A new edition of the standard for inspection bodies
On 27 March 2026 the third edition of ISO/IEC 17020 was published — the biggest change since 2012. Risk-based thinking now also covers operational processes and the validity of results.
- The third edition of the standard for inspection bodies appeared on 27 March 2026 and is not a routine refresh of wording.
- Risk-based thinking goes beyond impartiality and confidentiality to cover operational processes and the validity of results.
- A body must document what can go wrong in the inspection itself: the inspector’s competence, equipment status, site conditions, deadline pressure.
- Risks must not only be named but shown to be controlled.
- Three years are allowed for the transition; after that, accreditations based on the previous edition cease to apply.
- A sensible order: compare procedures against the new requirements, extend the risk analysis and train the inspection personnel.
Source: ISO