ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Certification

Testing and Calibration Laboratories – General Requirements for Competence

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the internationally recognized standard that specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. The standard ensures laboratories produce technically valid, accurate, and reliable results. It is applicable to all organizations performing laboratory testing and calibration activities, regardless of size or field of operation.

Purpose of ISO/IEC 17025

The main objective of ISO/IEC 17025 is to:

Demonstrate technical competence
Ensure accuracy and reliability of test results
Improve laboratory operations
Enhance international acceptance of reports
Support regulatory compliance

It builds confidence in laboratory data used for quality control, product certification, regulatory approval, and research.

Who Should Implement ISO/IEC 17025?

ISO/IEC 17025 is suitable for:

Testing laboratories
Calibration laboratories
Food packaging companies
Storage and transportation providers
Agricultural producers
Beverage companies
Retailers and wholesalers

Any organization directly or indirectly involved in the food supply chain can benefit from ISO 22000 certification.

Key Requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017

The standard is structured into the following key areas:

General Requirements
Structural Requirements
Organizational structure
Resource Requirements
Process Requirements

Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025 Certification

The standard includes:

Technical Competence Recognition
Demonstrates laboratory capability and reliability.
International Acceptance
Enhances global recognition of laboratory reports.
Improved Accuracy
Ensures valid and traceable measurement results.
Risk Reduction
Identifies and controls operational risks.
Competitive Advantage
Strengthens credibility in domestic and international markets.
Operation
Monitoring, measurement, internal audit, and management review.
Performance Evaluation
Corrective actions and continual improvement.

ISO 17025 Certification Process

Gap Analysis
Complaint Handling Policy Development
Process Documentation
Staff Training
System Implementation
Internal Audit
Certification Audit
Certificate Issuance

Frequently Asked Questions

Now that I have selected Euro Assessments, who will be my contact?

In the short term, you may continue to work with the Client Relations Manager who has been assisting you through the selection process. However, for audit-related information, your primary contact, and the person best equipped to help you will be your assigned lead auditor.

What issues will my auditor be able to help me with?

All of my audit scheduling. | reviewing my documents prior to the Certification Audit. | Coordinating and conducting my Certification Audit. | Interpretations on my quality management system standard.

What will my assigned lead auditor want to know when he/she makes initial contact with me?

Your assigned lead auditor will want to discuss your expected timing for the required certification activities such as document review and the initial assessment. He/she will need to know if you have elected to have a pre-assessment.

If I am not sure when I want to schedule an auditing activity such as the document review or initial assessment how much notice does my assigned auditor need?

Your assigned lead auditor could be “booked” as far ahead as 3 to6 months or more. It is a good idea to “reserve” time on their schedule that is realistic and achievable. Should you cancel a scheduled time without ample notice, your assigned lead auditor may or may not be able to accommodate your needs. In that case, another lead auditor may be assigned to your account.

What steps are there in the certification process?

There are 3 basic steps to a certification process and they are: ✓ Document review. ✓ Initial Assessment. ✓ Certification Panel Review of recommendation.

When will I receive a certificate?

Once the recommendation is accepted by the Certification Panel team you could expect your formal certificates in about 7 to 12 working days, which is approximately 2 weeks from the initial audit.