LABORATORY RECOGNITION SCHEME (LRS)

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.

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:

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 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 Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS) expands testing capacity, ensuring timely and efficient conformity assessments.

To qualify for recognition under the Laboratory Recognition Scheme (LRS), laboratories must meet the following conditions:

• Foreign laboratories must establish a liaison or branch office in India, complying with BIS’s legal and operational requirements.
• The laboratory is responsible for all travel and lodging expenses for BIS auditors.

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.

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.