What is NABL Approval?

NABL, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories, is an autonomous body under the Quality Council of India. Its primary objective is to impartially assess the quality standards of laboratories across various sectors, including government bodies, institutions, and primary organizations.

The accreditation process involves evaluating proficiency testing, laboratory testing, medical testing, and assessments for referenced medical products. Additionally, NABL approval extends to quality assessments in diverse industries, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, and materialistic research and development (R&D).

For laboratories seeking NABL approval, adherence to specific standards is paramount. Compliance is expected with ISO/IEC 17025:2005, which delineates quality standards for testing and calibration laboratories. Furthermore, laboratories must meet competence and quality criteria outlined in ISO 15189:2012. Additionally, adherence to ISO/IEC 17043:2010 standards for proficiency testing in medical laboratories is mandatory.

NABL approval serves as a hallmark of credibility and competence for laboratories engaged in medical research, bioengineering, pharmacy, food processing, and materialistic R&D. By obtaining NABL accreditation, laboratories demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the highest quality standards and ensuring accuracy and reliability in their testing and calibration processes.

In essence, NABL approval not only signifies compliance with rigorous quality standards but also underscores a laboratory's dedication to excellence in service delivery across various industries.

Why is NABL Approval Required?

NABL approval is a form of accreditation that provides an impartial report on the quality standards on a particular product. NABL approval is required for a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) to prove that the products developed come with the quality that meets consumers' needs. All CABs have to ensure to take NABL approval to meet the requirements of quality standards.

Hence NABL approval would provide formal recognition related to a product that is produced in a CAB. This would not only be important for domestic products but also required when products and devices are exported outside India. In the accreditation process, a third-party assessment is conducted on quality standards. These quality standards should confirm with the international requirements.

NABL approval is thus a quality assessment that provides technical standard approval when it comes to products that are produced by the CABs.

What are the objectives of NABL Approval?

The objectives of obtaining NABL approval encompass several key aspects aimed at enhancing quality standards, promoting confidence, and facilitating international collaboration:

1. Regulatory Compliance: NABL approval provides a license for Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) to operate in domestic markets, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and standards.

2. Continuous Compliance: CABs complying with NABL requirements are obligated to maintain regular compliance, fostering a culture of ongoing adherence to quality standards.

3. Improved Quality Standards: NABL approval elevates the quality standards of CAB products, particularly in sectors like medical testing, food testing, and forensic testing, leading to the development and manufacture of higher-quality products in India.

4. International Collaboration: Through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with international institutions, NABL facilitates access to technical training and research and development opportunities. NABL-approved CABs benefit from international training programs, enhancing their technical expertise and competitiveness.

5. Confidence Building: NABL approval instills confidence in the reliability and accuracy of testing and calibration services provided by CABs, thereby boosting production and utilization of medical and calibration laboratories.

6. Quality Assurance: NABL approval ensures the implementation of robust quality assurance standards across CAB operations, contributing to the overall quality and reliability of services offered.

7. Long-Term Performance Improvement: By adhering to NABL requirements and undergoing the approval process, CABs commit to improving their long-term performance, thereby enhancing their reputation and credibility in the industry.