Agricultural Quality Assessment Division QAD 1012 Procedure

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USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program

Accreditation for Certification Bodies

1 Purpose

This document provides the requirements to be met in designing a USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program. It 

also provides the requirements used for the objective evaluation of programs submitted for 

accreditation by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Livestock and Poultry Program, Quality 

Assessment Division (QAD). 

The USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program is a voluntary conformity assessment and accreditation service 

provided by the QAD under the Quality Systems Verification Programs. This Program facilitates the 

marketing and distribution of certified agricultural products.

2 Scope

This program is available to U.S. and international certification bodies that perform certification for 

livestock, meat, seed, and other agricultural products or services. 

3 References

The following referenced documents are used for the application of this document. For dated 

references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 

document (including any amendments) applies. 

ISO/IEC 17065:2012 – Conformity Assessment - Requirements for Bodies Certifying Products, 

Processes, and Services

QAD 1000 Procedure: Quality Systems Verification Programs, General Policies and Procedures

QAD 1115 Procedure: Program Review Committee

QAD 1102 Procedure: Selection of Audit Team Members 

QAD 1012 Certificate: USDA ISO 17065 Program 

QAD 1012AA Checklist: USDA ISO 17065 Program for Clients 

QAD 1012BB Checklist: USDA ISO 17065 Program for Auditors 

GU7183CCA - USDA ISO 17065 Program, Guidance on Requirements 

USDA, AMS: Auditing and Accreditation website

USDA, AMS: ISO/IEC website

Official Listing of Certification Bodies Approved under the USDA ISO 17065 Program

4 Definitions

The following definitions apply to this document: 
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4.1 Foreign Supplier: a supplier who is located outside of the U.S. and its territories, whose 

products are certified under the USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program. 

4.2 Key Activities: policy formulation, process and/or procedure development, contract review, 

planning conformity assessments, review, approval, and decision on the results of conformity 

assessments.

4.3 Supplier: an entity that is separate from the certification body and is certified to a standard by 

the certification body. Types of suppliers include, but are not limited to: 

a) Crop producers 

b) Wild crop producers 

c) Livestock producers 

d) Processing/Handling operations 

4.4 Witness Audit: the witnessing of the certification body's conformity assessment activities 

during an inspection of a supplier, including an examination of the inspector's preparation for the 

inspection and the implementation of the certification body's inspection procedures. The inspection of 

the supplier may be a demonstration when it is not possible to conduct an actual inspection. 

5 Responsibilities

5.1 Certification bodies must meet all applicable policies, procedures, and requirements outlined in 

this document, ISO/IEC 17065:2012, and QAD 1000 Procedure.

5.2 Certification bodies must provide access to information, documents, and records as necessary 

for the assessment and maintenance of the accreditation.

5.3 Certification bodies must provide access to those documents that provide insight into the level 

of independence and impartiality of the certification body from its related bodies, where applicable. 

5.4 Certification bodies must arrange witness audits when requested by the QAD. 

5.5 The QAD must meet all applicable policies, procedures, and requirements outlined in this 

document, QAD 1000 Procedure, and referenced documents, as applicable.

6 QAD Websites

6.1 The USDA: Auditing and Accreditation website provides information on all QAD audit and 

accreditation activities, including:

The USDA: ISO/IEC website. This website provides information regarding the USDA ISO/IEC 17065 

Program, including relevant documents and standards, guidance, and the Official Listing. 

7 Accreditation Period

7.1 The accreditation period is a four-year period. 
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1st 4-Yr Period Subsequent 4-Yr Periods

Year 0 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Initial

(§11)

Surveillance.

(§12)

Update

(§13)

Surveillance

(§12)

Reassess

(§14)

Update

(§13)

Surveillance

(§12)

Update

(§13)

Reassess

(§14)

*Activities are further described in the Sections referenced. 

8 Application for Service

8.1 By applying for service, the certification body agrees to meet the requirements outlined in this 

document, ISO/IEC 17065:2012, and QAD 1000 Procedure. 

