ISO 17025 STANDARDS

Introduction

ISO/IEC 17025 is a universal recognized standardthat was developed in 1999 to provide accreditationspecifically to the testing and calibration laboratorieswhich were seeking accreditation.

Clauses

Management Requirements:

This requirement is basically related to theoperations and effectiveness of quality managementsystem within the laboratory.

Technical Requirements:

Basically, technical requirements are related to allthe factors that determine the accuracy andreliability of the test and calibrations done by thelaboratory.

Benefits

Increase of confidence of personnel performing Testing/ Calibration and also the related data.

Regular inspection of the laboratories so as to check whether they are technically competent and have sound Quality Assurance System.

Enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction which results in increase in business.

Ease for the customers to search and identify the laboratories which are accredited from the Directory of Accredited Laboratories or their websites.

Benefits continued…

Elimination of the need for re-testing of products leads to savings in terms of time as well as money.

The reputation and image of the laboratory has been improved nationally and globally.

Improvement in laboratory effectiveness and data quality.

Costs

Internal Cost

The costs related to implementation and to maintenance of your accreditation.

Certification Costs/ Registration Costs

Costs of registration depends on the size of your organization.

Other fees include application fees, annual license fees or certificate fees.

Adopted by

NATA in Australia, established in 1947.

TELARC in New Zealand, established in 1973.

National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in India.

Many others that followed the pattern of NATA/TELARC.