TS 13139

TS 13139 provides practical general guidance, based on the EN 45012 approach, for third-party bodies operating in the assessment and certification/registration of quality systems. It explains how the general requirements expected of a certification or registration body should be understood when the aim is to be recognized as competent and reliable. As a guidance document, it supports interpretation and application rather than serving as a standalone certification specification.

The third-party certification context

Quality system certification differs from self-declaration because it relies on assessment by an independent body. In this field, impartiality, competence, consistency and reliability are central concepts. TS 13139 is concerned with clarifying the general expectations for the structure and operation of such a body. In general technical terms, guidance of this kind helps readers understand core principles such as personnel competence, objective decision-making, process traceability and consistent conduct of certification activities.

What this guidance helps you interpret

• The role of a certification/registration body as a third party
• Why competence and reliability matter in quality system assessment
• The interpretive framework linked to EN 45012, BS EN 45012 and ISO/IEC Guide 62
• The expectations of independence and consistency in quality management system certification

This record was withdrawn in 2014, but it can still be useful for understanding the historical development of quality system certification and the EN 45012-based accreditation model. It is especially relevant for readers who want to follow the terminology and operating logic behind assessment, certification and registration in quality systems.