8.2 Certification bodies must apply for service in accordance with the requirements outlined in 

QAD 1000 Procedure. 

8.3 In addition, the certification body must submit the following information relevant to the 

accreditation:

a) A description of the conformity assessment services that the certification body undertakes; 

b) A list of standards, methods, or procedures for which the certification body seeks accreditation, 

including limits of capability where applicable;

c) A hard copy and electronic copy of the certification body's quality manual and relevant 

associated documents and records. The quality manual and associated documents and records 

must meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065:2012; 

d) A completed QAD 1012 Checklist, if applicable;

e) A current list of clients certified by the certification body covered under the scope of the 

assessment, including locations and products certified and standard if the certification body 

offers multiple certifications; 

f) Samples of brochures, advertisements, labels, or other publicly available documents describing 

the certification services offered; and

g) A copy of the most recent internal audit report of the certification body's program. If all 

activities of the certification body's program are not implemented at the time of the internal 

audit, then the internal audit must cover those activities that are implemented.

8.4 The certification body may also be asked to submit the following information relevant to the 

accreditation:

a) The standard(s) used to certify product; 

b) The source of the standard(s); 

c) The names of the members who developed the standard(s) and their qualifications; and 

d) The process used to develop the standard(s) if developed by the certification body. 

9 Desk Audit
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9.1 A desk audit (i.e. document review) is conducted prior to the initial assessment in accordance 

with the requirements for desk audits as outlined in QAD 1000 Procedure. The certification body may 

not request to forego this desk audit.

9.2 A desk audit (i.e. document review) is also conducted prior to each surveillance assessment and 

reassessment to prepare for the assessment. The scope of the desk audit is based on the scope of the 

assessment.

10 Preliminary Visit

10.1 Prior to initial assessment, a preliminary visit may be conducted with the agreement of the 

certification body. 

10.2 This visit may result in the identification of deficiencies in the system of the applicant 

certification body or its competencies. These deficiencies must be adequately addressed before an 

initial assessment can be conducted.

Note: The QAD does not consult and exercises due care to avoid consultancy during such a visit. 

11 Initial Assessment

11.1 Initial assessments are conducted in accordance with the requirements for on-site audits as 

outlined in QAD 1000 Procedure.

11.2 Initial assessments include the entire quality management system, including associated 

documents and records, a review of certification files, and witness audits.

11.3 In addition to visiting the main office, visits are made to all other premises of the certification 

body from which one or more key activities are performed and which are covered by the scope of 

accreditation.

12 Surveillance Assessments

12.1 Surveillance assessments are conducted in accordance with the requirements for on-site audits 

as outlined in QAD 1000 Procedure. The purpose of the surveillance assessment is to verify that the 

approved quality management system continues to be implemented, to consider the implications of 

changes to that system, and to confirm continued conformity to the requirements. 

12.2 Surveillance assessments are conducted during the four-year accreditation period as follows:

a) After initial accreditation, the first surveillance assessment is conducted within 12 months of 

the initial accreditation date (Year 1).

b) The second surveillance assessment is conducted during Year 3 of the first four-year 

accreditation period.

c) During subsequent four-year accreditation periods, the surveillance assessment is conducted 

during Year 2.
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d) Additional surveillance assessments are conducted (1) if numerous non-conformances were 

identified during the previous assessment; (2) for failure to submit annual update reports; (3) as 

the result of complaints whose root cause is related to deficiencies in the certification body's 

quality system; (4) as the result of significant changes that have affected the certification body's 

operations at any time during the accreditation period; and/or (5) as directed by the QAD 

Branch Chief. 

12.3 In circumstances where the certification body operates a program spread across multiple 

offices, every effort is made to assess all offices from which key activities are conducted during the 

four-year accreditation period. The selection of offices is based on the following criteria: 

a) An obligatory visit to the main office;

b) A selection of other offices based on the total number of offices with an effort to ensure that all 

offices are assessed during the four-year accreditation period; and 

c) Any additional office(s) deemed necessary by the QAD. 

