ISO/IEC 17020:2012, titled "Conformity assessment — Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection," is an international standard that outlines requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistency of bodies conducting inspections. This standard is widely recognized for ensuring that organizations carrying out inspections do so with a high degree of reliability, which is essential for meeting regulatory and industry-specific requirements.

Purpose and Scope
ISO/IEC 17020 applies to inspection bodies classified as Type A, B, or C, per the definitions within the standard. It covers all stages of inspection, from initial assessments to follow-up inspections, providing guidelines to ensure inspections are fair, competent, and consistent. This scope includes bodies that inspect a wide range of subjects, such as buildings, infrastructure, manufacturing processes, and products.

Key Requirements

• Management System: Inspection bodies must have a documented management system that includes procedures for performing inspections, handling complaints, and record-keeping.
• Impartiality and Competence: Inspection bodies must avoid conflicts of interest and employ qualified personnel trained to conduct inspections accurately and impartially.
• Reliability and Consistency: The standard mandates procedures to ensure consistent and reliable results, enhancing stakeholder trust.

Benefits
Implementing ISO/IEC 17020 helps organizations enhance the credibility of their inspection processes, improve customer trust, and meet legal and industry requirements. By adhering to this standard, inspection bodies demonstrate a commitment to quality and reliability, supporting high standards across various sectors.

Current Status and Review
ISO/IEC 17020:2012 (Edition 2) was published in March 2012 and confirmed in 2017, remaining current as it undergoes a five-year review cycle. It will eventually be replaced by ISO/IEC CD 17020, which is under development. A draft of this new edition is being reviewed, and it is anticipated to update the existing standard upon finalization.

For more information about ISO/IEC 17020:2012, visit the official ISO page for ISO/IEC 17020:2012. To follow the development of the next edition, ISO/IEC CD 17020, visit the ISO page here.