Last Updated on October 28, 2025 by Melissa Lazaro

Why the Confusion Between ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 Persists

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve heard this one:
“Wait — aren’t ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 basically the same thing?”

Here’s what I’ve noticed — even experienced certification professionals mix them up. Both standards set requirements for certification bodies, but they focus on very different scopes. One governs management-system certification (like ISO 9001 or ISO 14001), while the other applies to product, process, or service certification.

If you’re running or managing a certification body, understanding the difference isn’t just about compliance — it’s about credibility. Let’s break down exactly how ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 compare, and when each one applies.

What ISO/IEC 17021-1 Covers – The Framework for Management-System Certification

ISO/IEC 17021-1 is the foundation for any body that certifies management systems. Think ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or ISO 22000 — they all fall under this standard.

In simple terms, it defines how a certification body manages audits, makes impartial decisions, and ensures auditor competence. It’s not about products or samples — it’s about systems and processes.

Pro Tip:
When you certify a company’s management system, you’re confirming that their processes are controlled, consistent, and aligned with ISO standards — not that their products are defect-free.

Pitfall:
Some CBs mistakenly use “ISO 9001 product certification” in marketing. That’s incorrect — and accreditation bodies will flag it immediately.

Example:
A certification body I worked with used to audit factories for ISO 9001 but marketed it as “product certification.” During accreditation, this confusion cost them a major finding. A simple terminology fix — and staff training — restored compliance and credibility.

What ISO/IEC 17065 Covers – The Standard for Product, Process, and Service Certification

ISO/IEC 17065 is completely different. It’s for bodies that certify products, processes, or services to ensure they meet specific requirements or technical standards.

Think of it this way: if your certification involves testing, inspection, or sample evaluation, you’re operating in 17065 territory.

Pro Tip:
17065 focuses heavily on conformity evaluation — collecting evidence that a product or service consistently meets defined requirements. It’s more technical and laboratory-driven than audit-based.

Pitfall:
Applying management-system logic to product certification. Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits don’t exist here — instead, there’s testing, sampling, and continuous conformity surveillance.

Example:
A cosmetics certification body assessing GMP (ISO 22716) compliance under a product certification scheme follows ISO/IEC 17065. They evaluate production conditions, test batches, and approve labeling — none of which fall under 17021-1.

Core Comparison: ISO/IEC 17021-1 vs ISO/IEC 17065

Let’s put the key differences side by side:

Aspect	ISO/IEC 17021-1	ISO/IEC 17065
Scope	Management-system certification (ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, etc.)	Product, process, or service certification
Focus	Evaluating the organization’s management system	Evaluating product or service conformity
Method	Audits (Stage 1, Stage 2, surveillance, recertification)	Testing, inspection, evaluation, and sampling
Auditor Role	System auditors & technical experts	Product evaluators, inspectors, and lab assessors
Output	Certificate of management-system conformity	Certificate or mark of product/service conformity
Ongoing Control	Surveillance audits	Product re-testing or market surveillance
Recognition Path	IAF MLA – Management Systems	IAF MLA – Product Certification

Pro Tip:
If your work involves process effectiveness, go 17021-1. If it’s about tangible outputs or performance, go 17065.

Pitfall:
Combining both systems without separation. Accreditation bodies expect distinct documentation and competence requirements for each.

Which One Applies to You? (Choosing the Right Standard for Your Scope)

The easiest way to decide is to ask: What exactly am I certifying?

• If you evaluate how a company manages its quality, environmental, or safety systems — that’s ISO/IEC 17021-1.
• If you certify that a product, service, or process meets defined specifications — that’s ISO/IEC 17065.

Pro Tip:
Don’t rely on your client’s interpretation. Many organizations assume “ISO certification” means product approval. Clarify your scope in proposals and contracts.

Example:
A food certification body issuing ISO 22000 certificates operates under 17021-1. But another organization certifying food packaging materials for safety under EU standards operates under 17065. Both deal with “food,” but the scopes are completely different.

Can a Certification Body Hold Both Accreditations?

Yes — and several do. But it’s not as simple as merging systems.
Dual accreditation means running two parallel conformity-assessment frameworks under one organization, each with its own impartiality and competence requirements.

Pro Tip:
Maintain one quality manual referencing both standards, but separate your procedures, competence criteria, and impartiality risk assessments.

Pitfall:
Mixing staff roles or documentation. Your management-system auditors aren’t automatically qualified as product evaluators.

Example:
A certification body I supported in Europe held 17021-1 accreditation for ISO 9001 and 17065 accreditation for organic product certification. They succeeded because they treated each scope as distinct but integrated under one management framework.

Real-World Implications – Why Knowing the Difference Protects Your Credibility

Here’s the truth: choosing the wrong standard — or mixing the two — damages trust.
Clients notice inconsistencies. Accreditation bodies penalize confusion.

Pro Tip:
Train your team — especially sales and operations — on which standard applies to which service. Miscommunication during proposals is the number-one reason for nonconformities in multi-scope CBs.

Pitfall:
Selling “ISO 9001 product certificates.” It’s a common mistake that instantly signals non-accreditation or misrepresentation.

Example:
One certification body lost clients after an accreditation audit revealed they’d issued “product certificates” under 17021-1. A simple correction — and clearer training — restored compliance and their market reputation.

FAQs – Clearing Up Common Confusions

Q1. Can ISO/IEC 17021-1 certification cover product quality?
No. It evaluates how management systems are implemented — not the physical product itself.

Q2. Is ISO/IEC 17065 accreditation more complex?
It can be. Product certification often involves laboratory testing, technical specifications, and sampling, so evidence requirements are heavier.

Q3. Can one accreditation body handle both standards?
Yes — most IAF-recognized bodies (like ANAB, JAS-ANZ, or UKAS) can assess both. Just ensure your organization meets the distinct competence and impartiality requirements for each scope.

The Right Standard Defines Your Credibility

Both ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 serve the same purpose — building confidence in certification. But they do it from different angles:
one ensures management systems work effectively, the other ensures products and services meet exact requirements.

In my experience, certification bodies that clearly separate the two not only pass accreditation audits smoothly — they also gain stronger client trust.

If you’re unsure which standard fits your services, download our “ISO/IEC 17021-1 vs 17065 Quick Comparison Chart” or book a consultation to map your accreditation strategy.
Because understanding the difference isn’t just about compliance — it’s about proving you’re the right kind of certification body.