ISO / IEC 17020 : 2012

Conformity assessment Requirements for the

operation of various types of bodies performing
inspection

Introduction

Clarification of definition in 2nd and 3rd paragraph

Requirements can be interpreted when applied to particular sectors
The overlapping with testing and certification mentioned
An activity embedded in a larger process
Providing information with no determination of conformity with
requirements
A, B and C is a measure of independence
Shall, should, may and can

Scope, Norm Refs, Terms

1. Scope
Competence, impartiality and consistency
The stages of inspection
2. Normative references
ISO/ IEC 17000
3. Terms and definitions
Inspection and Notes
Product s are not only engineering products
Inspection system and inspection schemes
Impartiality and notes
Appeal and complaint

4 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Impartiality & independence

Risks to impartiality on an on going basis

Top management commitment
Independent to the extent that is required with regard to conditions
under which it performs inspection
Third party Type A
First party or second party or both separate, identifiable and supplies
to parent - Type B
First party or second party or both identifiable but not necessarily
separate - supplies to parent / others Type C

4.2 Confidentiality

Legally enforceable commitment

Information placed in the public domain
Releasing confidential information
Information about the client obtained from other sources

5 STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS

5 Structural Requirements
5.1 Administrative requirements
Legal entity or part of a legal entity
Adequate provision to cover liabilities
Contractual conditions
5.2 Organisation and management
Structured and managed to safeguard impartiality
Organised and managed to maintain capability to perform inspection
Note regarding exchange of information with other inspection bodies
Technical manager(s) & deputies (discuss one person inspection bodies)
Description of the job(s)

6 RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

6. 1 Personnel

Defined competence requirements

Sufficient number of persons
Qualifications, training, experience and knowledge
Selecting, training formally authorising and monitoring
Monitoring
Records
Remuneration of inspectors
All personnel ( including sub contractors) to act impartially and
maintain confidentiality

6.2 Facilities & equipment

Suitable and adequate facilities and equipment

Rules
Equipment having a significance influence on the results of inspection
Identification
Calibration
Traceability to national, international standards
Reference standards
Suppliers, in coming goods and storage
Computers and automated equipment
Integrity and security of data
Defective equipment

6.3 Sub contracting

IB shall itself normally perform inspections

Sub contractor must be competent
Note: contracting in people is not sub contracting
Inform the customer
Responsibility for determination of conformity rests with the inspection
body
Records of competence of sub contractors

7 PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

7.1 Inspection methods & procedures

Inspection requirements, methods and procedures

Documented instructions, sampling procedures
Non-standard methods
Contract or work order control system
Verification of information supplied by others
Recording of observations made during inspection
Calculations and data transfer
Carrying out inspections safely

7.2 Handling inspection samples &

items

Identification and preparation

Notifying abnormalities
Procedures to avoid deterioration and damage

7.3 Inspection records

Record system
Traceability of reports and certificates

7.4 Inspection reports &certificates

Retrievable reports / certificates

Content of inspection reports
(see Annex B for optional elements)
Conditions for issuing inspection certificates without including results

7.5 Complaints & appeals

Documented process
Availability to interested parties
Responsibility for decisions
Non discriminatory

7.6 Compliant & appeals process

The handling process

Verifying the information to validate the complaint / appeal
Acknowledging receipt, reporting progress and outcome
Independence of personnel who make decisions
Giving formal notice of the end of the process

8 MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
REQUIREMENTS

8.1 Options

A management system that is capable of achieving the consistent

fulfilment of the requirements of this international standard ( i.e. ISO /
IEC 17020)

Option A
Specified requirements ( 8.3 8.8 and 7.5 and 7.6)

Option B
A management system in accordance with the requirements of ISO
9001, and that is capable of supporting and demonstrating the
consistent fulfilment of the requirements of this international
standard (i.e. ISO / IEC 17020)

8.2 Management system documentation

(Option A)

Top management
Control of documents
Control of records
Management review
Internal audits
Corrective actions
Preventive actions

Annex A ( Normative) Independence

requirements

Requirements for inspection bodies ( Type A)

Requirements for inspection bodies ( Type B)
Requirements for inspection bodies ( Type C)

Annex B ( informative )
Optional elements of inspection reports and certificates
Designation of document
Description of the work ordered
What has been omitted
Inspection methods & procedures
Equipment
Sampling methods
Where the inspection was carried out
Environmental conditions
Statement on inspection results
Statement on conditions for reproducing the report
Inspectors mark or seal
Names / identification of those who performed the inspection