Last Updated on September 25, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Global Accreditation Body Deadlines for ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Transition

If you’re running a proficiency testing (PT) scheme, the transition to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 isn’t optional—it’s expected. But here’s what many labs get wrong: they assume there’s a single, universal deadline. There isn’t.

Each accreditation body (AB) sets its own expectations within the global framework. And that means if you’re not tuned in to your AB’s specific deadline, you could miss critical milestones—or worse, scramble to comply just weeks before your reassessment.

In this article, I’ll break down the global transition timeline, show you where the deadlines vary, and help you reverse-engineer your own internal plan so you’re never caught off guard.

Why Understanding Your AB’s Deadline Is Critical

Let’s be real—PT providers are already juggling scheme design, data evaluation, and reporting. Adding a major system transition on top of that is no small task.

But here’s the issue: most accreditation bodies won’t tap you on the shoulder to say, “Your deadline is coming up.” If you’re not proactive, the consequences can be serious:

• Missed reassessment cycles
• Unprepared documentation
• Risk of suspended or downgraded accreditation

Transitioning to ISO/IEC 17043:2023 requires more than a document update—it’s a full clause-by-clause implementation. And the first step is knowing when your AB expects it to be done.

What ILAC Says About the Transition

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), which oversees mutual recognition among ABs, has set a 3-year transition window from the publication of the standard in May 2023.

That means:
Deadline = May 2026

This is the outer limit. National ABs may set earlier internal milestones based on when your next audit falls or how soon they want to see implementation progress.

So while ILAC sets the guardrails, your AB drives the timeline.

Deadlines by Region and Key Accreditation Bodies

Let’s walk through the specific guidance from major accreditation bodies, region by region. (These dates are based on the latest publicly available statements and recent transition experiences from clients I’ve worked with.)

Europe

• DAkkS (Germany):
  Transition required by mid-2026. Mandatory audits against the new standard begin Q1 2025.
• COFRAC (France):
  Strongly encourages early implementation. Full transition due by June 2026.
• UKAS (United Kingdom):
  Deadline: July 31, 2026. Transition audits already in progress.

North America

• ANAB (USA):
  Accepting transition documentation now. Final deadline: October 31, 2026.
• SCC (Canada):
  Recommends transition by Q2 2026 due to reassessment scheduling. Earlier transition = better audit planning.

Asia-Pacific

• JAB (Japan):
  Requires transition by December 2025, in alignment with national conformance timelines.
• NABL (India):
  Strong push for early transition. Advises completion by mid-2025 to avoid last-minute reassessment issues.
• CNAS (China):
  Aligned with ILAC deadline (May 2026), but early transition is encouraged to ensure sufficient audit capacity.

Other Regions

• SANAS (South Africa):
  Following ILAC’s full three-year window. Deadline: July 2026.
• NATA (Australia):
  Official guidance sets deadline at June 2026, with transitions already underway for new applicants.

How to Confirm Your Transition Timeline

Don’t assume—verify.

Here’s how you can confirm your lab’s specific timeline:

1. Visit your AB’s website
   Look for transition bulletins or ISO/IEC 17043:2023 updates.
2. Contact your case officer or accreditation coordinator
   Ask what audit will be used to verify your transition.
3. Review your next audit cycle
   If your reassessment is in 2025, your AB may expect the new version to be fully implemented—even if their general deadline is 2026.
4. Request clarification in writing
   Some ABs will provide email confirmation or official letters with expected dates.

Aligning Your Internal Plan with External Deadlines

Once you know your official transition deadline, don’t wait. Work backward to set your internal milestones.

Here’s what to build into your timeline:

• Gap analysis: clause-by-clause review of your current system
• Document revision and control updates
• Internal training for staff
• Internal audit against the 2023 version
• Management review that includes transition status
• Evidence submission (if required by your AB)

Example:
If your AB’s deadline is July 2026, but your reassessment audit is in March 2026, your transition must be completed before then—not after.

Pro Tips

• Pro Tip: Some ABs ask for a transition plan or declaration form—submit yours early to avoid delays.
• Pro Tip: Track your AB’s website monthly—updates, checklists, and audit forms may change.
• Pro Tip: Ask during your next surveillance audit which version of the standard will be used.
• Pro Tip: If your reassessment audit is late 2025, aim for full implementation by mid-2025 to give yourself a buffer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Assuming Your Deadline Is the Same as Another Lab’s

Even within the same country, different labs may have different timelines based on their audit schedules.

Mistake #2: Waiting for Your AB to Bring It Up

Proactivity builds trust. Don’t wait for your AB to ask—tell them your plan and ask what they expect.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Pre-Assessment Activities

Transitioning isn’t just about the final audit. You’ll need to show evidence (e.g., internal audits, revised documents) well before your scheduled assessment.

FAQs

Q: What happens if we miss the deadline?
You risk losing your accreditation status or facing a shortened scope. ABs expect documented transition plans and evidence of implementation.

Q: Can we still use the 2010 version if our reassessment is next year?
Only if your AB confirms that they’ll still assess against the old version. Most are transitioning to 2023 by default unless told otherwise.

Q: Is the ILAC deadline always the one that matters?
No. ILAC sets the outer limit, but your AB may expect you to complete the transition much sooner.

The Clock Is Ticking—Start Now

ISO/IEC 17043:2023 is here, and the world’s ABs are watching. Whether your deadline is early 2025 or mid-2026, now is the time to take action.

The labs I’ve seen succeed didn’t wait for reminders. They reached out, clarified their timelines, and started early. That’s the smartest move you can make right now.

If you’d like a transition deadline tracker, including editable fields for your own AB and audit dates, I can send that over.

Let me know—happy to help you stay ahead of the curve.