Testing coordination
Testing by accredited or recognised laboratories working to ISO/IEC 17025, only where it is needed.
What it involves
Existing test reports are reviewed first. They are accepted when they are no older than one year for food products or two years for non-food products, from the date of issue.
Where there are no valid reports, samples drawn during inspection are tested by an accredited or recognised laboratory based on the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. The results are reviewed with the inspection report.
Why it matters
Testing after arrival takes time, and goods are stored while it happens. Valid existing reports are used where possible, so products are not retested without need.
Who may need it
- Suppliers without current test reports
- Exporters of food and non-food products
- Importers who need evidence of conformity
From report review to results
Reports reviewed
Submitted test reports are checked for validity and relevance.
Samples drawn
If there are no valid reports, samples are taken during inspection.
Laboratory testing
An accredited or recognised ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory tests the samples.
Results reviewed
A pass leads to a CoC; a fail leads to corrective action or an NCR.
Test report validity
- Food products: up to 1 year from the date of issue
- Non-food products: up to 2 years from the date of issue
If results fail
- Corrective action is considered first
- If it is not possible or not acceptable, an NCR is issued
Outcome
Test results that are reviewed with the inspection report to reach the certification decision.
About ISO/IEC 17025
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 sets general requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation bodies, regulators and laboratory customers use it to confirm that a laboratory can produce technically valid results.
General industry context. It describes the standard or term, not a CERTECH accreditation.
Questions
Can I use test reports I already have?
Yes, if they are within the validity period: one year for food products, two years for non-food products, from the date of issue.
Which laboratories carry out the testing?
Accredited or recognised laboratories based on the ISO/IEC 17025 standard. We confirm the arrangements for your product when we review your request.
What if the samples fail?
If corrective action is possible and acceptable, a CoC can still be issued. Otherwise, a Non-Conformity Report is issued.
Related services
Inspection
Physical inspection of goods at the supplier, before they ship, with samples drawn where testing is needed.
Document verification
A documentary check of the request, invoice, test reports and quality documents before inspection.
Certification
A Certificate of Conformity for goods that meet requirements, or a Non-Conformity Report where they do not.
