Regulatory acceptance
Accredited inspection is required by many regulators and insurers.
Accreditation readiness
ISO/IEC 17020 Inspection Bodies
Current edition: ISO/IEC 17020:2026
The international standard for bodies performing inspection, from pressure equipment and lifting gear to vehicles, buildings and goods. It sets requirements for impartiality, independence and competence. We prepare inspection bodies for accreditation and for the 2026 transition.
2029Transition deadline
ISO/IEC 17020:2026 is published
Published in March 2026, the new edition replaces ISO/IEC 17020:2012, with a three-year transition ending in March 2029. It restructures the standard, strengthens impartiality and independence requirements, updates competence requirements and aligns with other conformity assessment standards. Accreditation bodies are now accepting new applications to the 2026 edition.
What the standard covers
What ISO/IEC 17020:2026 requires
The 2026 edition keeps the purpose of the standard and brings its structure and terms in line with ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17065.
Impartiality
Threats to impartiality identified, including from relationships, outsourcing and finance.
Independence
Type A, B or C independence requirements met for your role.
Confidentiality
Client and inspection information protected.
Competent personnel
Access to competent inspectors, with monitoring of their performance.
Equipment
Inspection equipment suitable, calibrated and controlled.
Inspection methods
Methods and procedures defined, with planning of each inspection.
Records and reports
Inspection records and reports or certificates that support each decision.
Management system
A management system aligned with other conformity assessment standards.
Why organisations implement it
What accreditation delivers
Client confidence
Independent evidence that your inspections are impartial and competent.
Consistent inspections
The same methods and decisions across inspectors and sites.
Defensible findings
Records and reports that stand up to challenge.
Wider markets
Recognition across borders through mutual recognition arrangements.
Ready for 2029
A system built to the 2026 edition from the start.
How we work
Path to accreditation
One AEC methodology from first assessment to accreditation, delivered by registered lead auditors.
- AssessGap assessment against ISO/IEC 17020:2026 and accreditation body requirements
- DesignProcedures, impartiality risk assessment, competence and method records
- ImplementProcesses run on real work, records generated
- TrainStaff trained, competence assessed and authorised
- VerifyInternal audit, management review, mock assessment
- Accredit & sustainSupport through the assessment and surveillance
Full build
We design the management system and technical records from the start.
Typically 9 to 12 monthsAccreditation readiness
We close gaps in existing processes before you apply.
Typically 6 to 9 monthsTransition or scope extension
We prepare transitions to new editions, or new methods and sites for your scope.
Typically 2 to 6 months
Who decides
Accreditation by your national accreditation body
Inspection bodies are accredited by national accreditation bodies such as UKAS, DAkkS or PNAC. Accreditation under the Global ACI mutual recognition arrangement is recognised internationally. AEC prepares your organisation for the assessment; the accreditation decision is theirs.
Independent
We prepare you for the accreditation body your customers and regulators recognise.
Assessment-ready
Mock assessment and closed findings before the accreditation visit.
No guarantees
We prepare you thoroughly and never promise an outcome only an accreditation body can decide.
Where it applies
ISO/IEC 17020 by industry
Oil & gas · pressure systems and integrity inspection
Construction · building and lifting equipment
Shipping & ports · cargo and marine inspection
Transport & logistics · vehicle and container inspection
Power & utilities · electrical and plant inspection
Related standards
Questions
ISO/IEC 17020 FAQ
Does AEC accredit inspection bodies?
No. Accreditation is granted by national accreditation bodies. AEC prepares your inspection body for that assessment.
We are accredited to ISO/IEC 17020:2012. When must we transition?
Before the end of the three-year transition in March 2029. Accreditation bodies set their own schedules within that period, so check yours and plan a gap review early.
What are Type A, B and C inspection bodies?
They reflect independence. Type A bodies are third-party and independent of the items they inspect. Type B bodies inspect for their parent organisation only. Type C bodies may inspect for their parent and others, with safeguards for impartiality.
Can inspection and certification be combined?
They are different activities with different standards. Inspection uses ISO/IEC 17020; product certification uses ISO/IEC 17065. We help you decide which fits your service.
Prepare for ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation
Tell us your inspection services, inspectors and current processes. We reply with a proposal covering gap assessment, process design and accreditation readiness.
Accreditation decisions are made by national accreditation bodies. AEC prepares organisations for accreditation and does not guarantee outcomes.