TS 13112

TS 13112 is a guidance standard for interpreting and applying the general criteria used in operating inspection bodies. It follows the EN 45004 approach and provides a common framework for accreditation bodies and other organizations involved in recognizing the competence of inspection bodies.

The standard explicitly recognizes that general criteria may not be sufficient on their own for every sector. Inspection activities differ widely across fields such as machinery, electrical systems, construction, safety, product conformity and similar areas, where technical risks and assessment practices vary. For that reason, the document serves as guidance that strengthens the shared understanding used in competence assessment rather than as a detailed inspection method for a specific industry.

A common framework for inspection bodies

In general technical terms, inspection is the activity of determining whether a product, service, process or installation meets specified requirements through observation, examination and evaluation. Important elements in this field include impartiality, technical competence of personnel, proper documentation, traceability of decisions and reliable reporting of findings. TS 13112 provides guidance on the general criteria that can support such evaluations.

Scope boundaries and sector-specific use

• It provides guidance on general criteria for assessing the competence of inspection bodies.
• It is intended for accreditation bodies and other organizations that recognize inspection competence.
• It states that the general criteria may need to be supplemented by additional or more specific criteria in particular sectors.
• Its role is framework guidance rather than the definition of detailed sector-by-sector inspection requirements.