General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

ISO/IEC 17025 is a globally used laboratory accreditation standard that outlines requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. ISO 17025 Certification is a procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition of technical competence for specific tests/measurements based on third party assessment based on ISO 17025:2017 standard guidelines. ISO/IEC 17025 standard is an evolution of the former ISO guide 25 and latest version is ISO/IEC 17025:2017. There are only 2 types of laboratories in the world and that is testing laboratory and calibration laboratory. This ISO/IEC 17025 standard is applicable for both the types of laboratories.

As the globalization of the Nepalese economy and government policies reduce trade barriers, it’s never been more important for laboratories to be accredited to an international level of competence. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is now a recognized hallmark for quality in laboratory management. Laboratory accreditation confirms your laboratory’s compliance with this standard through third-party, independent recognition of your technical competence.

GBQC offers a range of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 consultancy services to enhance customer confidence in reliable testing and calibration services.

Who needs ISO 17025?

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is applicable for all laboratories in the field of calibration, testing or related sampling activities. This standard is applicable for all kinds of metrological disciplines (excluding medical laboratories, for which standard ISO/IEC 15189 is relevant).

What’s the benefit of ISO 17025?

Implementing ISO/IEC 17025 as part of laboratory quality initiatives provides benefits for both laboratory and business, that includes:

• Enhancing your laboratory’s image by achieving international recognition of your technical competence
• Increasing business due to enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction
• Opening doors to new local and international markets
• Continually improving data quality and laboratory effectiveness
• Establishing a basis for other quality systems related to laboratories, such as Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Laboratory Practices
• Improving control of laboratory operations and feedback to ensure quality assurance and technical competence.