ISO 21043 Standards

Overview

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 21043 standards, developed by ISO Technical Committee 272 Forensic Sciences (ISO/TC 272), are a series of international standards that provide guidance and requirements for the entire forensic science process, aiming to enhance the quality, consistency, and reliability of forensic work across disciplines and across the globe. 

This five-part series is structured to follow the forensic process from the scene to the courtroom:

• Part 1: Vocabulary establishes standardized terminology for forensic science terms used within the ISO 21043 series, creating a common language for practitioners. It is important to reference this standard when using the other four parts in this series. The terms and definitions in Part 1 are freely accessible through the ISO Online Browsing Platform.
• Part 2: Recognition, recording, collecting, transport and storage of items specifies requirements and recommendations for the recognition, collection, transport, and storage of items, focusing on maintaining integrity from the scene through laboratory handling. Part 2 is currently on the OSAC Registry.
• Part 3: Analysis specifies requirements and recommendations for analytical methods, validation, and process management to facilitate reliable forensic examination results.
• Part 4: Interpretation specifies requirements and recommendations for investigative and evaluative interpretation of forensic observations to form opinions.
• Part 5: Reporting specifies requirements and recommendations for generating forensic reports, case file review and testimony. 

Application

• Forensic-specific scope. Unlike ISO/IEC 17025 (testing and calibration laboratories) and ISO/IEC 17020 (inspection bodies), ISO 21043 directly addresses the full forensic process. For example, where ISO/IEC 17025 facilitates technical competence and laboratory quality management in the general analytical environment, ISO 21043 offers additional, specific requirements relevant to the forensic process.
• Impact on accreditation standards. ISO 21043 does not replace current accreditation standards (i.e., ISO IEC 17025 and ISO/IEC 17020). Rather, it is intended to provide global standardization and improve forensic practices worldwide.
• Implementation. The use of these international standards is voluntary; however, implementing the ISO 21043 series can help forensic service providers embrace global standards specific to the forensic process, improve quality management, and foster greater trust and reliability in their work and expert testimony. 

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