DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065:2026-10 - Draft

Requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services

The specifies requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of certification bodies that certify products, processes and services. The standard provides the basis for trustworthy and transparent certification procedures and supports the national and international recognition of certifications. Its aim is to ensure that certification bodies carry out their activities competently, consistently and independently.

What is DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 about?

The standard defines requirements for certification bodies that carry out conformity assessments of products, processes and services. It focuses on requirements for personnel, resources, certification processes and management systems, as well as on ensuring competence, impartiality and confidentiality. In addition, the standard describes requirements for conducting, monitoring, suspending and withdrawing certifications.

Topics covered

• Requirements for certification bodies for products, processes and services
• Competence management and qualification of personnel
• Ensuring impartiality and confidentiality
• Certification procedures from application to certification decision
• Monitoring, suspension and withdrawal of certifications
• Handling complaints and appeals
• Requirements for management systems and risk management

Practical relevance

Certifications are an important basis for market acceptance, regulation and international trade. DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 supports certification bodies in carrying out their procedures in a traceable, transparent and independent manner, thereby strengthening the comparability and recognition of certifications.

Changes compared with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065:2013-01

The 2026 edition has been comprehensively revised. Terms and definitions have been aligned with the current ISO/IEC 17000:2020. In addition, the concept of “preventive actions” has been replaced by requirements for addressing risks and opportunities. Numerous terms, references and formulations have also been updated, and bibliographic references and normative references have been revised.

Target group

• Certification bodies for products, processes and services
• Accreditation bodies
• Auditors and conformity assessment bodies
• Scheme owners of certification systems
• Quality management managers
• Authorities and regulatory bodies
• Companies that use or provide certifications

Conclusion

The DIN EN ISO/IEC 17065 defines the fundamental requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services. It promotes the competence, impartiality and credibility of certification procedures and helps strengthen trust in conformity assessments as well as the international recognition of certifications.