TS EN ISO/IEC 17000

TS EN ISO/IEC 17000 sets out the core vocabulary and general principles used to understand conformity assessment. It gives a common conceptual framework for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies and for the role of conformity assessment in facilitating trade.

The common language of conformity assessment

Conformity assessment is the broad family of activities used to demonstrate that a product, service, process, system, person or body meets specified requirements. A vocabulary standard of this kind helps align the meaning of terms used across certification, inspection, testing, verification and related supply-chain practices. That shared language is important because the same words can otherwise be interpreted differently by different sectors, schemes or organizations.

In general technical terms, conformity assessment is more than a simple check. It combines measurement, observation, evidence gathering and decision-making. For that reason it sits close to metrology, standardization, statistics and management systems. The functional approach mentioned in the document is a way of looking at conformity assessment by what each activity does, rather than by its label alone, which helps clarify the role of different assessment tools in practice.

Boundaries and practical relevance

• The document covers general terms and definitions for conformity assessment.
• It includes concepts linked to the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies.
• It addresses the use of conformity assessment to facilitate trade.
• Annex A provides general principles and a description of the functional approach.
• It notes interaction with other fields, while not defining the overall boundaries of conformity assessment.