On this page
- Choose the correct published document
- What the competence standard addresses
- Compare laboratory quotations against the same brief
- Example: commissioning a material test for a customer order
- Distinguish testing, medical laboratories and other bodies
- Common questions
- Primary sources and edition check
- Explore more standards buying guides
The verified European sale is EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017. ISO identifies the international third edition as current following confirmation in 2023. Genorma’s European catalogue record is published and lists the earlier 2005 documents as withdrawn predecessors. European record; ISO status and history.
Choose the correct published document
What the competence standard addresses
The public scope concerns laboratory competence, impartiality and consistent operation, across organisations performing laboratory activities. ISO explains that accreditation bodies use the standard as assessment criteria for laboratories. European scope; Publisher’s accreditation explanation.
That does not remove the customer’s need to define the work. State the test or calibration objective, the item or material, the intended method where specified and the information the resulting report must support. A vague request for an “accredited test” can leave the laboratory and buyer discussing different activities.
Compare laboratory quotations against the same brief
| Purchasing detail | Question to settle with the laboratory |
|---|---|
| Item or material | What exactly is submitted and what condition or preparation is assumed? |
| Activity | Which test or calibration is proposed and what method/version is used? |
| Relevant scope | What current scope evidence covers that activity at the performing location? |
| External work | Will any activity be subcontracted and how will that be identified? |
| Report use | What information and limitations will the customer receive? |
Request the relevant current scope information rather than relying on a certificate number alone. Compare the description with the proposed activity and performing location. If the quotation includes work outside that scope, ask how it will be identified in the output. These are procurement checks, not a claim that every laboratory service legally requires accreditation.
Example: commissioning a material test for a customer order
Imagine a manufacturer comparing two offers to test a material sample. Both laboratories mention ISO/IEC 17025, but the proposed methods and specimen preparation differ. The buyer could first ask what result the customer needs and which method the purchase specification identifies.
It could then ask each laboratory to confirm the proposed method, sample needs, performing location and relevant accreditation scope. If one bid assumes the manufacturer prepares the sample and another includes that work, the price comparison must account for the difference. The scenario does not prescribe a method or decide which report will be acceptable; it shows why the exact activity matters more than a broad label.
Distinguish testing, medical laboratories and other bodies
For medical laboratory quality and competence, see EN ISO 15189. For an inspection body, see EN ISO/IEC 17020. For proficiency-testing providers, see EN ISO/IEC 17043. Those bodies and activities have different procurement roles; choose from their applicable scopes.
The broader European accredited-laboratories guide remains useful for finding and evaluating laboratory options. Use this standard-specific page to decide which publication and evidence questions fit a particular request, rather than treating a directory listing as confirmation of competence for every method.
- Record the European 2017 reference and any specific method editions used in the purchase.
- Define sample handling and the division of preparation responsibilities.
- Ask for relevant, current scope evidence for the performing location.
- Agree how subcontracted activities and limitations will be reported.
- Check permitted access if several technical or quality staff need to consult the purchased standard.
Common questions
Does purchasing the document accredit our laboratory?
No. The document is a reference for the organisation’s work. Accreditation involves a separate assessment by the appropriate accreditation body; ISO explains the standard’s role as criteria. ISO accreditation explanation.
Is a general ISO 9001 certificate the same evidence?
The standards address different questions. For a laboratory purchase, ask about competence and the exact testing or calibration activity rather than substituting a general organisational quality-system claim.
Why does the method and location matter?
The buyer commissions specific work. A broad statement about the organisation cannot tell you which activity will be performed, where it will occur or what the resulting report will cover.
Primary sources and edition check
- Genorma: European published testing/calibration laboratory record
- ISO: current third edition, competence and accreditation purpose
Publication and purchase records checked on 7 October 2026. The examples and procurement questions are original guidance. Detailed implementation requires the applicable licensed text and decisions for the actual project.
Explore more standards buying guides
Browse standards by reference and subject to compare related document choices.