The UKAS scheme recognition process

Developing a new scheme

There are several ISO standards that refer to schemes, but they all reference the definition in ISO/IEC 17000:2020, which states that a conformity assessment scheme or programme is a set of rules and procedures that describes the objects of conformity assessment, identifies the specified requirements and provides the methodology for performing conformity assessment.  Scheme owners should familiarise themselves with the appropriate requirements.

Obtain the relevant standard

You can purchase international standards from the BSI or ISO websites. National standards may be sought from National Standards Bodies. Familiarise yourself with the clauses and conduct a gap analysis between your current activities and the requirements. Supporting publications can be found on the UKAS website and preparation for scheme review courses and webinars are available from the UKAS Development and Scheme Integrity Team.

Initiate the scheme review process

Contact the UKAS Development and Scheme Integrity Department and we will confirm the actions you need to take to initiate a review of your scheme. We will guide you through the process and are here to answer all your questions. Once your application is submitted and your fee is paid, the scheme review process can begin.

Formal scheme review

Your allocated Development & Scheme Integrity Specialist will be able to support and guide you through the process and can conduct an initial review to identify gaps and help prepare for the formal review.

Results

We will talk you through the results of your review and provide a report that highlights conclusions, including any areas that need correction/improvement.

Recognition of scheme

Once a successful review has been completed, including any resolutions to issues noted UKAS will confirm their conclusion that the scheme is fit for purpose and therefore is recognised for use under appropriate accredited conformity assessment.  Please remember UKAS does not accredit conformity assessment schemes themselves but accredits their delivery by a certification or inspection body.

Newly recognised or existing recognised schemes

Once a scheme has been recognised and is ready to be used, any certification or inspection body can seek to include it in their repertoire and once accredited there will be ongoing assessment of it throughout the conformity assessment bodies 4-year accreditation cycle. It will have a scheduled review at least once, as routine, but will also be subject to review if any changes are made to the scheme, regulations, requirements. Any changes to the scheme should be highlighted to your UKAS point of contact as soon as possible, so a review can be scheduled as required.

Training and resources

There are a set of bespoke eLearning modules that can be accessed by emailing [email protected].

Useful documents and publications

ISO/IEC 17067 Conformity assessment – fundamentals of product certification and guidelines for product certification schemes – purchase from National Standards Body (e.g. BSI online).

  1. Developing new programmes
  2. Conformity Assessment Scheme (CAS) review information – new scheme reviews
  3. Development programme FAQs – addresses common questions and provides further links to information to support the answers,
  4. Development brochure – for completeness

Also please refer to the following:

  • How to develop scheme documents – guidance for ISO technical committees (but has general application) for the content of schemes,
  • ISO/IEC 17065:2012 Conformity assessment – requirements for bodies certifying products, processes and services
  • ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity assessment – requirements for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection
  • ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Conformity assessment – requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems Part 1: Requirements
  • ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Conformity assessment – general requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
  • ISO/IEC 17029:2019 Conformity assessment – general principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies
  • ISO/IEC TS 17035:2024 Conformity assessment – guidelines for validation and verification programmes
  • ISO/IEC 17067:2013 Conformity assessment – fundamentals of product certification and guidelines for product certification schemes (also for process and service)
  • F530 Conformity Assessment Scheme (CAS) Evaluation Application Form – consider the questions asked as this will help with your preparations