Accreditation of Inspection Bodies

What does an 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 could 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 and objective assessments that help organizations identify and address non-conformities, mitigate risks, and improve overall performance.

Accreditation Criteria: ISO/IEC 17020

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 various aspects, including the qualifications and competency of personnel, the validity and reliability of inspection methods, the adequacy of facilities and equipment, and the impartiality and confidentiality of inspection processes. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020 provides assurance to stakeholders that inspection bodies operate with integrity and deliver reliable and consistent inspection results.

Accreditation Process

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.

Assessment: Accreditation bodies conduct an on-site assessment to evaluate the Inspection Body’s compliance with ISO/IEC 17020 requirements. This assessment includes a review of documentation, interviews with personnel, and observation of inspection activities.

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.

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 the accreditation body’s official registry.

Annual Surveillance: Accredited Inspection Bodies undergo regular surveillance assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with accreditation requirements. These assessments may include site visits, document reviews, and interviews with personnel.

Reaccreditation at 5 Years: Accreditation is typically valid for a specified period, usually five years. To maintain accreditation, inspection bodies must undergo re-accreditation at the end of this period. Reaccreditation involves a comprehensive reassessment of the inspection body’s competence, management system, and compliance with ISO/IEC 17020 requirements.

Accreditation Scope Domains

The accreditation scope domains encompass a wide range of industries and sectors where inspection bodies operate. These domains include:

General Manufacturing
International Commerce and Trade
Food Safety and Hygiene
Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
Construction and Engineering
Environmental Compliance
Occupational Health and Safety
Governmental Compliance
Automotive and Transportation
Financial and Banking
Energy and Utilities
Agriculture and Farming
Education
Security and Defense
Nuclear

Each domain represents a specific area of expertise and focus for inspection activities, ensuring that accreditation bodies can effectively assess and recognize the competence of Inspection Bodies across diverse industries and sectors.

Detailed Description of Each Accreditation Scope Domain

ABA-I-1 General Manufacturing:

This category is for Inspection Bodies operating within the General Manufacturing domain, conducting inspections and audits of manufacturing processes across various industries such as electronics, textiles, and consumer goods. These inspections ensure compliance with quality control standards, regulatory requirements, and machinery safety regulations.

ABA-I-2 International Commerce and Trade

This category is for Inspection Bodies specializing in International Commerce and Trade, performing pre-shipment inspections, customs compliance audits, and product certifications to facilitate global trade activities. These inspections ensure adherence to import/export regulations, trade agreements, and international product standards.

ABA-I-3 Food Safety and Hygiene

This category is for Inspection Bodies focusing on Food Safety and Hygiene, conducting inspections of food processing facilities, restaurants, and catering services. These inspections verify compliance with food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and industry best practices to ensure the safety and quality of food products.

ABA-I-4 Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals

This category is for Inspection Bodies specializing in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals, conducting audits and assessments of healthcare facilities, medical device manufacturers, and pharmaceutical production processes. These inspections ensure compliance with regulatory standards, patient safety protocols, and quality management systems in the healthcare industry.

ABA-I-5 Construction and Engineering

This category is for Inspection Bodies operating within the Construction and Engineering domain, performing inspections of construction sites, infrastructure projects, and building materials. These inspections verify compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards to ensure the structural integrity and safety of constructed facilities.

ABA-I-6 Environmental Compliance

This category is for Inspection Bodies specializing in Environmental Compliance, conducting inspections and audits to assess environmental regulations and pollution control measures. These inspections ensure compliance with waste management procedures and environmental standards to mitigate environmental impact.

ABA-I-7 Occupational Health and Safety

This category is for Inspection Bodies focusing on Occupational Health and Safety, conducting inspections and audits to assess compliance with occupational safety standards and workplace regulations. These inspections identify and mitigate workplace hazards to ensure employee safety and well-being.

ABA-I-8 Governmental Compliance

This category is for Inspection Bodies specialized in Governmental Compliance, conducting inspections and audits to assess compliance with government regulations across various industries. These inspections ensure adherence to regulatory requirements for manufacturing, transportation, and utilities sectors.

ABA-I-9 Automotive and Transportation

This category is for Inspection Bodies operating within the Automotive and Transportation domain, conducting inspections and audits of automotive manufacturing processes and vehicle inspections. These inspections verify compliance with transportation safety regulations and standards to ensure vehicle safety and reliability.

ABA-I-10 Financial and Banking

This category is for Inspection Bodies specializing in Financial and Banking, conducting inspections and audits to assess compliance with financial regulations and auditing standards. These inspections ensure adherence to compliance requirements for banks, insurance companies, and financial institutions.

ABA-I-11 Energy and Utilities:

This category is for Inspection Bodies focusing on Energy and Utilities, conducting inspections and audits of energy production facilities and utility infrastructure. These inspections verify compliance with renewable energy standards and regulations to ensure efficient and sustainable energy production.

ABA-I-12 Agriculture and Farming:

This category is for Inspection Bodies specialized in Agriculture and Farming, conducting inspections and audits of farms and agricultural practices. These inspections ensure compliance with livestock facilities and agricultural regulations to promote food safety and environmental sustainability.

ABA-I-13 Education:

This category is for Inspection Bodies focusing on Education, conducting inspections and audits of educational institutions and accreditation standards. These inspections ensure compliance with educational quality assurance processes and regulatory requirements to uphold educational standards and student outcomes.

ABA-I-14 Security and Defense:

This category is for Inspection Bodies specializing in Security and Defense, conducting inspections and audits of security and defense industry regulations and standards. These inspections ensure compliance with security protocols, equipment, and procedures to maintain national security and defense capabilities.

ABA-I-15 Nuclear:

This category is for Inspection Bodies operating within the Nuclear domain, conducting inspections and audits of nuclear safety regulations and standards. These inspections ensure compliance with nuclear facility operations, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements to prevent nuclear accidents and ensure public safety.