scope:

1. Scope

1.1 This guide specifies general requirements for a third-party body operating quality system certification/registration to meet if it is to be recognized as competent and reliable in the operation of quality system certification/registration.

NOTE 1--In some countries, the bodies which verify conformity of quality systems to specified standards are called certification bodies, in others registration bodies, in others assessment and registration bodies or certification/registration bodies and in still others registrars. For ease of understanding, this guide always refers to such bodies as certification/registration bodies. This should not be understood to be limiting. The requirements contained in this guide are written-above all, to be considered as general requirements for any body operating certification/registration of quality systems.