The ISO/IEC 17000 family of standards exists to provide a complete framework for conformity assessment. This helps organisations involved in activities like testing, certification, and inspection to demonstrate their competence and reliability, building trust in the global marketplace and regulatory environments.

ISO/IEC 17020 is the principal standard within this family that specifies the requirements for the competence of bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities. It provides a framework that an organisation can implement to enhance confidence in its inspection services in a systematic manner.

When developed and implemented, an ISO 17020 system has three intended outcomes:

• Demonstrate the technical competence of personnel and reliability of methods.
• Ensure impartiality, independence, and the management of conflicts of interest.
• Produce consistent, reliable, and unambiguous inspection results.
  
  

The standard does not state specific acceptance criteria for the items being inspected (e.g., pass/fail limits), but it does apply to the operational integrity and competence of the inspection body itself. It ensures the organisation has the ability to make professional judgements and perform its duties impartially, regardless of the product, process, or service it inspects.

The guidance included in ISO 17020 considers multiple aspects of an inspection body, including the competence, training, and supervision of personnel, the suitability and calibration of equipment, the use of appropriate inspection methods, and the correct handling of inspection items. It also prompts organisations to establish robust systems for managing complaints and appeals, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining clear, accurate records and reports.

Depending on how the inspection body already operates, there may not be many changes needed beyond creating formal documentation to evidence existing high-calibre processes. However, it may also be that developing and implementing the system results in significant improvements to training, operational procedures, and quality assurance, leading to a more robust, efficient, and reputable service.

The framework is broad enough that it can be implemented by any organisation performing inspections, regardless of the industry or size. It has become a vital requirement in many sectors, with tens of thousands of accredited bodies globally in fields such as engineering, construction, healthcare, transport, and food safety, demonstrating its critical role in trade, compliance, and public safety.