Which edition should you follow when a customer specifies ISO 6789:2003?
Applies to: ISO 6789:2003 · Updated 2026-10-27
Technical review: Alston Hsiao (Chieh-Jen Hsiao), CTO, STAND
When a customer explicitly specifies ISO 6789:2003, arrange the work under the 2003 edition and state that edition clearly in both the work request and the delivered documents. If the customer also requires results or documentation under the 2017 edition, clarify the two sets of requirements separately before determining the measurement work and documentation needed.
Turn the specified edition into an actionable request
When a request says “to ISO 6789:2003,” first check that the tool is a hand torque tool within that edition's scope. Then establish whether the request concerns conformance at delivery, recalibration after use, or review of an existing report. The 2003 edition combines tool requirements and calibration procedures in one standard, without a Part 1/Part 2 division. “Follow ISO” still does not adequately describe the work to be performed.
For example, a purchasing specification may name the 2003 edition while the calibration request says only “latest edition.” These documents point to different work. Before measurements begin, align the references and confirm the tool's identity, required operating directions, and information to be delivered. This makes the request actionable; it does not mean that all customers must use the same purchasing form.
Keep procedures and results consistent with the chosen edition
Once the 2003 edition is selected, check the calibration device, environment, measurement points, reading arrangements, and deviation calculations against that edition. Do not reuse a newer worksheet merely by changing the year in its heading to 2003. Check each element to ensure that the actual operations and the calculation basis in the report are consistent.
The 2017 revision separated conformance requirements from calibration and uncertainty work into two parts. If a customer specifies the 2003 edition but also requests a calibration certificate to ISO 6789-2:2017, separately confirm the full scope of the latter work. Using the same tool and the same set of forms does not establish that both sets of requirements have been met.
Separate acceptance of an edition from its technical contents
Working to a specified edition and describing it as the “current ISO edition” are different matters. The two 2017 parts replaced the 2003 edition. Documents can still clearly describe work performed to the 2003 edition, but whether the results are accepted depends on the actual agreement.
If the customer specifies a national adoption of the standard, obtain its complete designation, year, and official text. Check the adoption relationship and any differences. A statement that it “corresponds to ISO 6789:2003” is not enough to conclude that all requirements are identical.