The process of ISO evaluation and approval is called “conformity assessment.” ISO itself does not carry out the
assessment. A supplier may conduct a “first-party assessment” and make a self-declaration of conformity. It may choose
to invite a potential customer to conduct a “second-party assessment” and let the customer verify that its products
conform to specific ISO standards. Or the supplier may invite an independent certification/registration organization to
conduct a “third-party assessment.” Third-party assessment may be required by government regulations or specified
by customers.
