The general criteria used by A2LA for accreditation of inspection bodies are ISO/IEC 17020:1998, General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection. A2LA's official application of the Standard is consistent with the current version of IAF/ILAC-A4 Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17020. (IAF/ILAC-A4 Guidance on the Application of ISO/IEC 17020 may be obtained free of charge in the documents section of the ILAC web site WWW.ILAC.ORG or by contacting A2LA headquarters). Additional criteria needed to clarify proficiency testing requirements for inspection bodies have been added. When tests and measurements are involved as part of the inspection process and measurement traceability is required, P102 - A2LA Policy on Measurement Traceability applies.

In effect, A2LA accreditation attests that an inspection body has demonstrated that:

1. it is competent to perform specific inspections or specific types of inspections; and
2. its quality system is documented, fully operational and addresses and conforms to all elements of ISO/IEC 17020-1998, IAF/ILAC A4:2004 and A2LA official applications of these standards;
3. it is operating in accordance its quality system; and
4. it conforms to any additional requirements of A2LA or specific fields or programs necessary to meet particular user needs.

A2LA recognizes the very close relationship between inspection, sampling, testing and measurement yet understands that inspection includes a variety of activities not covered in testing laboratory accreditation. Inspection includes the examination of materials, products, components, assemblies, cargoes and consignments, usually for compliance with specified criteria. It includes visual examination and associated work, and may be more directly focused on products. A2LA staff can advise potential applicants of the appropriate field of inspection for the accreditation of their inspection activities. An inspection body which is engaged in testing, measurement or sampling work may apply for accreditation for this work concurrently with its application for accreditation for inspection.

Accreditation is based on the assessment of performance of an inspection body including procedures, staff competence and reporting. It is available to all inspection bodies including in-house services. A2LA welcomes applications for the accreditation of all types of inspection work.The following are just a few examples of work for which accreditation may be sought:

• Agricultural products
• Bulk cargoes (e.g. coal, iron ore, petroleum)
• Cargoes in containers and packages
• Cast products
• Cranes
• Electrical equipment
• Foods
• Forged products
• Mechanical equipment
• Pipelines
• Protective coatings
• Rolled products
• Structures (e.g.  concrete, steel, timber)
• Textiles
• Welding

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

1. Application form (word or pdf)
   
2. Inspection Body General Requirements
   
3. Contact A2LA to acquire the Inspection Body Assessor checklist (required as part of a complete application)
   
4. Other policy documents that are considered normative and applicable to all applicants:
• Traceability Policy
• Advertising Policy

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact at 301 644 3228.