Why Your Choice of Accreditation Body Matters

When producers start preparing for ISO 17034, one of the first big decisions they face is which accreditation body to choose.
It might sound like a simple administrative step — but it’s not. Your choice affects your credibility, your audit experience, your cost, and even how easily your certificate is recognized abroad.

I’ve guided RMPs under SANAS, ANAB, and DAkkS, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right (or wrong) choice can speed up or slow down an entire project.
This guide walks you through what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make a decision that supports both your business goals and your technical integrity.

Step 1 – Start with ILAC Recognition

Here’s the first rule: if your accreditation body isn’t ILAC-recognized, your certificate won’t hold much weight internationally.

ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) oversees the mutual recognition arrangement — the MRA — that ensures certificates issued by one member are accepted globally.

Why it matters:
When you export reference materials, your buyers or regulators will look for that ILAC MRA symbol on your certificate. Without it, you might have to go through redundant approvals.

Action points:

• Visit the ILAC MRA Signatory List online.
• Check whether your preferred accreditation body covers the ISO 17034 scope specifically.

Pro tip:
Don’t assume your national body automatically covers ISO 17034. Some focus only on testing or calibration. Always verify their scope before applying.

Step 2 – Consider Regional Acceptance and Market Reach

Different accreditation bodies carry different reputations depending on where your customers are.
If your main clients are in Africa or the Middle East, SANAS often carries the strongest recognition. In Europe, DAkkS is widely respected. ANAB and A2LA dominate in the U.S. and are often recognized across Asia as well.

Here’s what I’ve noticed:
Many RMPs pick the body nearest to them geographically — but it’s smarter to choose based on where your products will be used or sold.

Example:
A producer in Thailand supplying European customers might prefer DAkkS over a local accreditation body because DAkkS reports are accepted by EU regulators without extra validation.

Pro tip:
Ask your top clients which accreditation bodies they already trust. Their answer should influence your choice more than your location does.

Step 3 – Compare Fees, Man-Days, and Assessment Style

Accreditation costs vary — and not just a little. Some bodies bundle everything into one daily rate. Others separate document review, assessor travel, and decision fees.

Typical differences I’ve seen:

• SANAS: mid-range fees, separate travel costs.
• ANAB/A2LA: higher day rates but more streamlined processes.
• DAkkS: fixed-day models with predictable invoices.

Pro tip:
Request a full quotation that includes:

• Application and document review
• On-site assessment
• Travel and accommodation
• Annual surveillance fees

Common mistake:
Choosing the cheapest quote only to find out later that assessor travel doubled your cost. Transparency is worth more than a low rate on paper.

Step 4 – Evaluate Technical Expertise and Assessor Experience

A good accreditation experience depends on the assessor team. You want assessors who actually understand your type of reference materials — not just general auditors.

Here’s what to ask:

• What’s the assessor’s background — chemistry, microbiology, physical properties?
• Do they have ISO/IEC 17025 experience as well? (That’s valuable if your system integrates both standards.)
• Can you see sample assessor profiles before confirmation?

In my experience:
A technically strong assessor gives insights that improve your system. A weak one just adds findings and confusion.

Pro tip:
If you’re unsure about an assessor’s technical fit, discuss it early. Accreditation bodies can often assign someone with experience closer to your scope.

Step 5 – Review Application Process and Lead Time

Every accreditation body runs on its own timeline. Some handle applications within a month; others take up to three.

Typical timeline I’ve seen:

• SANAS: 2–4 weeks for document review
• ANAB/A2LA: 1–2 months due to pre-approval scheduling
• DAkkS: 6–10 weeks, depending on assessor availability

Pro tip:
Ask how often they conduct assessments in your region. Limited scheduling windows can delay your project by months.

Example:
A Southeast Asian RMP applied to a European body whose assessors only traveled twice per year. Their project sat idle for 10 weeks waiting for the next visit slot.

Always factor scheduling lead times into your project plan.

Step 6 – Look Beyond Accreditation: Support and Communication

Accreditation isn’t a one-time event — it’s a partnership. You’ll work with your chosen body for years through surveillance visits, reassessments, and updates.

Pay attention to communication early.
How responsive are they when you send your first inquiry?
Do they answer questions clearly or refer you to vague policy links?

Pro tip:
How they treat you before you apply is exactly how they’ll treat you afterward. If replies take weeks now, don’t expect miracles during surveillance.

A supportive, communicative accreditation body makes your journey far smoother. It’s an often-overlooked but crucial factor.

Decision Matrix: Compare Before You Commit

Criteria	SANAS	ANAB/A2LA	DAkkS	Local AB
ILAC Recognition	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	⚠️ Varies
Typical Cost	$$	$$$	$$$	$–$$
Lead Time	2–4 mo	3–6 mo	3–6 mo	1–3 mo
Regional Acceptance	Africa/ME	Americas/Asia	Europe	Local only
Assessor Availability	Moderate	High	Moderate	Varies

Pro tip:
Weigh recognition, technical expertise, and responsiveness more heavily than cost. The cheapest route usually costs more in lost time later.

FAQs: Choosing an ISO 17034 Accreditation Body

Q1: Can I change accreditation bodies later?
Yes, but it’s a full reapplication process. You’ll still need a new assessment and certificate — so choose carefully the first time.

Q2: Is it better to choose a national accreditation body?
Not always. National bodies can be more affordable, but if your customers are international, an ILAC-recognized body with broader acceptance gives you better value.

Q3: Can multiple sites under one company share the same accreditation body?
Yes, as long as all sites are within the accredited scope. Each site will be assessed individually during the audit.

Conclusion – Choose Strategically, Not Conveniently

Your ISO 17034 accreditation body is more than a logo on your certificate — it’s your partner in proving competence and credibility.

From my experience guiding RMPs worldwide, the best results come when organizations pick strategically:

• ILAC recognition for global acceptance
• Assessors who understand your field
• Transparent fees and responsive communication

If you’d like help narrowing down which accreditation body fits your goals, download QSE Academy’s Accreditation-Body Comparison Sheet or book a short strategy session.
We’ll map your target markets, compare options, and help you make a decision that supports your long-term success.