Defines general requirements for bodies providing accreditation of inspection bodies so that the accreditations granted and the services covered by the accreditations may be recognized at a national or international level and the body operating the accreditation system may be known at national or international level as reliable and competent. Users, other than the inspection body, may require compliance with requirements in addition to those specified in this report. The aim is to provide the basis for the setting up and operating an accreditation body and to facilitate agreements, between such bodies, on mutual recognition of accreditation of inspection bodies.