12.4 A surveillance assessment includes, at least: 

a) A review of actions taken on non-conformances identified during the previous assessment;

b) Review of any changes to the documented system; 

c) Effectiveness of the management system about achieving the objectives;

d) Continuing operational control; 

e) Progress of planned activities aimed at continual improvement; 

f) Internal audits; 

g) Management reviews;

h) Corrective and preventative actions; 

i) Appeals, complaints, and disputes; 

j) Use of marks and/or any other reference to approval; 

k) A review of the certification process, including applicable certification files; and 

l) Witness audits. 

12.5 The surveillance assessment may include other areas, as necessary, to verify conformance to 

the requirements.

12.6 Prior to the surveillance assessment and upon the request of the QAD, the certification body 

must submit the following information relevant to the accreditation:

a) A hard copy and/or an electronic copy of the certification body's quality manual and relevant 

associated documents and records, applicable to the scope of the surveillance assessment, and 

including any changes made since the previous assessment. The quality manual and associated 

documents and records must meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065:2012; 

b) An updated QAD 1012 Checklist, if applicable; 

c) Identification of major changes to the certification body's policies, procedures and protocols, 

since the most recent assessment or review;
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d) Changes in the certification body's information, since the most recent assessment or review; 

e) A copy of the most recent internal audit report;

f) A copy of the most recent management review report; 

g) The number of complaints, appeals, and disputes, along with a copy of each, since the most 

recent assessment or review;

h) A copy of corrective and preventative actions taken since the most recent assessment or review 

that are the result of management reviews, internal audits, complaints, or other means and 

related to the certification body's program;

i) All reported misuses of logos received by the certification body, since the most recent

assessment or review;

j) All changes in the certification body certification personnel that are critical to the operation of 

its certification activities, since the most recent assessment or review;

k) A current list of suppliers certified by the certification body covered under the scope of the 

surveillance assessment, including locations and products certified and standard if the 

certification body offers multiple certifications; and

l) Samples of brochures, advertisements, labels, or other publicly available documents describing 

the certification services offered that reference accreditation by the USDA.

13 Annual Update Reviews

13.1 Annual update reviews are conducted during the four-year accreditation period as follows:

a) During the first four-year accreditation period, and annual review is conducted during Year 2.

b) During subsequent four-year accreditation periods, annual update reviews are conducted during 

Years 1 and 3. 

Note: A surveillance assessment may be conducted in lieu of an annual update review. 

13.2 To facilitate the annual update review, the certification body must submit an annual update 

report upon the request of the QAD. The report must include the following:

a) An updated QAD 1012 Checklist; 

b) Changes in the certification body's information, since the most recent assessment or review; 

c) Major changes to the certification body's policies, procedure and protocols, since the most 

recent assessment or review;

d) A copy of the most recent internal audit report; 

e) A copy of the most recent management review report;

f) The number of complaints, appeals, and disputes, along with a copy of each, since the most 

recent assessment or review;

g) A copy of corrective and preventative actions taken since the most recent assessment or review 

that are the result of management reviews, internal audits, complaints, or other means and 

related to the certification body's program;

h) All reported misuses of logos received by the certification body, since the most recent 

assessment or review;
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i) All changes in the certification body personnel that are critical to the operation of its 

certification activities, since the most recent assessment or review;

j) The number of certified suppliers per type including location (state/country) and standard if the 

certification body offers multiple certifications.

14 Reassessments

14.1 Reassessments are conducted in accordance with the requirements for initial assessments as 

outlined above in Section 11, except for Section 11.3. Instead, the selection of offices is in accordance 

with Section 12.3. 

14.2 Reassessments are conducted during Year 4 of the four-year accreditation period. 

Reassessments should be conducted prior to the expiration date; however, an extension of the 

accreditation period may be granted to allow for the timely conduct of the reassessment. 

