Institute of European Standards and Quality 
Product and intended use
A product question starts with an identifiable product and its intended use. Variant, materials, construction, user group and conditions of use may affect the requirements and evidence. Similar appearance alone does not establish an equivalent technical scope.
Questions addressed
Work may concern performance requirements, consistency of specifications, the adequacy of a technical file or the relationship between a claim and its supporting evidence. The agreed activity states which question is examined and which characteristics fall outside it.
Basis of evaluation
The basis may be a specified standard, programme criteria or an agreed technical method. The reference and edition are recorded. Where legislation is relevant, its applicability and the required procedure have to be established for the particular product.
Information needed
An initial scope normally identifies the product, intended use, relevant market, specifications and available reports. Later stages may require drawings, material information, test evidence or production details. The necessary information follows from the task, rather than a universal checklist.
Results
The output states the object examined, evidence considered, method and findings. Its conclusion applies within that stated scope. An assessment report should not be used to claim that every variant, manufacturing site or unrelated characteristic has been evaluated.
Testing and statutory procedures
Where testing, inspection or a legally prescribed procedure is required, the responsible body and its role must be identified. A general technical review cannot replace such a procedure. See the European Commission's conformity assessment explanation.
Programmes and technical resources
A defined programme provides its own criteria, procedure and result conditions. Technical guidance can help explain a method, but is read separately from the programme rules.
Discuss the product scope
Identify the product, intended use and the decision the work is to support. State whether you require technical guidance, a report or a result under a particular programme.