ISO/IEC 17025 is an international quality standard that defines the competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories. The standard is designed to ensure that laboratories operate with technical accuracy, reliability, impartiality, and a robust quality management system, providing globally recognized credibility.
Objectives of the ISO 17025 Quality Policy
A quality policy aligned with ISO 17025 serves as a formal declaration that a laboratory:
- Operates impartially and independently,
- Has the technical competence required,
- Produces reliable and repeatable results,
- Functions with a philosophy of continuous improvement,
- Complies with international standards.
Core Elements of the Quality Policy
The following principles shape the quality policy of a laboratory operating under ISO 17025:
1. Impartiality and Independence
- All testing and calibration processes are carried out free from any conflict of interest.
- Decisions are made objectively, without influence from commercial or external pressures.
2. Technical Competence
- Qualified personnel use calibrated equipment and validated methods.
- Staff receive regular training, and their performance is continuously monitored.
3. Reliability and Traceability
- Measurement results are traceable to national or international standards.
- All data is recorded and reported in a transparent and documented manner.
4. Continuous Improvement
- The system is continuously enhanced through internal audits, corrective actions, and customer feedback.
5. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- The laboratory operates in full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry requirements.