At Perry Johnson Laboratory Accreditation, Inc. (PJLA), we take pride in being a leader in accreditation services, including ISO 17034 accreditation for Reference Material Producers (RMPs). Today, we delve into the “5 Whys” of ISO 17034 accreditation to highlight its significance, benefits, and the journey towards achieving it.
Who Benefits from ISO 17034 Accreditation?
ISO 17034 accreditation benefits a wide range of organizations:
- Reference Material Producers (RMPs): Accreditation enhances their credibility and ensures the quality of their reference materials, which are essential for calibration, method validation, and quality control processes in laboratories worldwide.
- Testing and Calibration Laboratories: These laboratories rely on high-quality reference materials to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their results. ISO 17034 accreditation guarantees that the reference materials meet stringent quality standards.
- Regulatory Bodies and Industry Sectors: Consistent and reliable reference materials are critical for compliance with regulations and industry standards. Accreditation ensures that these materials support regulatory requirements and industry best practices.
- End-Users: From pharmaceutical companies to environmental testing labs, end-users benefit from the assurance that accredited RMPs provide high-quality reference materials, leading to more accurate and reliable testing outcomes.
What is ISO 17034 Accreditation?
ISO 17034 accreditation is a globally recognized standard that specifies the general requirements for the competence of reference material producers. It encompasses a comprehensive set of criteria that RMPs must meet to demonstrate their ability to produce reference materials of consistent and reliable quality. Key components of ISO 17034 include:
- Technical Competence: Ensuring that RMPs have the necessary expertise, equipment, and processes to produce high-quality reference materials.
- Quality Management: Implementing a robust quality management system to maintain the integrity and traceability of reference materials.
- Metrological Traceability: Ensuring that reference materials are traceable to SI units or other internationally accepted standards.
Where Can Organizations Turn to for ISO 17034 Accreditation?
Organizations seeking ISO 17034 accreditation can turn to Accreditation Bodies (ABs) like PJLA. As an internationally recognized accreditation body, PJLA offers comprehensive accreditation services, guiding RMPs through the process to achieve and maintain compliance with ISO 17034. Our experienced assessors and technical experts work closely with RMPs to ensure they meet the stringent requirements of the standard.
When was ISO 17034 Created?
ISO 17034 was first published in 2016 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It replaced ISO Guide 34, which was previously used for the accreditation of reference material producers. The creation of ISO 17034 marked a significant step in standardizing the requirements for RMPs, providing a more robust framework for ensuring the quality and reliability of reference materials.
Why Should RMPs Consider Becoming Accredited?
- Enhanced Credibility: Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to quality and competence, enhancing the RMP’s reputation in the market.
- Market Access: Many industries and regulatory bodies require the use of reference materials from accredited RMPs, opening up new opportunities and markets.
- Customer Confidence: Accreditation provides assurance to customers that the reference materials they purchase are reliable, consistent, and of high quality.
- Continuous Improvement: The accreditation process encourages continuous improvement, helping RMPs to refine their processes and maintain high standards of quality.
ISO 17034 accreditation is a vital component for Reference Material Producers aiming to ensure the quality and reliability of their products. At PJLA, we are committed to supporting RMPs on their journey towards accreditation, providing the expertise and guidance needed to achieve and maintain compliance with ISO 17034. By becoming accredited, RMPs not only enhance their credibility but also contribute to the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration processes worldwide.
Organizations seeking ISO 17034 Accreditation may apply online through our easy FREE Quote request form.
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