14.3 Prior to the reassessment and upon the request of the QAD, the certification body must submit 

the following information relevant to the accreditation:

a) A hard copy and/or an electronic copy of the certification body's quality manual and relevant 

associated documents and records. The quality manual and associated documents and records 

must meet the requirements of ISO/IEC 17065:2012; 

b) An updated QAD 1012 Checklist, if applicable;

c) Identification of major changes to the certification body's policies, procedures and protocols, 

since the most recent assessment or review;

d) Changes in the certification body's information, since the most recent assessment or review; 

e) A copy of the most recent internal audit report;

f) A copy of the most recent management review report; 

g) The number of complaints, appeals, and disputes, along with a copy of each, since the most 

recent assessment or review;

h) A copy of corrective and preventative actions taken since the most recent assessment or review 

that are the result of management reviews, internal audits, complaints, or other means and 

related to the certification body's program;

i) All reported misuses of logos received by the certification body, since the most recent 

assessment or review;

j) All changes in the certification body certification personnel that are critical to the operation of 

its certification activities, since the most recent assessment or review;

k) A current list of suppliers certified by the certification body covered under the scope of the 

reassessment, including locations and products certified and standard if the certification body 

offers multiple certifications; and 

l) Samples of brochures, advertisements, labels, or other publicly available documents describing 

the certification services offered that reference accreditation by the USDA.

15 Witness Audit
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15.1 Witness audits are conducted throughout the four-year accreditation period. They are normally 

conducted in conjunction with an assessment but may be conducted independent of one. The witness 

audit provides a means of verifying that the accredited certification body is satisfactorily implementing 

its procedures.

15.2 Enough witness audits are conducted to ensure that sufficient objective information is collected 

to verify that documented procedures are implemented and effective. A representative sample of 

suppliers, including foreign suppliers if applicable, is selected to ensure proper evaluation of the 

certification body's competence. The number of witness audits is based on the following criteria: 

15.2.1 During initial assessments and reassessments, a minimum of one witness audit for each type of 

supplier per standard is conducted. One supplier may be witnessed for multiple standards. 

15.2.2 During surveillance assessments, a minimum of three witness audits are conducted. If only two 

types of suppliers are certified by the client, then a minimum of one witness audit may be conducted. 

Additional witness audits may be conducted based on the findings of certification file reviews, nonconformances identified during the previous assessment or annual update review, the number of 

suppliers certified considering the types and standards, complaints received, or as directed by the 

QAD. 

NOTE: Witness audits may be conducted throughout Years 2 and 3 rather than all for one year. 

16 Review of Certification Files

16.1 Certification files are reviewed during the four-year accreditation period. They are normally 

reviewed in conjunction with an assessment but may be conducted independent of one. The review of 

certification files ensures that: 

a) The documentation found in a case file is complete and up to date; 

b) The evaluation methods are sufficient to ensure evaluation of suppliers against all standards 

applicable to their operations; 

c) The inspection reports include a sufficient quantity of information elements needed to make a 

certification decision;

d) The decision made is congruous with the evaluation of the production/preparation plan as 

submitted by the operator and the report resulting from inspection visits to operations sites; 

e) The certification body has monitored the implementation of all necessary corrective measures 

that it requested from each operator having products certified; and 

f) The certification body is operating in accordance with the relevant sections of ISO/IEC 17065. 

16.2 Enough certification files are reviewed to ensure that sufficient objective information is 

collected to verify that documented procedures are implemented, and program requirements are met. 

The typical quantity and selection of certification files reviewed during initial and reassessments is 

based on the criteria in the following table: 
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Number of Certified Suppliers Number of Files Reviewed*

100 or less Between 7 and 10 files, 6 of which must be full reviews

101 - 240 Between 10 and 12 files, 10 of which must be full reviews 

241 - 400 Between 12 and 15 files, 10 of which must be full reviews

401 - 1000 Between 15 and 20 files, 10 of which must be full reviews 

More than 1000 Between 20 and 25 files, 10 of which must be full reviews 

*In cases where the certification body certifies to multiple standards, a representative sample of files 

for all standards is selected to ensure proper evaluation of the certification body's competence. One 

file may be reviewed for multiple standards. In cases where the certification body certifies foreign 

suppliers, if the reviewed files do not include at least one foreign supplier per type, then additional 

files of foreign suppliers for that type is selected and a full review is conducted. 

