Accreditation for ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Standard

ISO 17020:2012 – Conformity Assessment for Inspection Bodies

ISO 17020:2012 is an international standard that outlines the general criteria for the competence of bodies performing inspection activities. It ensures inspection bodies operate consistently, impartially, and reliably. The standard is applicable to Type A (independent), Type B (in-house), and Type C (affiliated) , DAS is type A inspection body.

Key Objectives:

  • Provide confidence in inspection results.
  • Ensure impartial and competent inspection processes.
  • Facilitate international acceptance of inspection reports.

Requirements for Accreditation Under ISO 17020:2012

To be accredited under ISO 17020:2012, an inspection body must demonstrate compliance with key requirements including:

Organizational Requirements

  • Clear legal identity and structure.
  • Independence and impartiality in operations.
  • Type classification (A, B, or C).

Resource Requirements

  • Competent personnel (education, training, skills).
  • Suitable equipment and facilities.
  • Control of subcontracting and suppliers.

Process Requirements

  • Documented inspection procedures.
  • Sample selection, inspection methods, and decision rules.
  • Recording, reporting, and traceability of results.

Management System Requirements

  • Quality management system based on ISO principles.
  • Internal audits and management reviews.
  • Continuous improvement mechanisms.
  • Handling complaints and appeals.

Benefits of 3rd Party Inspection Services

Using accredited third-party inspection bodies offers several significant advantages:

Credibility and Trust– Independent verification builds trust among customers, regulators, and stakeholders.

Risk Reduction– Reduces the risk of non-compliance, recalls, or operational failures.

Regulatory Compliance– Ensures compliance with national/international standards and legal requirements.

Quality Assurance– Enhances the quality and safety of products, services, and systems.

Market Access– Facilitates acceptance in global markets by complying with recognized standards.

What DAS Certification (Private) Limited Offers as an Accredited Inspection Body

DAS Certification (Private) Limited is a 3rd party inspection, certification, training, and calibration company. It is accredited by:

  • PNAC (Pakistan National Accreditation Council) for ISO 17020.
  • PSQCA (Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority) for conformity assessments.
  • LEEA (UK – Lifting Equipment Engineers Association) for lifting equipment inspection services.

DAS Provides the Following 3rd Party Inspection Services:

  • Inspection of Lifting Equipment & Cranes (as per LEEA standards).
  • Pre-Shipment Inspections (PSI) for import/export goods.
  • Construction Site & Equipment Inspections.
  • Food Safety & GMP Inspection.
  • Environmental & Vehicle Emissions Testing.
  • Electrical, Mechanical, and Industrial Equipment Inspection.
  • Custom & Import Inspection in accordance with regulatory bodies.

Benefits of Getting Services from DAS as an Accredited Inspection Body

✅ Assured Competence

  • Accredited by recognized bodies ensures that DAS operates under globally accepted practices.

✅ Impartial & Reliable Results

  • As a Type A independent inspection body, DAS delivers unbiased findings.

✅ Compliance with International Standards

  • Inspection results are credible and accepted internationally.

✅ Regulatory Recognition

  • Inspections meet national legal and compliance requirements, especially in regulated industries like construction, energy, transport, and food.

✅ Support in Certification & Supply Chain Audits

  • DAS provides an end-to-end solution, linking inspection outcomes with certification and audit support.

✅ Access to Technical Expertise

  • Access to qualified engineers and inspectors trained under LEEA, PNAC, and PSQCA standards.

The Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) is the national accreditation body of Pakistan operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It provides accreditation services to conformity assessment bodies (CABs) including:

  • Inspection Bodies
  • Certification Bodies
  • Testing and Calibration Laboratories
  • Medical Laboratories

PNAC is a signatory to international agreements such as:

  • ILAC MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation – Mutual Recognition Arrangement)
  • APAC MRA (Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation)
    This ensures that its accreditations are internationally recognized.

PNAC Accreditation for ISO/IEC 17020

PNAC provides accreditation to inspection bodies that demonstrate technical competence, impartiality, and operational consistency in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020:2012.

Key Requirements for Accredited Inspection Bodies

Handling of complaints and appeals

Clear legal identity and management structure

Defined inspection scope

Competent personnel and qualified inspectors

Documented procedures and records

Independence and impartiality policies

Control of inspection equipment and calibration

Internal audits, management reviews, and continual improvement