Comparison of the requirements of ISO 17020 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards with the proposed new ISO/IEC 17020 standard and the obligations imposed on vehicle inspection bodies

This paper provides a detailed review of the requirements of SRPS ISO 17020:2012 and SRPS ISO/IEC 17025:2017, with particular emphasis on the forthcoming changes introduced by the new SRPS ISO/IEC 17020:2026 standard. The main conclusions of the analysis indicate that these standards are complementary yet autonomous conformity assessment standards. While testing and calibration laboratories operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 focus on accurate measurements and metrological traceability, inspection bodies operating in accordance with ISO/IEC 17020 perform conformity assessment through professional examination and expert judgment. The new ISO/IEC 17020:2026 standard introduces significant technological modernizations, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital resources. In addition, it replaces the concept of "preventive actions" with a broader approach based on "actions to address risks and opportunities." For vehicle inspection bodies in Serbia, compliance with the new requirements will be essential for maintaining the authorizations granted by the Road Traffic Safety Agency. This will require the revision and updating of existing documentation, as well as appropriate training of personnel employed by inspection bodies.