The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed how conformity assessment activities are conducted, with travel bans and lockdowns necessitating increased use of information and communications technologies and of defining means to conduct activities remotely.
To maintain harmonization of processes and the robustness of the IAF, ILAC and Regional peer evaluation systems, IAF and ILAC have published an addendum, ‘IAF/ILAC Approach to Remote Peer-Evaluations of Regions and Single Accreditation Bodies During the COVID-19 Pandemic’, to IAF/ILAC A1 – IAF/ILAC Multi-Lateral Mutual Recognition Arrangements (Arrangements): Requirements and Procedures for Evaluation of a Regional Group and IAF/ILAC A2 – IAF/ILAC Multi-Lateral Mutual Recognition Arrangements (Arrangements): Requirements and Procedures for Evaluation of a Single Accreditation Body. This addendum, which will remain in effect for the duration of the pandemic, provides policies for the role and conduct of remote peer evaluations and allows for a more flexible approach to remote witnessing activities.
The document is available on the IAF website here, and the ILAC website here.
