ISO/IEC 17065:2012, Introduction states:

The overall aim of certifying products, processes or services is to give confidence to all interested parties that a product, process or service fulfils specified requirements. The value of certification is the degree of confidence and trust that is established by an impartial and competent demonstration of fulfilment of specified requirements by a third party. Parties that have an interest in certification include, but are not limited to:

a) the clients of the certification bodies;

b) the customers of the organizations whose products, processes or services are certified;

c) governmental authorities;

d) non-governmental organizations; and

e) consumers and other members of the public.

Interested parties can expect or require the certification body to meet all the requirements of this International Standard as well as when relevant, those of the certification scheme.