Could the inspection body type A (that accredited according to ISO 17020 standard) provide services as inspection body type C for a different inspection scheme (without accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17020 standard to type c)?
STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: · TOPIC: Independence
Answer:
| It is possible for an IB to be a different ‘Type’ of IB for different inspection activities/schemes. There is no requirement that prevents an IB performing activities outside of its accreditation for different schemes, as long as it does not present a conflict or risk to the IB’s impartiality for its accredited activities. See ILAC P15 4.1.6 n1: this refers to the inspection activity on the scope of accreditation Yes, a Type A is allowed to work as a Type C for a different scheme as long it is not for the same item inspected. You have to evaluate your independence and risks to impartiality for every relationship you are engaged in, and if they impact your ability to maintain your impartiality. This is even if you are engaged in unaccredited work, if that relationship has the potential to influence your accredited work. |
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