ISO 17065 Certification

Clause 1 establishes the criteria for bodies certifying products, processes, or services. This preliminary clause ensures these bodies operate competently, consistently, and impartially. This is achieved by covering the necessary framework and principles to be adhered to in order to maintain credibility and trust in the certification system.

Clause 2 lists essential standards and documents needed for the correct application and understanding of ISO 17065. These references are integral to the certifying bodies’ operations, ensuring alignment with international norms and practices.

Clause 3 provides clear definitions of terms related to product, process, and service certification. This ensures a common understanding and uniform application of the standard across different certifying bodies. Terms such as ‘certification body,’ ‘impartiality,’ and ‘confidentiality’ are clearly defined in this clause to prevent any ambiguity.

Clause 4 emphasises the importance of impartiality, confidentiality, and conflict of interest management in the pursuit of ISO 17065 certification. Certifying bodies must demonstrate their ability to remain unbiased and protect the confidentiality of the information they handle. Procedures must be in place to identify, assess, and manage conflicts of interest to maintain the integrity of the certification process.

Clause 5 outlines the organisational structure of certifying bodies. This clause defines the roles, responsibilities, and authority of personnel involved in certification activities. This ensures that the organisation is structured in a way that supports effective management and decision-making, promoting a clear chain of command and accountability.

Clause 6 specifies the need for competent, consistent, and reliable personnel involved in the certification process. This clause includes the requirements for the qualifications, training, and ongoing professional development of staff. Additionally, it covers the management of outsourced resources, such as external testing or inspection services, ensuring that all aspects of the certification process, whether internal or external, meet the necessary standards of competence and reliability.

Clause 7 details the steps involved in the ISO 17065 certification process. This includes application submission, evaluation, review, decision-making, surveillance, and recertification. This clause is designed to ensure that the certification process is transparent, fair, and conducted in a systematic manner. It also governs the management and verification of documents, records, and other information related to certification applications and processes.

Clause 8 specifies the requirements for the management systems of certifying bodies. It focuses on the continuous improvement of the certification processes and the satisfaction of all stakeholders. This clause includes aspects such as internal audits, management reviews, and corrective actions to ensure ongoing compliance and enhancement of the certification system. It also covers the use of marks of conformity and licenses for certified products, ensuring proper control and use of these important certification indicators.