How to Verify Third-Party Laboratory Accreditation

Laboratory accreditation verification is the process of confirming that a testing or calibration laboratory operates under recognized technical and quality standards. The verification ensures that laboratory results are valid, traceable, and accepted under international frameworks such as ISO/IEC 17025, CNAS, and the ILAC-MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement).

Accurate verification protects organizations from relying on non-compliant data that could jeopardize certification, product acceptance, or regulatory approval.

Understanding the Framework of Laboratory Accreditation

ISO/IEC 17025 as the Core Competence Standard

ISO/IEC 17025 defines the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It establishes globally recognized criteria for laboratory quality management, including:

Measurement traceability to international standards.
Method validation and calibration procedures.
Equipment maintenance and uncertainty evaluation.
Staff training and technical proficiency.
Reporting consistency and impartiality in results.

A laboratory accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 has undergone independent assessment and is deemed competent to perform specific testing or calibration services. This accreditation confirms that test data are technically reliable and recognized across jurisdictions.

For deeper understanding of ISO/IEC 17025 principles, refer to What is ISO/IEC 17025.

The Role of CNAS (China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment)

CNAS is the official national accreditation body of China responsible for accrediting laboratories, inspection agencies, and certification bodies. CNAS assessments are based on the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, detailed in CNAS-CL01 for testing and calibration laboratories.

A CNAS-accredited laboratory demonstrates that its management system, equipment, and testing capabilities meet the necessary technical competence standards. CNAS is a signatory of the ILAC-MRA, meaning its accreditations are internationally recognized under the ILAC mutual recognition framework.

Typical CNAS-accredited scopes include:

Electrical and electronic safety testing.
Environmental and chemical analysis.
Mechanical and calibration measurements.
Consumer product testing and packaging verification.

ILAC-MRA and International Mutual Recognition

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) manages the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) that links national accreditation bodies around the world. Signatory status under ILAC-MRA signifies that the accreditation body’s assessments are internationally accepted.

Under ILAC-MRA, a laboratory accredited by one signatory body (such as CNAS) has its test results recognized by other signatories globally. This arrangement reduces duplication of testing, facilitates international trade, and ensures mutual acceptance of data across countries.

A valid ILAC-MRA mark on a test report or calibration certificate indicates that the results are recognized by all member economies under the arrangement.

Why Laboratory Accreditation Verification Is Required

Verification confirms that a third-party laboratory’s claimed accreditation is authentic, current, and applicable to the required test method or calibration service. This process protects manufacturers, importers, and certification bodies from using data that may not be accepted by regulators or clients.

Key objectives of verification include:

Confirming that testing or calibration is performed under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.
Ensuring that the accreditation body is an ILAC-MRA signatory, providing international validity.
Checking that the specific method used is within the laboratory’s accredited scope.
Preventing submission of invalid or expired certificates during audits or product registrations.

Without proper verification, test results may be rejected by authorities, leading to delays, additional testing costs, or compliance risks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Verifying Laboratory Accreditation

Step 1. Collect Accreditation Details

Request from the laboratory:

Accreditation body name (e.g., CNAS, UKAS).
Certificate number and validity period.
Scope of accreditation listing specific test or calibration methods.
Reference to ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

These details allow direct verification through official directories.

Step 2. Confirm Accreditation Body Recognition

Check that the listed accreditation body is a valid ILAC-MRA signatory for testing or calibration.
Use the official ILAC signatory search tool available at ilac.org.

If the body is not recognised, the laboratory’s results may not be accepted internationally.

Step 3. Validate the Certificate

Search the accreditation body’s online directory (for CNAS, use the CNAS Accredited Organizations database).

Confirm:

Laboratory name and certificate number match exactly.
Accreditation status is active and not suspended.
Scope includes the required testing or calibration activity.

Step 4. Review the Test Report

On the issued report or certificate, check for:

The accreditation body logo and, if applicable, the ILAC-MRA mark.
The correct accreditation number.
A clear note indicating that results were produced under accreditation.

Step 5. Record and Maintain Verification Evidence

Keep records of:

Verified certificate copies or screenshots.
Verification date and reviewer’s name.
Accreditation body and scope confirmation.

Integrate these records into supplier or laboratory qualification files to ensure continuous compliance.

Common Errors and Red Flags

During verification, the following inconsistencies should trigger further investigation:

The accreditation body is not listed as an ILAC-MRA signatory.
The certificate number is missing or unverifiable.
The laboratory name differs from the accredited entity.
The certificate has expired or been suspended.
The report lacks accreditation or ILAC-MRA logos.
The scope does not include the relevant method or standard.
The laboratory claims “ISO 17025 compliance” without formal accreditation.

Identifying these discrepancies early prevents reliance on invalid reports and maintains compliance integrity.

Integration within Quality and Certification Systems

Organizations certified to ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 can integrate laboratory verification into supplier control procedures. Accreditation verification forms part of:

Incoming inspection and supplier qualification.
Product conformity documentation for certification schemes such as CE, FCC, or CCC.
Technical file preparation under global compliance frameworks.

When linked with Product Certification programs, verified laboratory data support compliance evidence during audits or regulatory reviews.

Verifying third-party laboratory accreditation ensures that testing and calibration results are technically valid and globally recognized. As a CNAS-accredited third-party laboratory, ECQA operates in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 and ILAC-MRA frameworks. By maintaining systematic verification and ongoing monitoring, ECQA ensures that all testing and calibration data remain credible, reliable, and aligned with international compliance requirements.

FAQs of Verify Third-Party Laboratory Accreditation

1. What is third-party laboratory accreditation verification?

Laboratory accreditation verification is the process of confirming that a testing or calibration laboratory operates under recognized international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025. The verification ensures that laboratory results are valid, traceable, and accepted globally under frameworks like CNAS and ILAC-MRA.

2. How do I check if a laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?

You can verify a laboratory’s accreditation by visiting the official directory of its accreditation body. For example, CNAS provides a searchable database of accredited organizations. Confirm that the certificate number, laboratory name, and scope match the published record and that the accreditation status is active.

3. What does ILAC-MRA mean on a test report?

The ILAC-MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement) mark shows that the laboratory’s results are recognized internationally. Accreditation bodies that are ILAC-MRA signatories have their assessments mutually accepted, reducing duplicate testing and supporting global compliance.

4. Why is CNAS accreditation important for manufacturers?

CNAS accreditation demonstrates that a laboratory meets the competence and quality requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. For manufacturers and exporters, using CNAS-accredited testing data ensures acceptance by international buyers, regulators, and certification bodies.