TS EN ISO/IEC 17020, entitled "General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection", is an internationally recognized standard for the competence of inspection bodies. TS EN ISO/IEC 17020 should not be confused with ISO 9001, which is specific to quality management systems.  ISO 9001 does not require evaluation of the technical competence of an inspection body and it should not be regarded as an ‘acceptable’ alternative to ISO 17020.

Overview of ISO 17020

The requirements of ISO 17020 are contained in 14 major sections including:

1. Administrative requirements
2. Requirements for independence, impartiality, and integrity
3. Confidentiality
4. Organization and management
5. Quality system
6. Personnel
7. Facilities and equipment
8. Inspection methods and procedures
9. Handling of inspection samples and items
10. Control of records
11. Inspection reports and inspection certificates
12. Subcontracting
13. Complaints and appeals
14. Cooperation with other inspection bodies

Procedural Requirements:

• No External Influence on the Results of Inspections
• Feedback (Posite and Negative)
• Corrective Action
• Care and Maintenance of Equipment
• Purchasing and Supplier Qualifications
• Inspection of Materials
• Appropriate Storage Facilities
• Protection of the Integrity and Security of Data
• Inspection Procedures (Standard and Non-Standard)
• Complaints
• Appeals