Definition
What is the ISO/IEC 17065 standard?
The ISO/IEC 17065 standard sets out the requirements for bodies that certify products, processes, and services. Published in 2012, it replaced the older ISO/IEC Guide 65 and is used to accredit bodies issuing quality marks, eco-labels, and product certifications.
The standard covers impartiality, confidentiality, structural and resource requirements, information management, certification processes (application, evaluation, decision, surveillance, modifications), and the management system of the body itself. It applies to any product certification scheme (eco-labels, organic agriculture, sustainable forestry, building product certification, CE marking under certain directives, etc.).
ISO 17065 accreditation is the condition for product certification recognition. Without it, a quality mark or product label has no formal recognition with buyers, regulators, or consumers.
Who is ISO/IEC 17065 for?
The standard targets product, process, and service certification bodies: USDA Organic certifiers, FSC and PEFC certifiers, GREENGUARD, UL, Intertek, SGS Product Certification, and many specialised scheme owners (eco-labels, food labels, building products).
Why get certified?
ISO 17065 accreditation gives legal and commercial value to certifications issued, conditions notified body designation for CE marking (under certain directives), is required for official public certification schemes, and provides international recognition via IAF agreements.
Version
ISO/IEC 17065:2012
Certified
Accredited by IAS, ANAB, A2LA, UKAS
Validity
Varies by accreditation
Avg. timeline
12 to 24 months
