities and utility infrastructure against renewable energy standards and regulations.
Agriculture and farming
Farms, livestock facilities and agricultural practices for food safety and environmental sustainability.
Education
Educational institutions and accreditation standards for educational quality assurance and regulatory requirements.
Security and defense
Security and defense industry regulations and standards, including security protocols, equipment and procedures.
Nuclear
Nuclear safety regulations and standards for nuclear facility operations and public safety.
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