Background: A manufacturer has purchased evaluation activities for a product it produces. Testing has been performed by an external laboratory and inspection has been performed by an external inspection body. The manufacturer has sent the results from evaluation activities to a certification body for certification of the product.
Question: If a manufacturer has purchased relevant accredited testing analyses and/or inspection, does the certification body have to sign a legally binding contract with the laboratory and/or inspection body for certification?
March 2019
This question recalls the following IAF TC decision:
14/04/06 Evaluation Activities – ISO/IEC 17065 Concerning the question if a certification body can be accredited to ISO/IEC 17065 where the CB does not undertake any evaluation activity and just undertakes review and decision the answer is yes as ISO/IEC 17065 Clause 7.4.5 and 6.2.2.4 permits the acceptance of the evaluation. Nevertheless, all other clauses of ISO/IEC17065 need to be met. Note: The discussion does not accurately reflect the two schemes operated in the USA, because such schemes are not type testing. Frankfurt 12.10 It should not be considered as MUST. But, in any case, the CB shall confirm that all applicable requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and/or ISO/IEC 17020 are met in all relevant accredited testing and/or inspection services purchased by the client. See Also, Q.37.7