ISO/IEC 17020 is the internationally recognised standard for inspection bodies. It outlines the requirements for organisations that perform inspections—ensuring they operate with competence, impartiality, and consistent quality.
Whether you’re in construction, engineering, manufacturing, environmental services, or regulatory compliance, ISO 17020 helps you demonstrate that your inspection processes are reliable, objective, and aligned with global best practices.
Types of Inspection Bodies – ISO 17020 classifies inspection bodies into three types:
Type A: Fully independent third-party inspection bodies
Type B: Inspection units within larger organisations that perform inspections for internal clients
Type C: Inspection functions carried out within organisations that also provide related products or services
Each type must meet specific criteria to ensure impartiality and technical integrity.
Trusted Inspections. Assured Compliance. Proven Quality.
"Together, these principles form the foundation of a robust, credible, and compliant inspection framework."
CBO Associates delivers clear, compliant ISO 17020 accreditation support, combining inspection and conformity assessment expertise, practical guidance, and structured implementation to simplify accreditation, strengthen inspection capability, and enhance credibility through competent, impartial, and reliable inspection services.
