Program requirements: ISO/IEC 17065
Product Certification Bodies
Standard
ISO/IEC 17065
Program overview
Organizations covered
- Product safety and conformity marks
- Food, agricultural and organic schemes
- Electrical and electronic product certification
- Construction product certification
Principal requirements
- Requirements include defined certification schemes and evaluation methods
- Apply of accredited testing where applicable
- Requirements include surveillance and control of certification marks
- Requirements include impartiality safeguards and decision-making controls
Value of accreditation
- Evidence that supports confidence in product certification schemes
- Support for confidence for buyers and regulators
- Support for clear and defensible certification decisions
- Support for consumer protection and brand reputation
Overview
What does a product certification body do?
A product certification body evaluates conformity and provides certification in four categories: products (tangible manufactured items), processes (production methods ensuring quality and safety), activities and services (operational functions requiring performance assurance), and combinations (integrated schemes evaluating multiple aspects simultaneously).
Certification programs frequently encompass several domains to address market needs. For example, sustainable automotive programs may integrate automotive, environmental and chemical considerations, while construction food-service facilities combine building products with food safety requirements.
This flexible approach enables certification bodies to develop innovative, market-relevant schemes while maintaining rigorous compliance with ISO/IEC 17065. Their independent assessments provide trusted third-party verification across all certification types, that supports global trade and consumer confidence.
Accreditation criteria
ISO/IEC 17065
ISO/IEC 17065 outlines requirements for the impartiality, competence and consistency of certification bodies across all certification types — whether evaluating products, processes, activities, services or integrated combinations. This ensures the integrity and credibility of all certification processes. Within each QAC domain, certification bodies may propose programs that address specific market needs while maintaining ISO/IEC 17065 compliance, enabling market-relevant schemes under rigorous oversight.
Assessment process
Your 6-step path to accreditation
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01
Application submission
The product certification body applies for accreditation by submitting an application form with documentation demonstrating compliance with ISO/IEC 17065, typically including certification policies, procedures and evidence of technical competence.
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02
Accreditation assessment
QAC assesses the certification body's compliance with ISO/IEC 17065 requirements, through document review, personnel interviews, and observation of certification activities.
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03
Accreditation committee review
The accreditation committee reviews the findings to determine whether the certification body meets the accreditation criteria. Before deciding, the committee may request further information or clarification.
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04
Accreditation decision
The accreditation committee decides accreditation status on the basis of the assessment findings and recommendations. Accredited bodies receive a certificate and an entry in QAC’s official registry.
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05
Annual surveillance assessment
Accredited certification bodies undergo annual surveillance assessments that include document reviews, assessments of certification processes and observations of assessment activities.
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06
Reaccreditation every four years
The accreditation cycle is four years. To retain accreditation, certification bodies must complete reaccreditation at the end of the cycle through a comprehensive reassessment of operations, certification processes and compliance with ISO/IEC 17065.
Scope
Technical domains within the accreditation scope
The industries and sectors in which product certification bodys operate.
Manufacturing products
Conformity certification for manufactured goods and industrial products.
Consumer products
Consumer product certification addressing defined safety and quality requirements.
Medical devices
Conformity certification for medical devices and healthcare products.
Automotive products
Certification of automotive parts and components against applicable requirements.
Electronic products
Certification covering electronic products and electrical equipment.
Construction products
Conformity certification for building materials and construction products.
Food products
Activities include food safety and quality certification programs.
Chemical products
Activities include chemical products and substances certification.
Environmental products
Activities include environmental and sustainability product certification.
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