ISO/IEC 17020 – Draft Standard Now Open for Comment

Public Consultation Open for Draft Revision of ISO/IEC 17020
The draft revision of ISO/IEC 17020:2025, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies performing inspection, has been released for public consultation. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft document and submit comments through the designated public commenting system.

Key Consultation Dates
Please note that the following dates are fixed:

• Opening of Public Consultation: 11 April 2025

• Closing of Public Consultation: 27 April 2025

Summary of Revisions to ISO/IEC 17020

First published in 2012, ISO/IEC 17020 defines requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection activities. Following a CASCO ballot conducted in 2022 to assess the need for revision, it was determined that an update was necessary. The revision aims to reflect alignment with the latest ISO/IEC 17000 series standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025, address implementation challenges, and ensure the standard remains fit for purpose in a rapidly evolving environment.

The updated draft incorporates the following key changes:

• Integration of relevant principles from ILAC P15.

• Incorporation of all clarifications provided by CASCO through established communication channels.

• Comprehensive revision of the impartiality and independence requirements, providing greater clarity and rigour.

• Harmonisation with the most recent versions of related ISO standards to ensure coherence across conformity assessment activities.

Additional enhancements include:

• Updated terms and definitions for improved clarity.

• Simplification of independence categorisation, now distinguishing only between Type A and non-Type A bodies, consolidated under Section 5.

• Revisions to requirements related to facilities and equipment, externally provided products and services, inspection processes, and management systems, ensuring full alignment with the evolving ISO 17000 series framework.

All interested parties are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to help shape the final version of the standard.