The revision of ISO/IEC 17020, Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies performing inspection, is approaching publication. This updated edition represents the first major revision of the standard since 2012 and introduces changes that will influence how requirements are interpreted and applied across the inspection sector.
NATA continues to monitor the development of the revised standard through international accreditation forums and ISO/CASCO activities. Once the standard is formally published, NATA will support accredited inspection bodies by providing guidance on transition arrangements and assessment expectations.
A Foundation for Trusted Inspections Across Australia
ISO/IEC 17020 provides the framework that underpins inspection accreditation across many parts of the Australian economy. It supports inspection activities in sectors including Environment, Agribusiness, Infrastructure and Asset Integrity, and Manufactured Goods.
While accredited inspections are sometimes mandated by legislation or relied upon by regulators, many are undertaken on a voluntary basis, reflecting industry and public confidence in accreditation. In both cases, the standard plays a critical role in ensuring inspections are carried out competently, impartially and consistently, supporting public safety and trust in essential services.
Development of the ISO/IEC 17020:2026 Revision
The revision of ISO/IEC 17020 was developed through international collaboration involving technical experts from accreditation bodies, inspection bodies and industry across multiple regions, including Australia, Europe, Asia and the Americas. This broad participation helped ensure the revised standard reflects both accreditation expectations and the practical realities of inspection activities across diverse sectors.
Throughout the development process, careful consideration was given to balancing consistency and flexibility, ensuring the standard supports effective inspection practice without being overly prescriptive. Extensive discussion and debate within the working group contributed to a revised standard that is internationally harmonised, technically robust and applicable across a wide range of inspection disciplines.
Key Areas of Change in ISO/IEC 17020:2026
- ISO/IEC 17020:2026 represents a general update of the 2012 edition, aimed at improving clarity, reducing ambiguity and better reflecting current inspection practice.
- Changes to how independence and organisational relationships are described and assessed, with clearer expectations.
- More explicit requirements for identifying, managing and documenting risks to impartiality and confidentiality.
- Greater alignment with the ISO/IEC 17000 series (including ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17065) to support consistency and reduce duplication.
- Updates reflect changes in inspection technology, regulatory expectations and how inspections are carried out in practice today.
What This Means for Inspection Bodies
Following publication of the revised ISO/IEC 17020, inspection bodies will be expected to transition to the updated requirements within the transition period. Early planning will be important to support a smooth and effective transition.
Inspection bodies are encouraged to:
- Review and familiarise themselves with the revised standard once published
- Identify any changes required to policies, procedures, management systems and training
- Plan ahead for future assessments against the 2026 edition
Particular attention will be needed in areas such as independence classification, impartiality, confidentiality, and staff awareness of revised concepts and terminology.
NATA will provide further guidance to support accredited inspection bodies through this transition.
From supporting public safety to enabling domestic and international trade, accreditation and standards such as ISO/IEC 17020 play a vital role in Australia’s inspection system and its connection to the global accreditation community.
ISO/IEC 17020:2026 is currently in the final stages of production with ISO and is expected to be published shortly.
For further information, contact NATA at don.arnold@nata.com.au