Every businessman desires that he should be able to export maximum and that whatever he exports be readily acceptable to clients in the world market without any hassle. This is possible only if he exports quality products which have been tested by a reliable laboratory in his own country.

But the question remains as to how can we be sure that the results provided by a certain lab are really authentic? It is this requirement of authenticity that forces us to approach a lab that is accredited according to the requirements of international standard, ISO 17025.

For exporters, it is a big headache whether the product their clients are exporting comes up to the requirements of the international standard. Exporters might have also obtained valid certificate for the same, yet the importer would not necessarily have confidence that the laboratories' certificates obtained will be accepted. For his own satisfaction, he may require the product to be tested again. This creates difficulty, delay, and leads to wasteful extra costs.

The overseas importer on his part would be safe from all troubles at his end if he trusts the test certificates issued in the exporter's country which is the only sensible way left for both the parties if they use the services of accredited laboratories.

A National Accreditation Council (NAC) in any country ensures whether the laboratory is competent to undertake the tests; the equipment used was fit for the purpose; the testing methods were appropriate; the staff fulfilled the required standard of competence; appropriate records were kept; and much, much more!

ISO 17025 is an international standard that spells out general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, which are 25 in number: 15 pertain to management, while 10 belong to technical side. The standard contains all such requirements that testing and calibration laboratories have to meet. This would be necessary if the laboratories wish to demonstrate that they operate a quality system, are technically competent and are able to generate technically valid results. Any laboratory that fulfils these requirements and confirmed by the NAC after due assessment, would be declared as an accredited laboratory.

It may be mentioned that before opting for accreditation, it would be worthwhile if a Gap Analysis of the lab is carried out. It