German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) is introducing a new, harmonised system by extending flexible scopes of accreditation to all accreditation activities. The simplified procedures reduce the cost of accreditation and represent a significant step towards reducing bureaucracy. Following further preparations, DAkkS is now publishing additional guidance on using Flex Lists and converting existing flexible accreditation scopes on an event-driven basis.

Introduction of the harmonised system almost complete

The new, harmonised system is entering its next phase with the implementation of flexible scopes for all accreditation activities.

The flexible scopes of accreditation allow accredited conformity assessment bodies (CABs) to make the necessary changes to their technical scope (Level 3 standard) independently. This significantly reduces the workload involved in drawing up accreditation certificates and annexes for all parties concerned and substantially decreases the number of extension applications required. By extending flexible scopes of accreditation to all accreditation activities, DAkkS is playing a pioneering role on the international stage.

The introduction of this extension presented significant technical and regulatory challenges in various sectors of accreditation. These have now largely been overcome, except in a few specific sectors.

As a follow-up to the press release published on 11 June 2026, entitled “Shaping the future of accreditation: DAkkS extends its flexible scopes system to all accreditation activities”, DAkkS is now providing information on presenting the Flex Lists and on the transition of existing flexible scopes of accreditation.

Flex Lists: Guidelines on labelling and using the accreditation symbol

At the heart of the new, harmonised system is the clear distinction in presentation between the annex to the certificate and the list of flexible scopes of application maintained by the CABs, known as the ‘Flex List’. The annexes to the certificates set out the defined areas of activity alongside the flexibility categories, which must be included in the Flex List. This means that the specific activities carried out under flexible accreditation are managed and published exclusively by the CABs in the associated, up-to-date Flex List, under their own responsibility.

The following additional guidelines apply to maintaining the Flex List:

• In all cases, the Flex List must be marked with at least a reference to the relevant document attachment (e.g. D-PL-12345-01-0X).
• The graphical accreditation symbol may be used on the Flex List exclusively in conjunction with the digital accreditation symbol. Applications for the digital accreditation symbol must be made separately from the CABs.

To ensure that DAkkS maintains an overview at all times of the activities included under the flexibility scheme, the current Flex List will be requested for every assessment in future. This should generally be submitted in the form of a ZIP folder, together with the other documents.

DAkkS provides templates for Flex Lists for the Level 3 standards. These can be found in the ZIP folders containing the documents that must be submitted.

Additional templates adapted by technical units will be made available in the near future. These take specific requirements into account in order to minimise the processing effort involved.

Changes to existing flexible scopes are made on an event-driven basis

Existing accreditations with a flexible scope will be gradually converted to the new format. The conversion will take place at the next available opportunity, for example as part of a requested amendment to the accreditation. If an attachment to a certificate is converted as part of an amendment request, all attachments to the certificate relating to the accreditation procedure in question will be converted.

As a matter of principle, there are currently no plans to amend existing certificate annexes without good cause. Furthermore, DAkkS has not set a deadline by which the flexible scopes of validity must be fully converted to the new system.

During the transition period, both the previous and new formats and category names will apply alongside one another. Therefore, flexible scopes that have already been granted will remain valid.

DAkkS is currently working on publishing a summary information sheet, as well as making specific technical information available.

The relevant contact persons for the current procedure are always available if there are any questions.

Background: The objectives and benefits of flexible scopes of application

The flexible scopes of accreditation enable accredited bodies to provide new conformity assessment services and certifications within their accreditation scope without first having these activities assessed by DAkkS on the basis of an application. The assessment takes place as part of the next regular surveillance audit.

With the harmonised system for defining flexible scopes of accreditation, DAkkS is establishing a uniform approach for all accreditation standards for the first time. The system, which is documented in the regulations and comprises categories A, B and C, simplifies procedures and reduces administrative burdens while enhancing the flexibility of accredited bodies. It thus represents an important step in the further development of the accreditation system.