ISO 17020
International standard for the operation of inspection bodies
ISO 17020 is the international standard that defines competence requirements for bodies performing inspection (Type A, B, or C). It covers impartiality, independence, technical competence of inspectors, equipment, working procedures, reporting, and complaints handling.
For Egyptian food exports, ISO 17020 accreditation is the gold-standard signal that an inspection body operates under a globally recognized framework. Through ILAC-MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation - Mutual Recognition Arrangement), an ISO 17020 accreditation issued by EGAC (Egypt) is recognized by signatory bodies in the EU, UK, USA, and 100+ other countries.
FoodGate Audit holds ISO 17020 accreditation as a Type A inspection body, meaning we operate fully independently from the parties whose products we inspect (i.e. neither buyer nor seller).
In practice, an ISO 17020-accredited report is admissible evidence in commercial disputes, customs procedures, and insurance claims. It carries weight that a standard third-party report (without accreditation) does not.
Looking for an ISO 17020 accredited inspection body in Egypt?
FoodGate Audit is accredited by EGAC under ILAC-MRA. We inspect and report, we do not certify and we never trade the goods we inspect.
ISO 17020 accredited (EGAC, ILAC-MRA) · Independent, no stake in the goods · 500+ inspections