Accreditation criteria: ISO/IEC 17065
Product Certification Bodies
Standard
ISO/IEC 17065
At a glance
Who it's for
- Product safety and conformity marks
- Food, agricultural and organic schemes
- Electrical and electronic product certification
- Construction product certification
Key requirements
- Defined certification schemes and evaluation methods
- Use of accredited testing where applicable
- Surveillance and control of certification marks
- Impartiality safeguards and decision-making controls
Benefits of accreditation
- Evidence supporting confidence in product certification schemes
- Confidence for buyers and regulators
- Clear and defensible certification decisions
- Consumer protection and brand reputation
Overview
What does a product certification body do?
A product certification body evaluates and certifies conformity across four key categories: products (tangible manufactured items), processes (production methods ensuring quality and safety), activities and services (operational functions requiring performance assurance), and combinations (integrated schemes evaluating multiple aspects simultaneously).
Modern certification programs often span multiple domains to address market needs. For example, sustainable automotive programs may integrate automotive, environmental and chemical considerations, while construction food-service facilities combine building products with food safety requirements.
This flexible approach enables certification bodies to develop innovative, market-relevant schemes while maintaining rigorous compliance with ISO/IEC 17065. Their independent assessments provide trusted third-party verification across all certification types, supporting global trade and consumer confidence.
Criteria
ISO/IEC 17065
ISO/IEC 17065 outlines requirements for the impartiality, competence and consistency of certification bodies across all certification types — whether evaluating products, processes, activities, services or integrated combinations. This ensures the integrity and credibility of all certification processes. Within each ACBNA domain, certification bodies may propose programs that address specific market needs while maintaining ISO/IEC 17065 compliance, enabling market-relevant schemes under rigorous oversight.
Process
Your 6-step path to accreditation
- 01
Application
The product certification body initiates the accreditation process by submitting an application form along with documentation demonstrating compliance with ISO/IEC 17065, typically including certification policies, procedures and evidence of technical competence.
- 02
Assessment
ACBNA conducts an assessment to evaluate the certification body's compliance with ISO/IEC 17065 requirements, including a review of documentation, interviews with personnel and observation of certification activities.
- 03
Review by accreditation committee
The assessment findings are reviewed by the accreditation committee, which determines whether the certification 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 certification bodies undergo regular surveillance assessments, including document reviews, assessments of certification processes and observations of assessment activities.
- 06
Reaccreditation at 4 years
Accreditation is valid for four years. To maintain accreditation, certification bodies must undergo reaccreditation at the end of this period, involving a comprehensive reassessment of operations, certification processes and compliance with ISO/IEC 17065.
Scope
Accreditation scope domains
The industries and sectors in which product certification bodys operate.
Manufacturing products
Certification of manufactured goods and industrial products.
Consumer products
Safety and quality certification for consumer goods.
Medical devices
Certification of medical devices and healthcare products.
Automotive products
Automotive parts and components certification.
Electronic products
Electronics and electrical equipment certification.
Construction products
Building materials and construction product certification.
Food products
Food safety and quality certification programs.
Chemical products
Chemical products and substances certification.
Environmental products
Environmental and sustainability product certification.
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