16.3 The typical quantity and selection of certification files reviewed during surveillance 

assessments is based on the criteria in the following table:

Number of Certified Suppliers Number of Files Reviewed*

100 or less Between 5 and 7 files, 5 of which must be full reviews

101 - 240 Between 7 and 10 files, 6 of which must be full reviews 

241 - 400 Between 10 and 12 files, 6 of which must be full reviews 

401 - 1000 Between 12 and 15 files, 6 of which must be full reviews 

More than 1000 Between 15 and 20 files, 6 of which must be full reviews 

*In cases where the certification body certifies to multiple standards, a representative sample of files 

for all standards is selected to ensure proper evaluation of the certification body's competence. One 

file may be reviewed for multiple standards. In cases where the certification body certifies foreign 

suppliers, if the reviewed files do not include at least one foreign supplier per type, then additional 

files of foreign suppliers for that type is selected and a full review is conducted. 

17 Extension of Scope

17.1 Assessments for extension of certification scope requests are conducted in accordance with the 

requirements for initial assessments as outlined above in Section 11. The scope of these assessments is 

limited to the extension request.

17.2 The certification body must submit the following information relevant to an extension of scope 

request:

a) A description of the extension of scope request; 

b) A list of new standards, methods, or procedures for which the certification body seeks 

accreditation, including limits of capability where applicable;

c) A hard copy and/or an electronic copy of the certification body's relevant associated documents 

that were updated to address the extension of scope;
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d) Evaluation documents used for reviews and inspections; 

e) A list of additional locations and the activities conducted at the locations; 

f) A list of new certification body personnel, including committees, their qualifications and 

responsibilities;

g) Records of training and qualifications for current certification body personnel, including 

committees, involved in activities related to the extension of scope request, including reviews, 

inspections, and decision making; and 

h) Samples of brochures, advertisements, labels, or other publicly available documents describing 

the new service offered that reference accreditation by the USDA.

18 USDA National Organic Program 

18.1 Certification bodies may request accreditation to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) 

production standards under the USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program. Accreditation to these standards is 

contingent upon the certification body being in good standing as an USDA NOP accredited certifying 

agent. If the USDA NOP suspends or revokes a certification body's accreditation for any reason, then 

the QAD will also suspend or withdraw the certification body's accreditation specific to the NOP 

production standards. Certification bodies may remain accredited to other Standards. 

18.2 The QAD notifies the USDA NOP of any non-compliance to the NOP regulation that is found 

during USDA ISO 17065 Program assessment. This includes any non-compliance that may be 

identified even though outside the scope of the USDA ISO 17065 Program. In addition, the QAD also 

notifies the USDA NOP of the results of any corrective action audits specific to the NOP regulation. 

The USDA NOP may choose to take separate action based upon the information provided by the QAD. 

18.3 The QAD notifies the USDA NOP when a certification body's accreditation under the USDA 

ISO 17065 Program is suspended or withdrawn as the result of a non-compliance to the NOP 

regulation. 

19 Program Review Committee 

19.1 Decisions on accreditation, including approval, disapproval, extension of scope, suspension, 

and withdrawal are made by the Program Review Committee. Decisions regarding suspension and 

withdrawal are limited to those based on the findings of the assessment. Decisions regarding reduction 

of scope may be made by the Program Manager. The review is conducted in accordance to QAD 1115 

Procedure: Program Review Committee. The Program Review Committee makes the final decision 

regarding accreditation status.

a) Applications for service and extension of scope requests are reviewed by a Program Review 

Committee. The purpose of the review is to determine the QAD's capabilities to conduct the 

assessment by evaluating the QAD's own policies and the availability of suitable auditors and 

experts with the appropriate competence to perform the assessment in a timely manner. 
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b) The Program Review Committee reviews the results of initial assessments, reassessments, and 

extension of scope requests. 

c) A Program Review Committee reviews the results of surveillance assessments, annual update 

reviews, and independent witness audits only when program suspension or withdrawal may be 

necessary.

