Dec 10, 2023 Last Updated 9:10 PM, Sep 28, 2023

Medical Lab Symbol

“This is the official symbol of accreditation for Medical Labs that have been accredited by JANAAC. Following accreditation, medical laboratories... Read more

Inspection Body Symbol

This is the official symbol of accreditation for inspection bodies that have been accredited by JANAAC. Following accreditation, inspection bodies... Read more

Testing Lab Symbol

“This is the official symbol of accreditation for Testing Labs that have been accredited by JANAAC. Following accreditation, testing laboratories... Read more

  1. You are here:  
  2. Home\
  3. Accreditation\
  4. About Accreditation\
  5. Inspection Body Accreditation

Inspection Body Accreditation

The international standard ISO/IEC 17020:2012 defines inspection as the “examination of a product, process, service, or installation or design and determination of its conformity with specific requirements or, on the basis of professional judgment, with general requirements”. Inspection can take place at all stages of the inspected item's lifecycle (including the design phase) and may include matters of quantity, quality, safety and fitness for use. Such work normally requires the exercise of professional judgment, in particular when assessing conformity. The inspection body field of accreditation also encompasses industry specific programs.

JANAAC recognizes the very close relationship between inspection, sampling, laboratory testing and measurement. We understand, however, that inspection encompasses a variety of activities not covered in laboratory accreditation. These activities include examinations by qualified personnel of materials, products, components, assemblies, cargoes and consignments using techniques such as:

  • Visual examination
  • Visual comparison with standards (e.g. colour matching)
  • Dimensional checks
  • Examination using gauges and instruments
  • Virtual evaluations

An inspection body may also participate in testing, measurement or sampling and may apply for accreditation in multiple fields concurrently.

Accreditation Requirements

Inspection bodies are assessed against the general criteria found within ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection and ILAC P15-Application of ISO/IEC 17020 for the Accreditation of Inspection Bodies. Inspection bodies are also expected to be in compliance with local legislation and regulations.

Click here to download Application Form & Questionnaire for Inspection Bodies for Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17020:2012

Medical Laboratory
Transition Implementation Policy

ILAC, in consultation with ISO, has agreed on a three-year period for medical laboratories that demonstrate conformity to the ISO 15189:2012 standard, to make the transition from the ISO 15189:2012, to the ISO 15189:2022 standard.

The Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC), in keeping with this communique, requires its accredited medical laboratories to make this transition by December 6, 2025. After this date, accreditation to ISO 15189:2012 will no longer be valid.

During this transition period, both revisions of the standard are equally valid and applicable. JANAAC will facilitate the use of internal documents that will feature compliance with both versions of the standard until December 31, 2024.

Medical Laboratories may continue to submit applications for accreditation to the ISO 15189:2012 up to September 30 2023, in which case, initial assessments must be concluded by March 31, 2024.

After September 30, 2023, JANAAC will no longer be accepting applications for ISO 15189:2012 accreditation.

After December 31, 2024, all assessments (initial, re-assessments and interim assessments, including scope extensions) will be conducted using the revised standard, ISO 15189:2022... Read more