ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment vs. ISO/IEC 17020:2012

Attribute	ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment	ISO/IEC 17020:2012
Scope	Specifies general criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection	Specifies requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities
Structure	Consists of principles and requirements for the operation of inspection bodies	Consists of clauses that outline specific requirements for inspection bodies
Impartiality	Requires inspection bodies to be impartial and free from any conflicts of interest	Emphasizes the importance of impartiality and requires inspection bodies to identify and eliminate any potential conflicts of interest
Competence	Requires inspection bodies to have the necessary competence to perform their activities	Specifies requirements for the competence of inspection personnel and the technical aspects of inspection activities

Introduction

ISO/IEC 17020 is an international standard that specifies requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities. The standard helps ensure that inspection bodies operate in a consistent and reliable manner, providing confidence in the results of their inspections. ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is the latest version of this standard, which was updated to align with other ISO/IEC conformity assessment standards and to address changes in the inspection industry.

Scope

One of the key differences between ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment and ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is the scope of the standards. ISO/IEC 17020 covers the general requirements for the competence of inspection bodies, while ISO/IEC 17020:2012 includes additional requirements specific to different types of inspections, such as forensic inspections, product inspections, and site inspections. This expanded scope allows for a more tailored approach to accreditation, ensuring that inspection bodies meet the specific needs of their clients.

Structure

Another difference between the two standards is the structure of the requirements. ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment is organized into clauses that cover general requirements, structural requirements, resource requirements, process requirements, and management system requirements. In contrast, ISO/IEC 17020:2012 is structured into sections that address the scope, normative references, terms and definitions, general requirements, and specific requirements for different types of inspections. This revised structure makes it easier for inspection bodies to navigate the standard and understand the specific requirements that apply to their operations.

Competence

Both ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment and ISO/IEC 17020:2012 emphasize the importance of competence in inspection activities. However, ISO/IEC 17020:2012 includes additional requirements related to the competence of personnel, including the need for ongoing training and development to ensure that inspectors have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively. This focus on competence helps to improve the quality and reliability of inspection results, enhancing the credibility of inspection bodies in the eyes of their clients.

Impartiality

Impartiality is another key aspect of both ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment and ISO/IEC 17020:2012. Both standards require inspection bodies to demonstrate their impartiality in carrying out inspections, ensuring that they are free from any conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of their work. ISO/IEC 17020:2012 includes additional requirements related to impartiality, such as the need for inspection bodies to have a documented policy on impartiality and to take steps to identify and manage any potential conflicts of interest that may arise during the inspection process.

Consistency

Consistency is also a key focus of both ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment and ISO/IEC 17020:2012. Both standards require inspection bodies to establish and maintain procedures to ensure the consistency of their inspection activities, including the use of standardized methods and procedures, the calibration and maintenance of equipment, and the training and supervision of personnel. By promoting consistency in inspection activities, these standards help to ensure that inspection results are reliable and reproducible, providing confidence in the quality of the inspections performed.

Documentation

Documentation requirements are another area where ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment and ISO/IEC 17020:2012 differ. ISO/IEC 17020:2012 includes more detailed requirements related to documentation, such as the need for inspection bodies to maintain records of their inspection activities, including the results of inspections, the qualifications of personnel, and the calibration and maintenance of equipment. This emphasis on documentation helps to ensure transparency and traceability in inspection activities, allowing clients to verify the quality and reliability of the inspections performed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ISO/IEC 17020 Conformity Assessment and ISO/IEC 17020:2012 are both important standards that help ensure the competence, impartiality, and consistency of inspection bodies. While ISO/IEC 17020:2012 includes additional requirements specific to different types of inspections and places a greater emphasis on competence, impartiality, and documentation, both standards share a common goal of promoting confidence in the results of inspections. By adhering to these standards, inspection bodies can demonstrate their commitment to quality and reliability, enhancing their reputation and credibility in the inspection industry.