ISO/IEC 17065 is an international standard specifying requirements for certification bodies that assess products, processes, and services. Developed by the ISO Committee on Conformity Assessment (ISO/CASCO), it was published in 2012 (Edition 1) and confirmed as current in 2024. This standard plays a vital role in ensuring these organizations operate effectively, impartially, and consistently, fostering confidence across industries that certified products meet high standards of quality and safety.

This standard sets requirements for certification bodies to follow a structured, functional approach when assessing products, processes, or services, rooted in ISO/IEC 17000 principles. Certification bodies must demonstrate impartiality, maintain competence, and operate under a clear management system with documented procedures for handling complaints and disputes.

Key Aspects of ISO/IEC 17065:

• Certification Schemes and Owners: While ISO/IEC 17065 provides general criteria, certification schemes often have additional requirements defined by scheme owners (e.g., regulatory bodies or trade associations).
• Diverse Product Categories: Certification can apply to various categories, including services, software, hardware, and processed materials.
• Annexes and Guidelines: Annex A and B offer principles for certification bodies and guidance for applying standards to processes and services.
• Management System Requirements: Certification bodies must regularly review and update processes to ensure ongoing effectiveness and relevance.

Originally based on ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996, ISO/IEC 17065 incorporates structural refinements to ensure compatibility with other conformity assessment standards. While primarily for third-party certification, it offers insights applicable to first- and second-party assessments as well.

Certification bodies adhering to ISO/IEC 17065 enhance credibility and trust in the certification process, essential for gaining consumer and regulatory acceptance. Compliance with this standard ensures consistent certification practices that support international trade and market confidence.

For more details, visit the official ISO page on ISO/IEC 17065.