TSE ISO IEC GUIDE 68

TSE ISO IEC GUIDE 68 is a guide focused on how arrangements can be structured for the recognition and acceptance of conformity assessment results by other organizations. It provides a framework for the development, declaration, and operation of arrangements used by bodies carrying out similar conformity assessment and related activities, helping to support trust, mutual understanding, and practical cooperation.

Why recognition and acceptance matter

In conformity assessment, “recognition” refers to a result being regarded as valid on an adequate basis by another party, while “acceptance” means that the result is used or relied upon for a particular purpose. This distinction matters when test, inspection, certification, or related outputs produced by one body are considered by another. The focus of this guide is how such arrangements are developed and operated, so it addresses the governance framework that enables organizations to work together more effectively.

General technical context for practical use

In general technical practice, recognition and acceptance arrangements are often built around competence, impartiality, traceability, documentation, and mutual confidence. When different bodies perform the same or similar conformity assessment activities, the conditions under which results may be shared, what declarations are made, and how the arrangement is managed need to be defined in advance. This standard guides the creation of that framework; it should not be read as an application standard prescribing specific test methods or product-specific performance limits.

• Arrangements for recognizing conformity assessment results across organizations
• Relationships between bodies performing similar conformity assessment activities
• Guidance on developing, declaring, and operating such arrangements
• A general framework for using test, inspection, and certification outputs
• An organizational approach that supports mutual confidence and consistency