Our high-quality, high-performance solutions for metrology
In metrology, quality is of paramount importance. Regardless of the industry—particularly in testing laboratories—the reliability and traceability of measurements are essential. We offer metrologists a toolkit centered on the ISO 10012, ISO/IEC 17025, and ISO 15189 standards.
Your needs
Do you work in metrology, in roles that deal with issues related to the quality of measurements, samples, and calibration procedures? We provide you with access to standards, market intelligence solutions, training, and audit-based recognition.
Training in quality procedures in metrology
Focus on best practices for measurement, calibration, and testing with ISO/IEC 17025
Why implement a quality management system?
Metrology encompasses all the techniques used to take measurements using recognized units of measurement, interpret those measurements, and ensure their accuracy. Regardless of the industry—particularly in testing laboratories—the reliability and traceability of measurements are prerequisites for any quality assurance process.
Source of figures: AFNOR CNQ 2023, LNE
220metrology researchers
150Years of the Metre Convention
67 %Industrial companies measure the costs of non-quality.
80 %Some companies estimate that non-quality costs account for up to 5% of revenue
What does the ISO/IEC 17025 standard say?
ISO 17025 is an international standard that sets out general requirements for the competence of laboratories in all fields to perform testing and/or calibration, including sampling. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), it forms the foundation of any laboratory accreditation process. It establishes requirements in three key areas:
- Technical expertise : qualified personnel, validated methods, calibrated equipment, metrological traceability, measurement uncertainty assessment
- Impartiality and integrity : ensure that results are free from any commercial or institutional pressure
- Management system : organization, documentation, internal audits, corrective actions, continuous improvement
ISO/IEC 17025 serves as accreditation reference : An accredited laboratory has been evaluated by a competent accreditation body (in France: the COFRAC ) and recognized as competent in a specific field of testing and/or calibration. This accreditation is internationally recognized through ILAC mutual recognition agreements.
Please note: We're talking about accreditation (rather than a certification) for ISO/IEC 17025, as it attests to the technical expertise of the laboratory, going beyond mere compliance with a quality system.
Adopting ISO 17025 enables laboratories not only to improve their ability to produce accurate and reliable results, but also to strengthen trust among their customers and regulatory authorities.
What are the requirements of the 2017 version of ISO/IEC 17025?
The version currently in effect in France, NF EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 , is organized around five main categories of requirements:
General Requirements
- Impartiality: The laboratory guarantees that its results are not subject to any commercial, financial, or institutional pressure.
- Confidentiality: Customer information and test results are strictly protected.
Structural requirements
- Laboratory organization and governance, definition of responsibilities, and integrity of the management system.
- Resource requirements
- Staff qualifications (credentials, training, certification)
- Laboratory facilities and environmental conditions
- Calibrated equipment and metrological traceability
- Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty
Process Requirements
- Method validation: Each test or calibration method must be validated and verified before use.
- Conducting tests and calibrations in accordance with documented procedures
- Data and Technical Record Management
- Reporting of results (test reports, calibration certificates)
Management System Requirements
- Regular internal audits
- Management Review
- Implementation of corrective actions
- Continuous improvement (in line with ISO 9001:2015)
ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation: The Role of COFRAC in France
In France, accreditation of calibration and testing laboratories in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 is granted by COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee), a signatory to the mutual recognition agreements of ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation).
Why obtain COFRAC ISO 17025 accreditation?
- International recognition of your test and calibration results
- Regulatory compliance in sectors subject to regulatory requirements (pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, environment, etc.)
- Enhanced customer trust: reliable, unbiased, and traceable results
- Competitive advantage over non-accredited laboratories
- International recognition through MRA/ILAC agreements (no duplicate testing between countries)
The key steps in the accreditation process
- Self-assessment: analysis of the gaps between your current practices and the standard’s requirements
- Compliance: staff training, validation of methods, updating of documentation
- Internal audit: compliance review prior to the official application
- Submission of an application to COFRAC: definition of the scope of accreditation
- COFRAC Assessment: Literature Review + On-Site Audit + Final Interview
- Accreditation decision and issuance of the certificate
Important: It is important to note that ISO/IEC 17025 refers to accreditation (not certification). Accreditation attests to a laboratory’s technical competence in a specific field of testing or calibration—which goes beyond a simple quality management system audit.
