Expression of interest: pilot accreditation programme for ISO 22163 railway quality management systems

Overview

Accredited certification is fundamental to helping organisations demonstrate compliance with internationally recognised standards. It provides assurance to customers, regulators, and stakeholders that certified organisations are operating to rigorous quality and compliance benchmarks.

UKAS is inviting expressions of interest from certification bodies wishing to participate in a new pilot accreditation programme for ISO 22163, the international standard for railway quality management systems.

About ISO 22163

ISO 22163 builds on ISO 9001 and introduces additional requirements specific to the rail sector. It aims to ensure high quality, safety, and reliability throughout the railway supply chain by providing a global, uniform standard for quality management.

The standard applies to a wide range of organisations in the rail industry, including vehicle manufacturers, component suppliers, and infrastructure providers. By becoming accredited to certify against ISO 22163, certification bodies can help enhance consistency and safety across rail operations, supporting performance, reliability, and confidence throughout the sector.

What is a UKAS pilot accreditation project?

A pilot accreditation project is an essential step in extending UKAS’s accreditation offerings. As these standards have not previously been subject to accredited conformity assessment, UKAS undertakes a structured development process to evaluate their applicability and establish a proportionate and effective assessment methodology.

The pilot involves collaboration with interested certification bodies to refine the accreditation approach, ensuring it aligns with industry needs and best practices.

Express your interest

UKAS invites certification bodies to express their interest in participating in this pilot accreditation programme for ISO 22163.

If your organisation is interested, please provide the following information by 26 January 2026 to [email protected]:

• The estimated number of clients you currently have or anticipate for this standard
• The geographical locations where accredited certificates would be issued (e.g., UK only, Europe only, or global)
• The number of non-accredited certificates already issued and their respective locations
• Your estimated timeline for clients to be ready for:
  • Stage 1 audit
  • Stage 2 audit
• Details of how you currently scope certifications for this standard, along with example certificates

Your participation in this pilot provides a unique opportunity to help shape the future of accredited certification in the rail sector.

By fostering robust and internationally recognised accreditation frameworks, UKAS ensures that organisations can confidently implement best practices, drive continuous improvement, and contribute to a safer and more reliable rail industry.