The Audit, Review, and Compliance (ARC) Branch conducts voluntary conformity assessments and accreditation audits for certification agencies to determine compliance to the International Organization for Standardization Guide 65:1996 General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems.

The USDA ISO Guide 65 Program ARC 1012 Procedure specifies the general requirements that a third-party operating a product or service certification system shall meet if it is to be recognized as competent and reliable. Adherence to the USDA ISO Guide 65 Program ensures that the certification agency operates a third-party certification system in a consistent and reliable manner.

The USDA ISO Guide 65 Program is available to U.S. and international certification bodies that perform conformity assessment activities for livestock, meat, seed, or other agricultural products or services that are within the scope of the LS Program. The general policies and procedures for the USDA ISO Guide 65 Program are outlined in ARC 1000 Procedure.

Certification agencies that wish to participate in the USDA ISO Guide 65 Program must submit a completed ARC 1012A Checklist and submit it with the request for service.

Certification agencies who successfully pass the audit are listed on the Official Listing of Approved USDA ISO Guide 65 Programs.