Q23: In consideration of this extraordinary period, if a Management Systems Certification Body is not able to perform audits, physically or with remote audit technique, can an Accreditation Body replace a witness assessment, as required in IAF MD17, with a remote office assessment or with other assessment activities (IAF MD17, § 2.2.1)?

Posted on by IAF FAQ TF


A23: If witnessing cannot be delayed, instead of observing a CAB carrying out conformity assessment services, an Accreditation Body may either :

  • use other mechanisms (office assessment activities or other assessment activities IAF MD17, § 2.2.1) to assess the scope of accreditation. 
  • or maintain the scope of accreditation providing that the witnessing assessment shall still be conducted immediately once it is possible.