FAQ 62
A local CAB belongs to a multinational parent CAB. The official website of the local CAB has its subsidiary accredited type A inspection body which inspects the playground according to a national standard. The same website also publishes an advertisement for a performance mark of playground equipment by the same national standard certified by the…
FAQ 61
A Type A inspection body provides a list of consultants for its client to choose from, to help the client to correct the non-conformities found during inspection. The inspection body claimed that the chosen consultant was too busy. So, the inspection body sent the consultant’s improvement suggestions to its client on behalf of the consultant.…
FAQ 60
Regarding requirement 8.6.4 of ISO/IEC 17020 (internal audits): The requirement states that “internal audits must be performed at least annually.” Does this mean that internal audits must be carried out every 12 months, or can we consider it once per calendar year? For example: can an internal audit in March 2023 then a new internal…
FAQ 59
Can an Accreditation Body carry out consecutive assessments using remote techniques? ISO/IEC 17011 states in 7.9.3 The time between consecutive on-site assessments should not exceed 2 years. However, if the accreditation body determines that an on-site assessment is not applicable, it must utilize another assessment technique to achieve the same objective as the on-site assessment…
FAQ 58
What’s the potential risk of shared personnel in laboratory activities (under ISO/IEC 17025) and inspection work (under ISO/IEC 17020)? How can we solve it? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 4.1.3 · TOPIC: Independence Answer: ISO/IEC 17020, clause 4.1.3 requires an accredited IB to evaluate its risks to impartiality on an ongoing basis, taking into account risks from its activities, relationships,…
FAQ 57
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…
FAQ 56
Regarding ISO/IEC 17020 for IB that make inspection of building safety based on national building code; the process flow starts by receiving the client request including design, soil test report, building details, the first step with design review while design review department study the design and make their comments, and then inspection engineer go to…
FAQ 55
In the scope of ISO/IEC 17020 (2012), it mentions “This International Standard contains requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities.” So, What does “consistency of their inspection activities” mean? Does any standardised definition of consistency exist? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: · TOPIC: Inspection Activity Answer: The term…
FAQ 54
In the context of ISO/IEC 17020 and independence, could you explain the position of ISO/IEC 17020 on a situation where the Inspection Body (Type A) utilises a separate sister company (common ownership, no parent or holding company) to complete the accredited testing used to determine the result of the inspection, where personnel from the IB…
FAQ 53d
The question is related to requirement 8.6.4 where it establishes that “internal audits must be carried out at least once every 12 months” It also defines that the frequency can be adjusted based on the proven effectiveness of the management system and its stability proven”. What is the justification or criterion for defining an audit…
FAQ 53c
The question is related to requirement 8.6.4 where it establishes that “internal audits must be carried out at least once every 12 months” It also defines that the frequency can be adjusted based on the proven effectiveness of the management system and its stability proven”. An Accreditation Body may ignore situations such as those described…
FAQ 53b
The question is related to requirement 8.6.4 where it establishes that “internal audits must be carried out at least once every 12 months” It also defines that the frequency can be adjusted based on the proven effectiveness of the management system and its stability proven”. Valid justifications for expanding the audit frequency can be situations…
FAQ 53a
The question is related to requirement 8.6.4 where it establishes that “internal audits must be carried out at least once every 12 months” It also defines that the frequency can be adjusted based on the proven effectiveness of the management system and its stability proven”. Is it possible for audits to be carried out at…
FAQ 52
Does the requirement in clause 8.2.5 (ISO/IEC 17020) restrict the “personnel involved in inspection activities” from having access to parts of the management system documentation and related information that are not applicable to their responsibilities? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 8.2.5 · TOPIC: Management System Documentation Answer: No. Clause 8.2.5 only requires access to those parts of the QMS that…
FAQ 51
For Inspection Body company is it mandatory to make authorisation record for technical manager. If yes how to make the authorisation. STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 6.1.5 · TOPIC: Authorising inspectors Answer: Yes, clause 6.1.5 requires the IB to have a documented procedure for authorising all personnel involved in inspection activities. That would include the Technical Manager. The procedure…
FAQ 50
A large company supplies services and products to many industrial and retail clients. Can they also supply inspection services to these clients as a type b inspection body? They have a financial interest in that it is based on the outcome of these inspections whether the supply of product can be done or not. The…
FAQ 49
In bullet a) of Annex A.3 it is stated that the inspection body shall provide safeguards within the organisation to ensure adequate segregation of responsibilities and accountabilities between inspection and other activities. Could you give examples of such safeguards? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Annex A.3 · TOPIC: Independence Type C Answer: Safeguards that ensure adequate segregation can include e.g.- Maintenance…
FAQ 48
The wording of bullet b) in Annex A.1 indicates that there may be more activities than those listed in the 2nd sentence that may conflict with the inspection body’s and/or its personnel’s independence of judgment and integrity. Could you give examples of such activities? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Annex A.1 · TOPIC: Independence Type A Answer: In many cases,…
