The document sets out the general requirements for bodies providing accreditation of inspection bodoes so that the accreditations granted and the services covered by the accreditations may be recognized at a national or an international level and the body operating the accreditation system may be recognized at national or international level as competent and reliable. User of accreditation, other the inspection body, may require compliance with requirements additional to those specified in this document. The object of this document is to provide the basis for the setting up and operation of an accreditation body and to facilitate agreements, between such bodies, on mutual recognition of accreditation of insoection bodies.