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Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS)
Laboratory Recognition Scheme serves as a foundation of India’s quality infrastructure, ensuring products adhere to stringent national and global standards. By empowering BIS and NABL to uphold the integrity of testing systems, LRS creates a safer, more reliable marketplace and fosters trust among consumers and manufacturers.
- Overview
- What is the Laboratory Recognition Scheme?
- Role of NABL in Laboratory Accreditation
- Objectives of the Laboratory Recognition Scheme
- BIS Laboratory Network and Conformity Assessment Schemes
- Eligibility Criteria for Laboratory Recognition
- Additional Criteria for Foreign Laboratories
- Documents Required for LRS Application
- Process for Laboratory Recognition
- Testing Charges
- Why LRS Matters
- How to Apply for LRS
- Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS) - Overview
Ensuring product quality and safety is a critical aspect of consumer protection and industrial growth. The Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS), spearheaded by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is a pivotal initiative designed to expand the network of accredited laboratories for product testing and conformity assessment. Here, we delve into the key aspects of the LRS, its objectives, and its implementation process.
What is the Laboratory Recognition Scheme?
The Laboratory Recognition Scheme is a framework managed by BIS under the provisions of Section 13(4) of the BIS Act, 2016, and Rule 32 of the BIS Rules, 2018. This scheme facilitates the recognition of laboratories in India and abroad to perform sample testing for conformity assessment and other assigned functions.
Recognized laboratories must demonstrate compliance with stringent quality standards, including IS/ISO/IEC 17025, to ensure the reliability and accuracy of their test results. This ensures that only laboratories with the necessary infrastructure, manpower, and expertise are included under the scheme.
Role of NABL in Laboratory Accreditation
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), an autonomous body under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), provides accreditation services across various fields, including Biological, Chemical, Electrical, Electronics, and Mechanical testing.
NABL accreditation ensures that laboratories comply with international standards such as ISO/IEC 17025, 17043, and 17034. Moreover, NABL’s affiliation with the Asia Pacific Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (APLAC) and the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) ensures global acceptance of its accredited laboratories.
To be recognized under LRS, laboratories must:
- Be accredited to IS/ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
- Cover all test parameters of the relevant Indian Standard(s) within their NABL-accredited scope.
- Be accredited by a body that is a full member of ILAC, APAC, or equivalent organizations.
Objectives of the Laboratory Recognition Scheme
The development of testing facilities for every product covered under BIS conformity assessment schemes is neither physically feasible nor economically viable within BIS’s own network. The Laboratory Recognition Scheme was formulated to:
- Supplement the testing capabilities of BIS laboratories by recognizing external laboratories.
- Provide a sufficient number of accredited laboratories within India and overseas to meet the demands of BIS conformity assessment schemes.
- Ensure reliable and accurate testing of products, fostering trust among consumers and manufacturers.
Recognition is granted to laboratories that demonstrate adequate infrastructure, advanced testing facilities, competent manpower, and adherence to prescribed standards. Laboratories are also required to pay fees as specified by BIS.
BIS Laboratory Network and Conformity Assessment Schemes
BIS operates several Conformity Assessment Schemes to ensure that products meet Indian Standards. These include:
- Product Certification Scheme: BIS grants licenses to manufacturers to use the ISI mark on products that comply with Indian Standards.
- Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS): Manufacturers are licensed to use a standard mark with a unique registration number, based on self-declaration of conformity supported by testing at BIS-recognized laboratories.
Testing plays a fundamental role in evaluating product quality. BIS has its own network of eight laboratories to test samples generated through these schemes. However, the recognition of external laboratories under the LRS expands testing capacity, ensuring timely and efficient conformity assessments.
Eligibility Criteria for Laboratory Recognition
To qualify for recognition under LRS, laboratories must meet the following conditions:
- Accreditation: The lab must be accredited as per IS/ISO/IEC 17025 by a body that is a full member of ILAC or APAC.
- Indian Standards Coverage: Recognition is granted for Indian Standards covered under BIS Conformity Assessment Schemes. All test parameters in the applicable standard must be within the lab’s accredited scope.
- Testing Facilities: All tests must be conducted at the same premises, ensuring no subcontracting, except in cases of equipment failure and pre-approved samples.
- Neutrality and Impartiality: Labs must ensure unbiased operations.
Additional Criteria for Foreign Laboratories:
- Foreign labs must establish a liaison/branch office in India, meeting BIS’s legal and operational requirements.
- The lab must bear the expenses of travel and lodging for BIS auditors.
Documents Required for LRS Application
- Legal identity proof of the laboratory.
- Proof of laboratory premises.
- Accreditation certificates for IS/ISO/IEC 17025.
- A list of Indian Standards applied for recognition.
- Organization structure and laboratory layout.
- Details of technical and managerial personnel.
- Any other document deemed relevant by BIS.
Process for Laboratory Recognition
Step 1: Documentation and Fulfillment of Criteria: Laboratories must meet all eligibility conditions and prepare requisite documentation.
Step 2: Application Submission: The lab submits its application, along with required fees and documents, to BIS.
Step 3: Evaluation of Application: BIS reviews the application for completeness and assigns a unique Application Number.
Step 4: Initial Audit: Upon satisfactory evaluation of documents, BIS conducts an on-site audit of the lab.
Step 5: Grant of Recognition: Following audit results and resolution of any non-conformities, BIS grants recognition to the lab.
Testing Charges
- Testing charges for recognized laboratories are determined and fixed at the time of recognition or renewal, valid for three years.
- No upward revisions are allowed during the three-year term, ensuring transparency and consistency in pricing.
Why LRS Matters
The Laboratory Recognition Scheme not only augments BIS’s testing capabilities but also enhances the reliability of product certification processes. By maintaining a stringent framework for recognition, the scheme ensures:
- Quality Assurance: All recognized laboratories adhere to international testing standards, ensuring accurate results.
- Consumer Protection: Tested products conform to safety and quality norms, protecting consumer interests.
- Global Compatibility: Accredited labs comply with internationally accepted standards, facilitating cross-border trade.
How to Apply for LRS
Laboratories interested in becoming recognized under the LRS can visit EVTL India for assistance in navigating the application process. EVTL India provides expert guidance on fulfilling eligibility criteria, compiling necessary documentation, and ensuring a seamless application process.
For more details on the Laboratory Recognition Scheme, visit BIS’s official website or consult with industry experts to get started.
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