ISO/IEC 17020:2012
Conformity Assessment Certification
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is a standard that sets up general requirements for bodies performing various kinds of inspections. This standard provides a framework through which all inspection body workers and consumers can be confident in the services being provided to them. The ISO 17020:2012, revised in 2015 and related derivatives were written more stringently than past editions. This closer adherence to other documents in the ISO / IEC 17000 series resulted in more questions and answers being added to the new edition of the standard.
It applies to inspection bodies of type A, B or C, as defined in ISO/IEC 17020:2012. Inspections, testing and certification differ from one another because all three activities have a general approach to assessing or guaranteeing compliance with requirements but inspections require professional judgement and competence in order to verify acceptability against general requirements.
Requirement for ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Certification
- Administrative requirements
- Requirements for independence, impartiality, and integrity
- Confidentiality
- Organization and management
- Quality system
- Personnel
- Facilities and equipment
- Inspection methods and procedures
- Handling of inspection samples and items
- Control of records
- Inspection reports and inspection certificates
- Subcontracting
- Complaints and appeals
- Cooperation with other inspection bodies
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Certification
- Good image of Inspection companies as worldwide providers of Quality inspection services.
- Analysis of data as well as perfect record keeping.
- Effectiveness, productivity and efficiency in the overall Inspection bodies
- Better control for maintenance of tools.
- Enhanced level of motivation, co–operation, workmanship and quality alertness including competence
- Greater control of procedures and activities throughout Inspection bodies.
- High confidence in Inspection data and of personnel performing work.
- Savings in terms of time and money due to decrease or removal of the re-inspection / rework etc.
- Enlarge client trust as well as market share.
- International recognition and credibility.
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 certification required in several areas such as
- Feedback
- Corrective action
- Purchasing
- Appropriate storage facilities.
- Inspection performance
- Performing non-standard inspection
- Dealing with complaints.
- Integrity of data
- Dealing with the defective equipment.
- Security of data produced by the organization.