20 Listing of Accredited Programs and Programs Under Review

20.1 The QAD provides public information about the current status of accreditation of applicant 

certification bodies and accredited certification bodies in the Official Listing of Certification Bodies 

Approved under the USDA ISO 17065 Program. In addition, the QAD uses the Official Listing to

solicit comments regarding the certification bodies' performance and conformance to relevant 

standards.

20.2 The Official Listing is maintained on the USDA, AMS: ISO/IEC website and contains 

information including:

a) Certification body's name; 

b) Certification body's address; 

c) Certification body's contact information including telephone number, fax number, and email 

address when available;

d) Standards applied; 

e) Scope of accreditation;

f) Countries of operation; 

g) Certificate number, as applicable;

h) Issue date and renewal date related to the current accreditation period; and

i) Original accreditation date. 

20.3 In addition, the Official Listing will also contain the following information if applicable:

a) If the certification body is undergoing an initial assessment, the statement "Under Review" is 

included. 

b) If the certification body is under suspension, the scope of the suspension, the effective date of 

the suspension and the following statement are included: "Under Suspension – Agricultural 

products certified under the program prior to suspension remain certified. No additional 

products may be certified while the suspension is in effect." 

c) If the certification body is under withdrawal, the effective date of the withdrawal and the 

following statement are included: "Under Withdrawal – Agricultural products certified under 

the program prior to withdrawal are no longer certified. No additional products may be 

certified." 

d) If the certification body has requested to cancel service, the following statement is included: 

"Requested to Cancel Service – Agricultural products certified under the program are eligible 
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until [date]." The date referenced is the date that cancellation is effective, normally the date 

that the next surveillance assessment or reassessment was to occur. 

21 Certificate of Conformance

21.1 A Certificate of Conformance is issued to all accredited certification bodies (hard copy and/or 

in electronic form). The certificate identifies the following:

a) Identity and logo of the QAD; 

b) Certification body's name; 

c) All premises from which one or more key activities are performed and which are covered by 

the accreditation;

d) Certificate number; 

e) Issue date and renewal date;

f) Reference to the scope of accreditation;

g) Statement of conformity and a reference to the standard(s) or other normative document(s), 

including issue or revision used for the assessment;

h) Type of certification; 

i) Standards or normative documents, or regulatory requirements or types thereof, to which 

products, personnel, services, or management systems are certified as applicable; 

j) Industry sectors, where relevant;

k) Product categories, where relevant; and 

l) Personnel categories, where relevant.

Note: Individual certificates for different standards may be issued. 

21.2 Certificates are valid for up to four years and may be renewed provided systems are maintained 

as described in program documentation and subsequent assessments provide objective evidence of 

ongoing conformance. An extension of the accreditation period may be granted to allow for the timely 

conduct of the reassessment.

21.3 Companies that are withdrawn from the USDA ISO/IEC 17065 Program or cancel service must 

discontinue using the Certificate of Conformance. 

22 References to Official Certificates and Accreditation

22.1 A certification body with a valid Certificate of Conformance may make references to 

accreditation by the QAD in communication media. 

Note: Acceptable references may include, for example, “[Certification body's] product certifications 

are accredited under ISO/IEC 17065:2012 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.” 

22.2 References must be complete and not misleading or ambiguous.

22.3 References must not imply that a product, process, system, or person is approved by the QAD. 
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22.4 Certification bodies are responsible for correcting erroneous references in a sufficient manner 

that is appropriate to the situation.

22.5 If a certification body continuously makes erroneous references, the QAD shall not allow the 

certification body to make any references until such time that the QAD is assured that references will 

be accurate.

___________________________________

Jeff Waite, Branch Chief

Quality Assessment Division

Livestock and Poultry Program

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