What is ISO/IEC 17020 standard?
ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity assessment – Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection is an international standard containing requirements for the competence of inspection bodies and the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities. The standard divides inspection units into the following types: A, B and C. It can be used at every stage of inspection, ie design stage, type examination, initial inspection, in-use inspection or supervision.
Who should implement management system accreditation in the inspection body?
If you want to operate an internationally recognized inspection body, you MUST obtain accreditation for:
- inspection bodies – ISO/IEC 17020
- assessment bodies for activities covered by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 402/2013 – ISO/IEC 17020
- conformity assessment bodies applying for the authorization of the Transport Technical Inspection Director for activities in the field of approval – ISO/IEC 17020
Thanks to the ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation, your inspection body will gain international credibility!
Accreditation, i.e. obtaining a global certificate of reliability of undertaken inspections, is a prestigious issue for every inspection body.
The inspection body implementing a system based on the ISO IEC 17020 standard meets the expectations of customers. ISO/IEC 17020 standard is intended for use by an inspection body which, by implementing a management system, confirms the competence of the inspections and assessments of people, goods, services or systems.
Meeting these requirements enables the accreditation of the Polish Accreditation Center (PCA).
How do I get ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation?
Nothing easier! You should implement the Quality Management System in the Inspection Unit and undergo an accreditation audit!
Our Institute gives a guarantee for a successful pass of the accreditation audit . Due to the specific language of the standard, we can also provide additional assistance during accreditation.
How much is the accreditation of an ISO/IEC 17020 inspection body?
Implementation of system accreditation in an inspection body that meets the requirements of the ISO / IEC 17020 standard, which is importantly adapted to the inspection body, builds the foundation on which the inspection unit can be safely developed.
The total costs of obtaining accreditation include: the cost of implementing accreditation in the inspection body, proficiency testing (where applicable), expenditure related to ensuring metrological continuity and costs of the accreditation audit. The costs of accreditation of an inspection body according to ISO / IEC 17020 usually oscillate around several hundred euros.
Benefits of accreditation inspection body according to ISO/IEC 17020:
- PRESTIGE – certificates, test reports and inspection reports issued by PCA-accredited certification and inspection bodies and laboratories are globally recognized (IAF MRA and ILAC MRA),
- CUSTOMER TRUST – accreditation is an objective proof that the certification body operates in accordance with the best practice as well as it is an important argument when choosing suppliers on the domestic and international market,
- RELIABLE AND PRECISE RESULTS OF ASSESSMENTS AND TESTS – thanks to accreditation, reliable and precise results of assessments, analyzes and tests are possible,
- PARTICIPATION OF RESEARCH IN DECISIONS – accredited entities provide reliable information on the basis of which decisions can be made,
- STRENGTHENING THE MARKET POSITION – accreditation can be used as a means of enabling access to export markets in Europe, the USA, Canada, Japan and other countries of the world – according to the principle of “tested or certified once – accepted everywhere”,
- BETTER ORGANIZATION OF WORK – accreditation ensures precise measurements and tests carried out in accordance with best practice, reduces the number of defective products, reduces costs of control and production and enables the implementation of innovative solutions,
- Adjustment to the legislation of the Republic of Poland and the European Union,
- Increasing the availability of EU aid funds (grants, loans).