Draft of revised DIN 77200-3 published
Practical further development of the certification procedure
The publication of the draft of the revised DIN 77200-3 “Certification procedure for conformity assessment of security services according to DIN 77200-1 and DIN 77200-2” marks a significant step forward in the further development of quality and certification requirements in the security industry. The objection period for the draft ends on March 23, 2026. A transition period of 12 months is planned after publication of the final standard.
Objective of the revision
The aim of the revision is to make the certification procedure significantly more practical, transparent, and manageable, as well as to increase comparability and legal certainty. To this end, the structure, terminology, and calculation logic have been fundamentally revised compared to the previous DIN 77200-3:2020-07. The revision takes into account many years of feedback from certification bodies, security companies, and auditor circles.
Overview of key changes
Updated normative references
The normative references have been adapted in particular to DIN 77200-1:2022-10. DIN 77200-2 and relevant ISO/IEC standards (including ISO/IEC 17065) remain applicable.
Structural realignment of the standard
The content of previous annexes – such as sampling regulations and documentation requirements – has been integrated into the main text. The standard is thus more clearly structured and easier to apply in everyday certification practice.
Expanded definitions of terms
The glossary of terms has been significantly clarified and expanded (e.g., audit plan, evaluation plan, standard time, simulation, service areas) to ensure a uniform understanding among all parties involved.
Simplified audit planning and audit time determination
The previous minimum hours, factors, and tables have been replaced by standard times in audit days (AD, 1 AD = 8 hours). Audit time is now determined on a service area basis with clearly defined multipliers for each service location, replacing the previously complex calculation models.
Standardized sampling rules
Sampling for SMA files and service locations is now regulated centrally in the standard text. Clear formulas and minimum and maximum values ensure transparency, comparability, and an appropriate audit effort for initial, surveillance, and recertification audits.
Practical on-site testing through simulations
A new feature is the option to use simulations or reference or sample objects for certain security services (e.g., patrol, intervention, event services) if a real on-site test is not possible or only possible to a limited extent.
Clear deadline logic for monitoring and recertification audits
In future, surveillance audits must be carried out annually within 365 days of the certification decision. Failure to meet deadlines will result in the certification process being terminated and a new initial certification being required. Recertification continues to serve as a seamless extension of the three-year certificate term and must be carried out at least three months before the certificate expires.
More precise handling of non-conformities
A period of 90 days applies for the elimination of deviations. After this period has expired, the certificate is suspended, optionally with a limited extension. If the deviation is not remedied within the specified period, the certificate will be withdrawn.
Extended documentation and verification requirements
The evidence to be submitted has been expanded and moved to before the audit is carried out in order to increase the efficiency of the audits and reduce queries.
Significance for security companies and certification bodies
The draft of DIN 77200-3 represents a consistent further development of the certification process. It provides greater planning security, higher comparability, and a noticeable reduction in the practical implementation workload without lowering the level of protection provided by the standard. At the same time, the requirements for structured deadline and document management are increasing. Security companies and certification bodies should use the current objection phase and the subsequent transition period to adapt audit planning, processes, and documentation to the new requirements at an early stage and to prepare strategically for the final standard.