Demonstrate impartiality, technical competence, and consistent inspection performance
Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
ISO/IEC 17020 covers three distinct types based on impartiality requirements
Fully independent from parties involved in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, or use of the inspected items. No financial links creating conflicts of interest. Highest impartiality level — typically required for statutory inspections and cross-border trade facilitation.
A separate, identifiable part of an organization engaged in activities related to the items it inspects — providing inspection services only to its parent organization. The unit must operate with documented separation and independence within its parent structure.
Part of an organization that also designs, manufactures, supplies, or maintains items it inspects, and provides inspection services to external parties. Must meet additional impartiality safeguards to demonstrate commercial and inspection activity separation.
Comprehensive requirements for inspection body operation and management
Inspection body types across multiple sectors requiring recognized competence
Structured approach from gap assessment to accreditation decision
3–6 months to initial assessment readiness
6–12+ months for comprehensive implementation
Evaluate current operations against 17020 requirements and determine body type classification
Map and document conflict-of-interest controls appropriate to Type A, B, or C status
Develop quality manual, inspection procedures, records formats, and personnel competence framework
Define inspector qualifications, authorization matrices, and training records
System verification through internal audit programme and management review cycle
Application, document review, on-site assessment, CAPA closure, and accreditation decision
ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation across key inspection sectors
Plant integrity and asset inspection with regulatory authority recognition
Structural and building inspection for regulatory compliance
Vessel and offshore structure inspection with flag state recognition
Road vehicle and transport equipment conformity inspection
Cargo, quantity, and quality inspection for international trade
Advanced NDT inspection services with accredited methodology
ISO 9001 is a generic quality management system for any organization. ISO/IEC 17020 is sector-specific accreditation covering technical competence of inspectors, impartiality controls by body type, inspection methodology, and reporting — all assessed by an accreditation body, not a certification body.
Classification depends on the relationship between your inspection unit and organizations supplying or using the items you inspect. Type A bodies are fully independent; Type B inspect only their parent organization; Type C provide external inspection but are part of an organization with broader commercial interests in the items. This is agreed with the accreditation body during the application stage.
Single-scope bodies typically achieve readiness within 3–6 months. Multi-discipline or multi-site operations require 6–12+ months. Accreditation body fees vary by scope breadth, assessment days, and geographical coverage.
Yes, but the accredited body retains full responsibility. The standard requires documented subcontractor qualification, supervision, and oversight controls — and the accreditation body must be informed. Subcontractors working under your scope are subject to oversight during assessments.
In many jurisdictions, regulators mandate 17020 accreditation for statutory inspection activities such as pressure vessel inspection, electrical installation inspection, and vehicle roadworthiness testing. Requirements vary by country and sector.
Accreditation bodies typically conduct annual surveillance assessments and a full re-accreditation assessment every 4–5 years. Surveillance visits may be announced or unannounced, covering document review, witnessed inspections, and records sampling. Scope extensions require additional assessments.
Our inspection body accreditation experts are ready to guide you through every step of the process