TESTING
A product is tested against a specific set of criteria, such as performance or safety. Testing is the most common form of conformity assessment. Testing also provides the basis for other types of conformity assessment such as inspection and product certification.
ISO/IEC 17025 is useful for any organization that performs testing, sampling or calibration and wants reliable results.
INSPECTION
Inspection bodies play an essential role in cross-border trade. They act on behalf of governments and business partners (importers and exporters) by inspecting imported goods and materials. They are responsible for examining a huge range of products, materials, installations, plants, processes, work procedures and services, in the private as well as the public sector, and report on such parameters as quality, fitness for use and continuing safety in operation. The overall aim is to reduce risk of substandard products or imports to the buyer, owner, user or consumer of the item being inspected. Government and business often use their services to inspect imported goods and materials.
