ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories. This document specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories.
ISO/IEC 17025 has been developed with the objective of promoting confidence in the operation of laboratories. This document contains requirements for laboratories to enable them to demonstrate they operate competently and are able to generate valid results. Laboratories that conform to this document will also operate generally in accordance with the principles of ISO 9001.
This document is applicable to all organizations performing laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel.
Laboratory customers, regulatory authorities, organizations and schemes using peer-assessment, accreditation bodies, and others use this document in confirming or recognizing the competence of laboratories.
The use of this document will facilitate cooperation between laboratories and other bodies, and assist in the exchange of information and experience, and in the harmonization of standards and procedures. The acceptance of results between countries is facilitated if laboratories conform to this document.
ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
ISO/IEC 17025 requires the laboratory to plan and implement actions to address risks and opportunities. Addressing both risks and opportunities establishes a basis for increasing the effectiveness of the management system, achieving improved results and preventing negative effects. The laboratory is responsible for deciding which risks and opportunities need to be addressed.