ISO 17025
ISO 17025 is the International Standards that specifies the general requirements for the competence to carry out tests and/or calibrations, including sampling. It covers testing and calibration performed using standard methods, non-standard methods, and laboratory-developed methods. It is applicable to all organizations performing tests and/or calibrations. These include, for example, first, second and third-party laboratories, and laboratories where testing and/or calibration forms part of inspection and product certification.
ISO 17025 is applicable to all laboratories regardless of the:
- calibration activities.
- number of personnel;
- the extent of the scope of testing;
When a laboratory does not undertake one or more of the activities covered by ISO 17025, such as sampling and the design/development of new methods, the requirements of those clauses do not apply.
ISO 17025 follows the Deming Cycle for continuous improvement;
ISO 17025 is for use by laboratories in developing their management system for:
- administration;
- quality;
- technical operations.
Laboratory customers, regulatory authorities and accreditation bodies may also, and do, use it in confirming or recognizing the competence of laboratories.
It is also applicable to Forensic Laboratories.
Compliance with regulatory and safety requirements on the operation of laboratories is not covered by ISO 17025.
Note: ISO 17025 is an Accredited Standard rather than a Certified one, meaning that the National Accreditation Body undertakes 3rd party Audits and not a Certification Body.
International Standards can be purchased from the British Standards Institutive Shop (BSi)