Subcontracting Inspection Work (ISO 17020 Clause 6.3)

Introduction

Sometimes you don’t have the resources or expertise to do a specific inspection. You can subcontract it, but strict rules apply.

Conditions for Subcontracting

1. Competence: The subcontractor must be competent to perform the activity. Ideally, they should also be accredited to ISO 17020.
2. Client Approval: You must inform the client and obtain their consent before subcontracting.
3. Responsibility: You remain fully responsible for the determination of conformity (unless the client mandated the subcontractor).

Records

You must maintain a register of all subcontractors and records of their competence assessment.