Accreditatiebodies

Accreditatiebodies, or accreditation bodies, are independent organizations that assess and accredit conformity assessment bodies (CABs) such as testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, inspection bodies, and certification bodies. Their primary function is to ensure that these CABs are competent, impartial, and operating in accordance with established international standards.

Typically, accreditation bodies evaluate CABs against specific standards. For laboratories, the relevant standard is ISO/IEC 17025; for management-system certification bodies, ISO/IEC 17021-1; for product certification bodies, ISO/IEC 17065; and for inspection bodies, ISO/IEC 17020. Accreditation bodies may also coordinate proficiency testing, inter-laboratory comparisons, and surveillance activities to verify ongoing competence. The process generally includes an application, scoping of the CAB, document review, on-site assessment, and a formal accreditation decision, followed by regular surveillance and periodic re-evaluation.

International framework and recognition play a key role. Accreditation bodies operate within networks and arrangements such as the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) and the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) multilateral recognition arrangements (MRAs), which facilitate the mutual acceptance of test results and certifications across borders. ISO/IEC 17011 provides the requirements for the management system of accreditation bodies themselves, ensuring consistency and impartiality.

Governance and ethics are central to accreditation bodies. They must maintain independence and impartiality, manage conflicts of interest, protect confidentiality, and provide transparent complaint and appeals mechanisms. National bodies—such as UKAS, DAkkS, COFRAC, and ANAB—work within this framework to offer credible accreditation services that support trust in conformity assessment and facilitate global trade.