ILAC recognises Ashghal as an international Accreditation Centre for ISO 17025 certification

DOHA: The Public Works Authority ‘Ashghal’ has announced a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed to recognise Ashghal as an international accreditation centre for ISO 17025 certification, in addition to Ashghal receiving recognition from the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC), for providing technical support for international accreditation.

President of Ashghal, Dr. Eng. Saad bin Ahmed Al Muhannadi, signed the MoU with Paul Stennet, Chief Executive of the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

In line with the State of Qatar’s reliance on local resources and providing a national alternative to achieve self-sufficiency, Ashghal’s Quality and Safety Department had sought for recognition as an international accreditation centre for the ISO 17025 certification, in addition to getting the full recognition from ILAC.

ILAC accreditation to Ashghal’s centre gives it the authority to accredit international laboratories in thirteen different countries: UK, Italy, Malaysia, India, Kuwait, Oman, Yemen, Turkey and other Arab countries.

UKAS conducts a comprehensive assessment for the department’s capabilities and compares it with the accreditation bodies’ requirements. This procedure called Gab Analysis is carried out through a team of experts to prepare the overall plan for accreditation.

ISO 17025 certificate is granted to a limited number of entities, which must be ISO 17011 certified and fully recognised by ILAC (An International organisation and Cooperation between laboratories accreditation bodies and inspection entities worldwide). In addition, the accredited entity has to be already signing on the International Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) and the Multi-Lateral mutual recognition Agreement  (MLA).  

Ashghal’s Centre for Research and development has been accredited ISO 17025 from the UKAS five years ago.