For testing and calibration laboratories and inspection bodies
Technical competence and impartiality need credible evidence. We support ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation and ISO/IEC 17020 inspection-body system development, including applications to Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) and, subject to scope and cross-border acceptance policies, accreditation bodies such as NAC, ANAB, and IAS. Recognition under mutual-recognition arrangements is limited to the applicable signatory and accredited scopes; acceptance by a market or regulator must be confirmed separately.
01 Why accreditation matters
ISO/IEC 17025 addresses the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. ISO/IEC 17020 addresses the operation and impartiality of inspection bodies.
- In Taiwan, laboratories and inspection bodies may apply to TAF.
- TAF accreditation confirms that the management system and technical competence have been assessed within the approved scope and supports international ILAC mutual recognition.
- Customers, regulators, and markets use accreditation as evidence of confidence, subject to applicable regulations, scope, and customer requirements.
02 ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation
For testing and calibration laboratories seeking a management system and technical capability consistent with ISO/IEC 17025:2017:
- Develop the management system and technical documents.
- Establish personnel competence, equipment control, method selection, verification, and validation.
- Introduce measurement-uncertainty evaluation and result-quality controls.
- Support internal audits, management reviews, and accreditation assessments.
03 ISO/IEC 17020 inspection-body accreditation
For inspection bodies establishing a system aligned with applicable ISO/IEC 17020 requirements, including impartiality and independence appropriate to the body type.
Revision note: ISO/IEC 17020:2026 has been published and TAF has announced a transition policy. Existing ISO/IEC 17020:2012 accreditations and new applications should confirm the applicable edition, intake schedule, and transition arrangements from TAF. Support includes gap review and transition preparation.
- Develop the management system and inspection procedures.
- Address impartiality, independence, and confidentiality.
- Prepare personnel qualifications and inspection competence.
- Support internal audits, management reviews, and assessments.
04 Why work with us
- Coordinated advisory and application support.
- Familiarity with TAF requirements and practical assessment work.
- Clear progress tracking so your team can focus on its core work.
05 Who this is for
Testing laboratories, calibration laboratories, and inspection bodies, whether applying for the first time or expanding, renewing, or maintaining an existing scope.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020?
17025 applies to testing and calibration laboratories and focuses on technical competence and result quality. 17020 applies to inspection bodies and focuses on operational competence and impartiality, with independence requirements depending on the body type.
Which accreditation bodies can be considered?
In Taiwan, applications may be made to TAF. Other options may include NAC, UKAS, DAkkS, A2LA, ANAB, IAS, JAB, KOLAS, NABL, SAC-SINGLAS, and CNAS. Before applying, verify each body's current ILAC/APAC signatory status, scope, and cross-border acceptance policy. NAC's listed ILAC MRA scope covers ISO/IEC 17025 testing and calibration; this does not establish an ISO/IEC 17020 inspection scope. Not every body offers both standards or accepts every overseas applicant.
Mutual recognition is limited to the signatory and accredited scopes. It does not mean every test, statutory use, or market will automatically accept a result.
How long does accreditation remain valid?
Validity follows the issuing body's certificate and scheme rules; it should not be assumed to be three years in every case. Surveillance and renewal apply, and transition deadlines may apply when a standard changes.
What should an applicant have in place?
The organization needs competent management and technical staff, suitable facilities and equipment, established procedures, and effective records for its defined scope. Requirements depend on the requested scope.
Discuss your application
For an initial review, contact us and describe your organization type and intended accreditation scope.