<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories<br />
ISO/IEC 17025:2005 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.</span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">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.</span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is applicable to all laboratories regardless of the number of personnel or the extent of the scope of testing and/or calibration activities. When a laboratory does not undertake one or more of the activities covered by ISO/IEC 17025:2005, such as sampling and the design/development of new methods, the requirements of those clauses do not apply.</span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is for use by laboratories in developing their management system for quality, administrative and technical operations. Laboratory customers, regulatory authorities and accreditation bodies may also use it in confirming or recognizing the competence of laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is not intended to be used as the basis for certification of laboratories.</span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">Compliance with regulatory and safety requirements on the operation of laboratories is not covered by ISO/IEC 17025:2005ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is a company level accreditation based on a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) titled &quot;General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories&quot;. The standard contains two main sections: management requirements (primarily related to the operation and effectiveness of the quality management system within the laboratory) and technical requirements (primarily related to the competence of staff and calibration of equipment). The standard also gives requirements related to quality management such as document control and corrective action. This standard is the basis for accreditation from an accrediting body. This accreditation is specific to a scope.</span></p>

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="color:#000000">This accreditation is intended for all organizations performing tests and/or calibration, including first-, second- and third-party laboratories and laboratories where testing and/or calibration forms part of inspection and product certification.</span></p>
