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NABL Testing

What is NABL Testing about?

NABL Accreditation is the formal recognition granted to laboratories that demonstrate technical competence, consistent quality management, and conformity to international standards, primarily ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for testing and calibration labs, and ISO 15189:2012 for medical laboratories.

Administered by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) under the Quality Council of India (QCI), NABL accreditation provides:

  • International acceptance of test reports,

  • Increased trust from customers and regulatory bodies,

  • Improved laboratory processes and efficiency,

  • Legal credibility in regulatory submissions, certifications, and tendering.

Accreditation from NABL is highly valued because NABL is a member of international bodies like ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) and APLAC (Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation), which ensures global acceptance of accredited reports.

At EMPL, we guide laboratories in achieving NABL accreditation by helping them implement ISO systems, prepare documentation, conduct internal audits, and coordinate with NABL assessors — ensuring smooth accreditation with minimal operational disruption.

Which laboratories are covered?

NABL Accreditation is available for a wide range of laboratory types, including:

  • Testing laboratories (chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical, civil, etc.)

  • Calibration laboratories (temperature, pressure, mass, volume, electrical calibrations)

  • Medical testing laboratories (pathology, microbiology, molecular biology labs)

  • Proficiency testing providers (PTPs)

  • Reference material producers (RMPs)

(Labs across sectors like food testing, pharmaceuticals, environment, construction, automotive, electronics, and healthcare seek NABL accreditation.)

  • Entities eligible to apply for NABL Accreditation include:

    • Independent laboratories (private labs, corporate labs)

    • In-house laboratories of industries, factories, manufacturing units

    • Hospital and diagnostic laboratories

    • Government and public sector laboratories

    • Research and academic institutions operating specialized labs

    Whether it’s a small lab looking to validate its capabilities or a large corporate laboratory aiming for global recognition, EMPL supports organizations by structuring their NABL journey end-to-end — from readiness assessments to final approvals.

  • The NABL Accreditation process typically takes:

    • System implementation and documentation: 2 to 3 months

    • Internal audit and management review: 1 month

    • Application filing and document evaluation by NABL: 1 to 2 months

    • Pre-assessment audit and final assessment by NABL: 2 to 3 months

    • Non-conformance closure and final grant of accreditation: 1 to 2 months

    Overall, the complete NABL Accreditation process usually takes about 6 to 9 months, depending on the lab's readiness and compliance status.

    At EMPL, we help labs accelerate the process by ensuring correct documentation, gap analysis, corrective action support, and active coordination with NABL assessors.

  • Before applying for NABL Accreditation, laboratories must ensure:

    • Implementation of ISO/IEC 17025 or ISO 15189 standards, as applicable.

    • Qualified technical personnel for testing/calibration activities.

    • Documented quality management system, including Quality Manual, Procedures, SOPs, and Work Instructions.

    • Traceability of measurements through recognized national/international standards.

    • Equipment calibration and maintenance records.

    • Internal audit and management review reports completed prior to application.

    EMPL provides hands-on consulting and training to lab staff, designs quality management systems, and guides labs in internal audits and compliance practices, ensuring labs are fully ready for NABL assessment.

  • While not always mandatory, many industries (like pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food) prefer or mandate NABL-accredited test reports for regulatory, export, and tendering purposes.

  • NABL Accreditation is valid for two years, subject to annual surveillance assessments. Renewal is required at the end of the accreditation cycle.

  • Yes. Labs can continue operations during the accreditation process but can only market themselves as NABL accredited after receiving official accreditation.

  • EMPL supports laboratories through gap analysis, system setup, internal audits, assessor coordination, and corrective actions, ensuring smooth, successful, and timely accreditation.

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