ISO 17025:2017

What is ISO 17025?

ISO 17025:2017 is an international standard that sets out the requirements calibration laboratories and testing organisations must meet to demonstrate compliance with a quality management system (QMS). It proves that laboratories are technically competent and capable of generating valid, accurate, and repeatable test results.

This standard applies to all aspects of laboratory operations, from test equipment calibration to data sampling procedures, and outlines specifications that improve an organisation’s laboratory quality control. Key topics covered in ISO 17025 certification include:

Testing and calibration using standard, non-standard, and laboratory-developed methods
Conducting tests under controlled laboratory conditions
Enhancing laboratory credibility and compliance with international accreditation bodies

Benefits of ISO 17025

✅ A systematic approach to control all processes with well-defined procedures and supporting documentation, aligned with ISO 17025 accreditation requirements.

✅ Achieve international recognition of technical competence, gain customer confidence, attract interested parties, and open doors to new markets locally and internationally.

✅ Promote greater quality awareness among employees, reducing defects, rework, and service failures, while improving overall quality assurance.

✅ Enhance corporate image and reputation with regulators, customers, employees, and society by demonstrating compliance with ISO 17025 laboratory quality management.

✅ Increase business opportunities due to enhanced customer confidence and satisfaction.

✅ Save time and costs by reducing or eliminating the need for re-testing of products, supported by traceable calibration and testing methods.

✅ Improve control of laboratory operations and receive feedback on whether the Quality Assurance System is robust and technically competent.

✅ Control variations in laboratory methods to ensure reliability and accuracy.

✅ Increase confidence in testing and calibration data, as well as in personnel performing laboratory work.

✅ Ensure the validity and appropriateness of test methods, along with traceability of measurements and calibrations to national and international standards.

✅ Guarantee the suitability, calibration, and maintenance of test equipment and the testing environment.

✅ Standardize processes for sampling, handling, and transportation of test items, while ensuring quality assurance of both test and calibration data.