ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 – Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
Testing and calibration laboratories play a critical role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and compliance of products and services across industries. To guarantee accurate results, laboratories must demonstrate technical competence, impartiality, and consistent performance.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard sets the globally recognised requirements for laboratories that perform testing, sampling, and calibration. It ensures that results are valid, traceable, and accepted internationally. By adopting this standard, laboratories build trust with clients, regulators, and accreditation bodies while improving internal efficiency and reducing operational risks.
What ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Is and Why It Matters
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories. It applies to all organisations that carry out laboratory activities, regardless of their size or scope.
The standard requires laboratories to:
- Implement an effective Management System aligned with laboratory-specific needs.
- Ensure the accuracy, validity, and traceability of test and calibration results.
- Maintain and calibrate instruments, reagents, and reference materials.
- Monitor risks and opportunities that could impact result integrity.
- Protect confidentiality and maintain impartiality in laboratory practices.
This ensures results are scientifically defensible and internationally recognised, reducing the need for duplicate testing across borders.
Who Uses ISO/IEC 17025:2017?
The standard benefits a wide range of organisations, including:
- Independent and state-owned laboratories performing calibration or testing.
- Universities and research institutions conducting experimental analysis.
- Inspection bodies and regulators verifying product compliance.
- Product certification organisations relying on test results.
- Industrial and manufacturing companies with in-house testing facilities.
It is particularly relevant for industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food safety, engineering, environmental sciences, forensics, and healthcare.
Core Laboratory Requirements
Under ISO/IEC 17025:2017, laboratory equipment and resources must include:
- Primary measurement instruments.
- Measurement software and digital systems.
- Auxiliary modules and equipment to support core instruments.
- Reagents and consumables used in tests.
- Certified reference materials required for precision and accuracy.
Laboratories must also integrate modern practices such as computer systems, electronic records, and digital reporting, ensuring alignment with technological advancements.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 17025:2017
Implementation with WWISE
Our structured 4-phase approach simplifies ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 implementation:
Phase 1
Gap Analysis & Information Gathering
Assess current certification body practices against 17021-1
Phase 2
Documentation, Risk Assessment & Process Mapping
Developing policies, procedures, and methodologies to align with ISO requirements.
Phase 3
Implementation
& Training
Deliver employee training, workshops, and awareness sessions to embed ethical practices.
Phase 4
Certification
Support
We prepare you for third-party certification, ensuring all requirements are met for a smooth audit.
We provide templates, toolkits, e-learning modules, and one-on-one mentorship so your team is confident in both certification and ongoing maintenance.
Why Choose WWISE
Our expertise spans quality management, regulatory compliance, and technical auditing, enabling laboratories to achieve ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation efficiently and effectively.
With WWISE as a partner, laboratories gain more than certification, they achieve improved credibility, reduced risks, and the ability to confidently deliver results that are trusted worldwide.
With WWISE, your collaborations become more than contractual obligations; they become drivers of sustainable growth, innovation, and competitive advantage.
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