FAQ 47
In clause 6.2.13, bullet b) it is stated that the inspection body shall ensure that procedures are established and implemented to protect the integrity and security of data. Could you give examples of such procedures? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 6.2.13 · TOPIC: Facilities and Equipment Answer: Procedures for protecting the integrity and security of data may include:-…
FAQ 46
In clause 5.2.5/section 6.1.1 of the standard it is stated that the technical manager shall be technically competent. What type of technical competence should the technical manager have? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 5.2.5 · TOPIC: Management Answer: Examples of competencies a technical manager may need are to;- Understand the requirements for the items inspected- Understand the risks…
FAQ 45
In clause 4.1.3 of the standard reference is made to threats to impartiality arising from the inspection body’s activities. Can you give examples of activities which may constitute a threat to the inspection body’s impartiality? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.1.3 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: Examples of activities of the inspection body that can influence its impartiality include:- Making…
FAQ 44
In clause 4.1.3 of the standard reference is made to threats to impartiality arising from the inspection body’s relationships. Can you give examples of relationships which may constitute a threat to the inspection body’s impartiality? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.1.3 · TOPIC: Impartiality Answer: Examples of relationships that could constitute a threat to the impartiality of the inspection…
FAQ 43
Consider the case where an inspection body (IB) is a public enterprise that reports administratively to a Ministry. The Board and the Director General of the IB are appointed by the Ministry, and the IB reports financial results and overall performance to the Ministry. The Ministry requires assurance on the quality of grains, cereals and…
FAQ 42
In clause 7.1.6 of the standard refers to “information supplied by any other party as part of of the inspection process”. Could you examples of what type of information this could be? Could it include inspection results? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 7.1.6 · TOPIC: Inspection Methods and Procedures Answer: Inspection results and information are two different things. Information…
FAQ 41
In bullet a) of Annex A.3 it is stated that the inspection body shall provide safeguards within the organisation to ensure adequate segregation of responsibilities and accountabilities between inspection and other activities. Could you example of such safeguards? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.1.6 · TOPIC: Independence Type C Answer: Safeguards that ensure adequate segregation can include e.g.- organisational…
FAQ 40
In clause 7.1.2 of the standard it is stated that the inspection body shall have and use adequate documented instructions on inspection planning and inspection techniques, where the absence of such instructions could jeopardize the effectiveness of the inspection process. Could you give examples of when such instructions would be required? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 7.1.2 · …
FAQ 39
In clause 5.2.2 of the standard it is stated that the inspection body shall be managed so as to enable it to maintain the capability to perform its inspection activities. What actions can the inspection body take to enable it to maintain the capability to perform its inspection activities? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 5.2.2 · TOPIC: Management Answer:…
FAQ 38
In Clause 4.1.3 it is stated that if a risk to impartiality is identified, the inspection body shall be able to demonstrate how it eliminates or minimizes such risk. Does this mean that all identified risks need to be eliminated or minimised? What would be an adequate approach for an inspection body to manage identified…
FAQ 37
In clause 4.1.3 it is stated that the inspection body shall identify risks to its impartiality on an ongoing basis. Could you give an example of a suitable practice for the review of such risks? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: Clause 4.1.3 · TOPIC: Risk Identification Answer: An example of a suitable practice for the review of risks to impartiality…
FAQ 36
A type A Inspection Body hires external inspectors (not exclusively) who are otherwise engaged in design or manufacture of products. These external resources are salaried and employed by a company engaged in the design and manufacturing of these products. The external inspectors perform a full inspection work with a complete judgment of conformity of these…
FAQ35
Is there any procedure or guidance for the use of digital signatures in inspection certificates or inspection reports? When assessing the implementation of requirements relevant to the use of digital signatures, are there aspects that need special consideration? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 7.4 · TOPIC: Inspection reports and certificates Answer: ILAC has not produced any guidance on the use…
FAQ34
-If the inspection body uses results from testing (from a laboratory) within its report, is that considered to be subcontracting in any way? (1) -What if the laboratory and the inspection body are different departments performing different activities within the same entity/ organization? (2) -Does it matter whether the two departments are implementing the same…
FAQ33
“The liability can be assumed by the State in accordance with national laws, or by the organization of which the inspection body forms a part”. A. Does this mean that a governmental inspection body is deemed to satisfy this requirement by just being a governmental inspection body without having an actual provision (reserves/insurance), or even…
FAQ32
What is the importance of the quality manual (or whatever the document is called) and are there fixed items which it is mandatory to cover in it? Considering that the standard ISO 9001:2015 no longer requires its existence, does this mean that if an IB uses Option B it is not mandatory to have a…
