Publication of ISO IEC 17020:2026: Requirements for Bodies Performing Inspections

22 MAY 2026

The new version of ISO/IEC 17020: 2026, the international accreditation standard for Bodies performing Inspections, was published on 27 March 2026 and will replace the current ISO/IEC 17020: 2012.

A. Key changes in the ISO/IEC 17020: 2026 (non-exhaustive)

  1. Title Change and Scope

 The title change to ‘Requirements for Bodies Performing Inspections’ reflects the standard's broader applicability across various sectors and aligns more closely with other conformity assessment-related standards in the ISO/IEC 17000 series. 

  1. Simplified Independence Model – Type A and Type non-A

 Transitioning toward a Type A and Type non-A approach from the previous Type A, B and C model simplifies the framework while placing a heavier emphasis on how risks to impartiality are actually managed rather than just how the org chart looks 

  1. Updates to Impartiality and Confidentiality requirements

 Clause 4 on General Requirements now includes more explicit requirements for identifying, documenting and monitoring risks to impartiality on an ongoing basis. 

  1. Risk-Based Thinking

 Following the trend of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 17025:2017, the ISO/IEC 17020: 2026 revision embeds risk-based thinking throughout the management system. Inspection bodies are now expected to identify risks not just in impartiality, but in their operational processes and the validity of inspection results.

B. SAC’s Transition Policy

  1. The Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC) has adopted Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated’s (Global ACI) recommendation to give accredited inspection bodies a 3-year transition period from 27 March 2026 to 27 March 2029.

  2. Existing accredited inspection bodies who have not transited to ISO/IEC 17020: 2026 standard by 27 March 2029 will be suspended by SAC and not be allowed to issue SAC-accredited inspection reports or certificates.

 i. For New Inspection Body Applicants

  1. From 1 January 2027, assessment for new applicant inspection bodies for SAC accreditation will be based on ISO/IEC 17020: 2026.

  2. For new applicants who are ready to be assessed based on the ISO/IEC 17020: 2026 before 1 January 2027, please inform SAC on this preferred approach during the application process.

ii. For Existing Accredited Inspection Bodies

  1. From 1 January 2027 to 31 Dec 2027, assessments for existing accredited inspection bodies could still be based on ISO/IEC 17020: 2012, upon request by the accredited inspection body if they are not ready to transit to the new standard.

  2. For existing accredited inspection bodies that are ready to transit to ISO/IEC 17020: 2026 earlier than 1 January 2027, please contact your respective account managers to indicate your preferred approach.

  3. From 1 January 2028, all SAC assessments for existing accredited inspection bodies shall be based only on ISO/IEC 17020: 2026. This will allow the inspection bodies, which are currently accredited to ISO/IEC 17020: 2012, to complete their transitions before 27 March 2029.

  4. SAC will issue a new Certificate of Accreditation to the accredited inspection body upon successful transition.

C. SAC Training to support the ISO/IEC 17020 transition

  1. SAC will be conducting a series of training sessions for our assessors, committee members and accredited inspection bodies on the new changes during the transition period.

  1. The next training for the accredited inspection bodies will be conducted in Q3 of 2026. The training is expected to be a one-day course. More details will be shared at a later date.

D. Adoption of ISO/IEC 17020: 2026 to SS ISO/IEC 17020

  1. This standard is in the process of being adopted as a Singapore Standard, and a copy of this standard will soon be made available for purchase at Toppan Leefung Pte Ltd or online at https://www.singaporestandardseshop.sg/.

  2. Accredited inspection bodies are encouraged to purchase a copy to understand the changes and ensure timely transition to this revised standard.

E. General or training related enquiries

  1. For any queries on updates or SAC’s transition policy, please contact your SAC Account Manager or submit your queries via the SAC Website here: Contact Us

For queries on upcoming training, please indicate your interest to Ms Angie Ng via email to sac@enterprisesg.gov.sg. Please note that priority for the training will be given to SAC-accredited inspection bodies.