According to ISO, an inspection is: An examination of a product, process, service, or installation or their design and determination of its conformity with specific requirements or, on the basis of professional judgment, with general requirements (ISO/IEC 17000 definition). Inspection bodies are engaged to carry out these inspections on behalf of:

• Private clients
• Their parent organizations, or
• Authorities, including regulatory authorities.

The objective of inspection is to provide the client with information regarding the conformity of the inspected items with specifications, which may be contained in regulations, standards, inspection schemes or contracts. Inspection can be used by clients to measure the compliance of products or systems with quality, safety, and fitness for purpose requirements.

Accreditation makes easier acceptance of products or services easier. Accreditation increases assurance to consumers that product or services confirms to applicable specifications.

Inspection body accreditation (ISO/IEC 17020)

UAF provides ISO/IEC 17020 accreditation to organisations performing the following types of inspection, surveys and risk assessments: Engineering Inspection (including Pressure Systems, lifting equipment/Hoists, electrical installations, power presses, local exhaust ventilation, cargo / pre-shipment inspection, manufacture of boilers/pressure vessels, welding inspections, oil, and gas metering) Building and Construction Products Food Inspection (food safety, food hygiene, manufacturing and processed practices, cargo inspection, animal welfare, labeling) Asbestos Surveys Legionella Risk Assessments Health and Social Care Care Home Inspection Nuclear New Build Inspection Fire Protection Systems Crime Scene Examination Railway Competence Plant Health Environmental Technology Verification Bodies offering inspection services, if seeking UAF accreditation, must meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020 – Conformity assessment—Requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing an inspection.

Documents for Accreditation

1. Application For Accreditation for Inspection Body
2. General Criteria for Accreditation Requirements
3. General Criteria for Conditions for the Use of UAF Accreditation Symbol
4. Fees
5. Accreditation requirements for Inspection Bodies

Please read Accreditation requirements for Inspection Bodies and other guiding documents in the publication area.