General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025:2017)

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is an international standard collaboratively developed by ISO (The International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (The International Electrotechnical Commission). This standard serves as an assessment of the technical competence of testing and calibration laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 establishes general requirements regarding the capabilities of laboratories in conducting testing and calibration activities. These requirements encompass both quality management and technical competence aspects. The standard addresses criteria related to quality management system proficiency and technical competence. It is applicable for organizations engaged in testing and/or calibration activities.

1. To serve as criteria for general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, demonstrating that the operations encompass quality management systems and academic capabilities. The test results or calibration results produced by these laboratories are deemed credible and accurate in accordance with academic principles.
2. To serve as criteria for certifying the capabilities of testing and calibration laboratories by certification bodies
3. To be utilized for confirming and acknowledging the capabilities of laboratories or organization with legal authority

Testing and calibration laboratories that comply with the Thai Industrial Standard Institute TIS 17025 (ISO/IEC 17025) are considered to have quality management systems aligned with ISO 9001 standards in the conduct of testing or calibration activities.