In the field of laboratory analysis and testing, several terms are frequently used correctly or incorrectly: COFRAC-accredited laboratory, COFRAC laboratory, COFRAC laboratory, ISO 17025-accredited laboratory, COFRAC-certified laboratory, COFRAC-approved laboratory, or even COFRAC ISO 17025 certification.
However, these concepts are not interchangeable and have very distinct meanings. Understanding these differences is essential to ensure the compliance and reliability of the services offered by a laboratory.
FILAB, a COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, explains these concepts and their impact on the choice of an analysis laboratory.
What is COFRAC?
COFRAC (French Accreditation Committee) is the national body responsible for accrediting testing and analysis laboratories, as well as certification and inspection bodies. It guarantees the recognition and technical competence of accredited entities, thereby ensuring the reliability of the results produced.
COFRAC and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory: what does this mean?
A COFRAC-accredited laboratory is a laboratory that has obtained accreditation in accordance with ISO 17025. This international standard specifies the general requirements for the competence of calibration and testing laboratories. It covers, in particular:
The rigour of analysis and testing methods
Staff competence
Traceability of measurements and equipment used
Impartiality and confidentiality of results
This accreditation certifies the technical competence of the laboratory by COFRAC, the impartiality of its analyses, and the reliability of its results. FILAB, for example, is a laboratory accredited by COFRAC ISO 17025 for several types of analyses, which guarantees the quality and compliance of its services with regulatory and industrial requirements.
COFRAC provides a list of accredited laboratories on its official website. This list enables companies and organizations to find a COFRAC-accredited laboratory that complies with the COFRAC 17025 standard to carry out specific analyses. FILAB is one of these laboratories and offers COFRAC analysis services.
Is the expression ‘COFRAC-approved laboratory’ correct?
The term ‘COFRAC-approved’ is used incorrectly. COFRAC does not issue approvals, but rather accreditations. Approval is generally granted by public bodies or ministries within the framework of specific regulations. Therefore, referring to a ‘COFRAC-approved laboratory’ is a misnomer; it is more appropriate to use ‘COFRAC ISO 17025-accredited laboratory’ or ‘ISO 17025 laboratory accredited by COFRAC’.
COFRAC certification: how does it differ from ISO 17025 accreditation?
Certification and accreditation are two distinct concepts:
In other words, a laboratory can be COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited, but it cannot obtain “COFRAC certification.” However, it can be ISO 9001 certified by an independent certification body.
Why choose a COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory?
Using a COFRAC ISO 17025 accredited laboratory such as FILAB offers several advantages:
The results are produced using validated and recognized methods.
The ISO 17025 standard imposes strict requirements to ensure process control.
COFRAC accreditation is recognized at European and global level thanks to mutual recognition agreements.
The results are accepted by the authorities and manufacturers.
FILAB: your ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory
FILAB is an ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory that performs tests and analyses in accordance with COFRAC 17025 accreditation requirements. Our expertise covers several industrial sectors, and we offer our skills to ensure reliable and recognized results.