PM 7/130 (2) Guidelines on the authorization of laboratories to perform diagnostic activities for regulated pests

Abstract

These guidelines describe the process and requirements for authorization of a laboratory by a National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) to perform diagnostic activities for regulated pests. This Standard should be used in conjunction with PM 7/76 Use of EPPO Diagnostic Standards.

Approved as an EPPO Standard in 2016-09.1 Revised in 2024-09 following the revision of the NAPPO Standard RSPM 9 on the Authorization of Laboratories for Phytosanitary Testing (NAPPO, 2021).

Authors and contributors are given in the Acknowledgements section.

In many countries the diagnostics for regulated pests are performed in laboratories of the NPPO or in governmental agencies/institutes working for the NPPO (hereafter called NPPO laboratories). However, in some countries NPPOs authorize other laboratories to perform pest diagnostic activities, and this is an increasing trend in the EPPO region.

In 2016, guidelines for the authorization of laboratories were established to ensure harmonization across the EPPO region. Specific regulations have been established in some countries (e.g. the regulation 2017/625/EU2 for EU countries).

In order to be authorized to perform diagnostics for regulated pests, laboratories should agree to fulfil a number of obligations including the ones listed in Section 3.1. prior to authorization. Laboratories should also meet the requirements detailed in Section 3.2 before applying for authorization. If the laboratory is accredited under ISO 17025 for activities covered under the scope of the authorization, it is considered to fulfil the technical requirements described for these activities below.