Everything you need to know
ISO 17025 is the globally recognized standard that defines the competence requirements for testing and calibration laboratories. When a lab holds ISO 17025 accreditation, it has been independently assessed to demonstrate technical competence, measurement accuracy, and quality management system rigor. Understanding this standard helps you evaluate COA credibility.
What is ISO 17025 accreditation?
ISO/IEC 17025 is an international standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of testing and calibration laboratories. Labs that are accredited to ISO 17025 have been evaluated by an independent accreditation body (such as PJLA, A2LA, or Perry Johnson) to confirm they meet defined technical and quality management requirements for specific testing scopes.
Why does ISO 17025 accreditation matter for supplement testing?
ISO 17025 accreditation matters because it provides independent verification that: (1) the laboratory's analytical methods produce valid, accurate results; (2) equipment is properly calibrated and maintained; (3) staff are competent and trained; (4) quality management systems prevent errors; and (5) results are reproducible. Many retailers — including Amazon, Whole Foods, and Walmart — now require COAs from ISO 17025 accredited or accreditation-pending laboratories. Accreditation also provides legal defensibility if a product's safety is ever challenged.
What is the difference between ISO 17025 accredited and accreditation pending?
"Accreditation pending" means a laboratory has applied for ISO 17025 accreditation and is in the assessment process with an accreditation body, but has not yet received the final accreditation certificate. Labs operating under accreditation pending status are typically already following ISO 17025 procedures and have undergone initial review. COAs from accreditation-pending labs are accepted by many retailers as equivalent to accredited COAs during the transition period. Prodigy Labs is currently operating under ISO 17025 accreditation pending status through PJLA.
Which accreditation bodies are recognized in the US?
The major accreditation bodies in the United States are: PJLA (Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation) — widely accepted by supplement retailers and food manufacturers; A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation) — broadly recognized across industries; NVLAP (National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program) — government-operated; and IAS (International Accreditation Service). PJLA and A2LA are the most commonly required by supplement and food retailers.
How can I verify a lab's ISO 17025 accreditation status?
You can verify accreditation by asking the lab for their accreditation certificate and checking the accreditation body's online directory. PJLA maintains a searchable directory at pjlabs.com. The certificate will list the specific test methods and analytes within the accreditation scope — make sure the tests you need are on the certificate, not just that the lab is "accredited" in general.
Does accreditation cover all tests a lab offers?
No. ISO 17025 accreditation is scope-specific. A lab may be accredited for heavy metals testing but not for mycotoxins. Always verify that the specific tests you need fall within the lab's accreditation scope. If a test is outside the accreditation scope, it can still be performed — but it won't appear on an accredited COA. Some retailers only accept accredited results; others accept all results from an accredited lab regardless of scope.