Inspection Sector Updates
Update on the revised version of AS 3788 Pressure Equipment In-service Inspection
On March 18, 2025, our Deputy Sector Manager, Don Arnold, and NATA Technical Assessor, John Garvey, hosted a webinar that covered key sector updates. The revised version of standard AS 3788 Pressure Equipment – in-service inspection updates the requirements for the inspection, repair and alteration of in-service boilers, pressure vessels, piping, safety equipment and associated controls and gives guidance in the execution of such inspection.
Revision of ISO / IEC 17020:2026
In March 2026, a new edition of ISO/IEC 17020, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies performing inspection, was published.
ISO/IEC 17020:2026 replaces the 2012 edition and forms the basis for the accreditation of inspection bodies.
This new standard differs significantly from the previous ISO version. The new version has been amended to align with the structure of the ISO 17000 and includes updated terminology, revised requirements and improved alignment with ISO/CASCO common elements.
The ISO standard has been adopted as AS/NZS ISO/IEC 17020:2026 and was published by Standards Australia on 21 August 2026.
In preparation for the transition of our accredited Inspection Bodies to ISO/IEC 17020:2026, NATA has updated its accreditation criteria and supporting documents which include:
• A transition policy
• The Inspection Standard Application Document
• A revised Inspection Assessment Worksheet
• An Implementation Checklist
• A Gap Analysis identifying the differences between the 2012 and 2026 editions of the standard.
NATA’s transition policy details the process and timelines for transitioning existing accreditations from ISO/IEC 17020:2012 to ISO/IEC 17020:2026 and the commencement of accreditations to the new standard.
The transition to ISO/IEC 17020:2026 will commence on 1 October 2026. All accredited inspection bodies are expected to complete the transition and be accredited to the new standard by 30 March 2029.
A new Standard Application Document ISO/IEC 17020 Standard Application Document (SAD) has been developed according to the changes made in ISO 17020. As the new ISO Standard has been restructured from the previous version, new clauses have been added for independence, externally provided products and services, review of requests, tenders and contracts, sampling, method validation, risk, and updated Annex A (normative) and B (informative).
NATA has prepared a Gap Analysis to support the transition from ISO/IEC 17020:2012 to ISO/IEC 17020:2026. The document identifies the key changes between the two editions of the standard and assists inspection bodies in planning their transition.
NATA has communicated these changes directly to the relevant stakeholders including accredited inspection bodies and technical assessors. If you require further information about the transition to ISO/IEC 17020:2026 or the accreditation requirements for inspection bodies, please contact the Inspection Sector.