How to Find and Verify an ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratory

We see this mistake regularly: a brand submits a regulatory dossier with test data from a laboratory that claims ISO 17025 accreditation. The regulatory reviewer checks the accreditation database and finds that the laboratory’s accreditation either expired 18 months ago, doesn’t cover the specific test method used, or doesn’t include the product matrix tested. The data is rejected. The brand restarts testing at an additional cost of €8,000 to €25,000 and loses 3 to 6 months.

Verifying laboratory accreditation properly takes about 15 minutes. Not doing it properly can cost months and tens of thousands of euros. Here is how to do it correctly.

Why Does Accreditation Scope Matter?

ISO 17025 accreditation is not a blanket endorsement of everything a laboratory does. It is specific to the test methods and matrices listed in the laboratory’s scope of accreditation.

A laboratory accredited for heavy metals in food products is not automatically accredited for heavy metals in cosmetics. A laboratory accredited for microbiological testing of water is not automatically accredited for microbiological testing of dietary supplements. The scope must specifically list the method and the matrix relevant to your product.

This is the most common verification error: confirming that a laboratory has ISO 17025 accreditation without checking whether the specific test you need is within the accredited scope.

Where to Find ISO 17025 Accredited Laboratories

Each national accreditation body maintains a public database of accredited laboratories. These databases are searchable by laboratory name, location, test method, or matrix.

Key Accreditation Body Databases

A2LA (USA): a2la.org/directory
Search by laboratory name, location, test type, or accreditation number. Each laboratory listing includes a downloadable scope of accreditation document.

UKAS (UK): ukas.com/find-an-organisation
Search by organisation name, location, or accreditation type. Scope documents are downloadable.

COFRAC (France): cofrac.fr/recherche-accredites
Search by laboratory name, location, or accreditation number. Scope documents available in French.

DAkkS (Germany): dakks.de/en/accredited-bodies
Search by organisation name or accreditation number.

ILAC MRA Directory: ilac.org/ilac-mra-and-signatories
For laboratories accredited by bodies in countries not listed above, the ILAC MRA signatory list confirms which national accreditation bodies are internationally recognised.

How to Verify a Laboratory’s Accreditation: Step-by-Step

1. Get the laboratory’s accreditation number: Ask the laboratory for their accreditation number and the name of their accreditation body. A legitimate accredited laboratory will provide this immediately.

2. Go to the accreditation body’s database: Use the links above to access the relevant database.

3. Search for the laboratory: Enter the laboratory name or accreditation number.

4. Check accreditation status: Confirm the accreditation is current (not expired, not suspended). The database will show the accreditation status and expiry date.

5. Download the scope of accreditation: This is the critical document. The scope lists every test method and matrix that is covered by the accreditation.

6. Verify your specific test is in scope: Find the test method you need (e.g., ICP-MS for heavy metals, USP <61> for microbial limits) and confirm that your product matrix (e.g., dietary supplements, cosmetics, food products) is listed.

7. Check the measurement range: For quantitative tests, the scope may specify the measurement range. Confirm that the concentrations relevant to your product fall within the accredited range.

8. Note the accreditation expiry date: Accreditations are typically valid for 4 years with annual surveillance. Check that the accreditation will remain valid through your testing timeline.

What to Look for in the Scope Document

The scope of accreditation is typically a multi-page document listing test methods in a table format. Here is what to look for:

Test method reference: The scope should list the specific method (e.g., AOAC 2007.01, ISO 6579, USP <61>, EN ISO 11290-1). If the scope lists only a generic description (“heavy metals testing”) without a specific method reference, ask the laboratory which specific method is accredited.

Matrix: The scope should explicitly list the matrices covered. Common matrices include:

• Food products (may be further subdivided: dairy, meat, cereals, etc.)
• Dietary supplements / food supplements
• Cosmetics / personal care products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Water (drinking water, wastewater, environmental water)
• Environmental samples (soil, air)

Measurement range and units: For quantitative methods, the scope may specify the measurement range (e.g., 0.01 to 10 mg/kg for lead in food supplements). Confirm your expected concentrations fall within this range.

Uncertainty of measurement: Some scope documents include the measurement uncertainty for each method. This is a positive indicator of a well-maintained accreditation.

Red Flags to Watch For

Accreditation certificate without scope document: Some laboratories present an accreditation certificate (a one-page document confirming accreditation) without providing the scope. The certificate alone is insufficient — you need the scope to verify coverage.

Scope with only generic descriptions: A scope that lists “chemical testing” or “microbiological testing” without specific method references may indicate an accreditation that is broader on paper than in practice.

Accreditation body not on ILAC MRA: If the laboratory’s accreditation body is not listed on the ILAC MRA signatory list, the accreditation may not be internationally recognised. This matters for EU and US regulatory submissions.

Expired or suspended accreditation: Always check the current status in the database. Laboratories sometimes continue to use accreditation certificates after their accreditation has expired or been suspended.

Accreditation in a different country than the laboratory: Some laboratories claim accreditation from a body in a different country than where they operate. This is sometimes legitimate (e.g., a European laboratory with A2LA accreditation for US market submissions) but should be verified carefully.

Scope that doesn’t match the test report: Compare the test report you receive with the accreditation scope. The test report should reference the accredited method. If the report uses a different method than what’s in the scope, the testing was not performed under accreditation.

How to Read a Test Report from an Accredited Laboratory

An accredited laboratory’s test report should include:

• The laboratory’s name and address
• A unique report identifier
• The date of the report and the date(s) of testing
• A description of the test item (your product, including batch number)
• The test method(s) used, with specific method references
• The results, with units and measurement uncertainty where applicable
• A statement of accreditation status — typically something like “This test was performed in accordance with the laboratory’s accreditation under [accreditation body] accreditation number [XXXX]”
• The name and signature of the authorised signatory

The accreditation statement is important. If the report does not include a statement linking the testing to the laboratory’s accreditation, the testing may have been performed outside the scope of accreditation — even if the laboratory is accredited for that method in principle.

Practical Checklist for Laboratory Selection

Before engaging a contract laboratory for regulatory testing:

• Confirmed accreditation body and accreditation number
• Verified current accreditation status in the accreditation body’s database
• Downloaded and reviewed the scope of accreditation
• Confirmed the specific test method is listed in the scope
• Confirmed the product matrix is listed in the scope
• Confirmed the measurement range covers expected concentrations
• Checked accreditation expiry date
• Requested a sample test report to verify format and accreditation statement
• Confirmed the laboratory has experience with your product type

At Care Europe, we conduct laboratory qualification assessments for brands entering the EU market, including scope verification, audit support, and ongoing laboratory relationship management. Contact us at [email protected].