FAQ31
Can the publicly available terms &conditions of the inspection body, containing its policy and/or a commitment statement concerning the protection of the clients’ information, be considered as a legally enforceable commitment to confidentiality? Consequently, can the client of the inspection body use these terms & conditions as legal evidence to the responsible authority when the…
FAQ30
Can an organization undertaking non-destructive testing be classified as an inspection body? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 3.5 · TOPIC: Defining inspection body · Answer: Bodies performing non-destructive testing activities may be accredited using either ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO/IEC 17020. EA (European co-operation for Accreditation) has published a document, EA-4/15 Accreditation for Non Destructive Testing, to ensure that, whichever route is…
FAQ29
Can inspection companies accredited under ISO/IEC 17020 (Type A) be qualified to assess compliance with regulatory requirements to Automotive Service Stations and to issue certificates of compliance/conformity? Further, can bodies accredited under ISO/IEC 17065 also provide this service? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17011 · CLAUSE: 4.6.3 · TOPIC: Conformity assessment schemes Answer: If the scope of accreditation of the conformity assessment body…
FAQ28
If the inspection body subcontracts some tests to a laboratory, but for unforeseen circumstances this laboratory is obliged to subcontract a part of these required tests to another laboratory, is it the responsibility of the inspection body to investigate the competence of the subcontractor of his subcontractor or not (1)? When informing the client about…
FAQ27
Even though the inspection body demonstrates that it has eliminated and minimized all identified risks to impartiality, it is difficult to determine whether all risks have been identified. In particular, risks associated with any kind (financial, trade, administrative, moral or other) of pressure exerted on the inspector. How far does the accreditation body need to…
FAQ26
Can an inspection body simultaneously be assigned more than one type of independence? E.g. can an inspection body provide lift inspection services as type C and indoor air inspection services as type A? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 4.1.6 · TOPIC: Assigning independence categories Answer: Yes. Clause 4.1.6 of ISO/IEC 17020 is formulated as “An inspection body providing … inspections…
FAQ25
Inspection body policies are formulated in different ways, sometimes generally and sometimes by specifically explaining how the IBs deals with particular situations or requirements. Are the policies referred to in the standard meant to be general ones (e.g. our policy is to provide our clients with impartial services) or are they meant to be detailed…
FAQ24
Inspection bodies sometimes rely more on training and experience of the inspector than on education. Especially for scopes of limited complexity. Can this be acceptable as long as the inspection body supports such persons with relevant training, monitoring, on site-observation and requires a specified level of experience? Can specified education requirements be substituted by e.g.…
FAQ23
It sometimes happens that an inspection body claims that it is not responsible for some of the results included in an inspection report as it derives from a subcontracted analysis (testing) which is not covered by the accredited scope. Does the inspection body have the right to include a disclaimer saying that it is not…
FAQ22
Some inspection bodies define their objectives to be those of the mother company, without defining in any detail how they apply to inspection activities. Are such objectives proper for the fulfillment of the requirements of the standard? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 8.2.1 · TOPIC: Specifying objectives · Answer: When the standard says “…objectives for fulfillment of this International Standard” it…
FAQ21
What is the meaning of the word “use” A.1 b, c and d and in the notes in Annex A? An inspection body and its personnel are obliged not to be engaged in any activity that constitutes a conflict/threat to its independence of judgment. At the same time the inspection body is allowed to purchase,…
FAQ20
Can an inspection body report statements of conformity or inspection results pictorially, e.g. by means of different types of smileys? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 7.4.2 · TOPIC: Reporting inspection results · Answer: Yes, as long as the meaning is clear to the client and as long as the other information required in clause 7.4.2 is either included in the report…
FAQ19
Does an inspection body that only provides its inspection services to clients within the same legal entity need to implement a contract or work order control system? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 7.1.5 · TOPIC: Implementing contract or work order control system Answer: Yes. The requirements related to the work order control system could be seen as contributing to the…
FAQ18
How can a very small inspection body, e.g. a one-man inspection body, fulfil the requirement for performing internal audits without auditing their own work? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 8.6.5 · TOPIC: Performing internal audits Answer: ILAC P15 notes that competent external personnel may perform internal audits.
FAQ17
How can a very small inspection body, e.g. a one-man inspection body, fulfil the requirement for performing management reviews? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 8.5.1 · TOPIC: Performing management reviews Answer: The standard does not require management reviews to be conducted by more than one person.
FAQ16
How can a very small inspection body, e.g. a one-man inspection body, fulfil the requirement for monitoring inspectors and other personnel involved in inspection activities? STANDARD: ISO/IEC 17020 · CLAUSE: 6.1.8 · TOPIC: Monitoring inspectors and other personnel involved in inspection activities · Answer: The standard does not require that monitoring is carried out by internal personnel. ILAC P15 gives examples…
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ILAC/IAF Committees FAQs 