In the demanding field of Proficiency Testing (PT), accreditation under ISO/IEC 17043:2023 represents the highest global benchmark for technical competence and quality assurance.
This international standard, updated in 2023, defines the requirements that providers of proficiency testing programs must meet to guarantee the reliability, comparability, and traceability of results among laboratories worldwide.
In this context, SHAPYPRO stands out as the only accredited provider for proficiency testing in biocides, reinforcing its position as a global leader in the evaluation of analytical competence under the most rigorous scientific and regulatory standards.
The Importance Of ISO/IEC 17043:2023 Accreditation
The ISO/IEC 17043:2023 standard sets out the principles of competence, impartiality, and consistency that every organization must demonstrate when managing interlaboratory comparison programs.
Its goal is to ensure that all participating laboratories receive technically valid, statistically sound, and internationally comparable results, regardless of country, sample type, or analytical method.
Core principles of ISO/IEC 17043:2023:
- Impartiality and traceability of results.
- Risk management and continuous improvement.
- Use of robust and transparent statistical models.
- Technical competence of evaluators and staff.
- Clear documentation and communication of outcomes.
Through this standard, proficiency testing becomes a scientific and objective tool to demonstrate technical competence to accreditation bodies, clients, and regulatory authorities.
SHAPYPRO: The Only Accredited Provider For Biocides Proficiency Testing – ISO/IEC 17043
SHAPYPRO has achieved ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation as a provider of proficiency testing programs in biocides, becoming the only accredited organization worldwide in this specialized field.
This accreditation, granted by an independent body, officially recognizes SHAPYPRO’s capability to design, execute, and statistically evaluate interlaboratory comparison programs according to internationally accepted quality and technical standards.
Scope of accreditation:
- Proficiency testing for biocides, covering bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal activity.
- Evaluation of standardized European methods such as EN 1276, EN 1650, EN 1656, EN 1657, and EN 14476.
- Programs structured according to the framework standard EN 14885.
This accreditation enables laboratories participating in SHAPYPRO programs to demonstrate analytical competence, comply with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements, and strengthen their position in national and international audits.
Beyond ISO/IEC 17043 Accreditation
ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation is more than a certification—it represents an ongoing commitment to quality, transparency, and technical integrity.
At SHAPYPRO, this commitment is built on a multidisciplinary team of experts specializing in:
- European standards for disinfectants and antiseptics (CEN/TC 216).
- Advanced statistical methodologies for PT data evaluation.
- International metrological traceability and comparative performance studies.
Each program is designed to replicate real laboratory conditions, providing homogeneous, stable, and representative samples, along with clear and traceable statistical reports.
This approach ensures that results are not only compliant with ISO/IEC 17043 but also scientifically meaningful and operationally valuable for participating laboratories.
Why ISO/IEC 17043 Matters for Laboratories
Participation in accredited proficiency testing programs is essential for laboratories seeking to validate their analytical results and maintain trust with clients and regulatory authorities.
Key benefits:
- Method validation and verification.
Confirms that analytical procedures produce accurate and reproducible results. - Proof of technical competence.
Demonstrates compliance with accreditation criteria such as ISO/IEC 17025:2017. - Identification of analytical deviations.
Detects systematic errors, biases, or performance inconsistencies. - Regulatory compliance.
Meets the mandatory requirement for participation in PT schemes under ISO/IEC 17025. - International recognition.
Results obtained under accredited PT programs are accepted globally under ILAC-MRA and EA MLA mutual recognition agreements.
Through participation in SHAPYPRO’s accredited programs, laboratories ensure continuous improvement, technical reliability, and full regulatory conformity.
Integration With European Standards On Biocidal Efficacy
SHAPYPRO’s biocides proficiency testing programs are aligned with the umbrella European standard EN 14885 developed and improve thanks to the CEN/TC 216 committee, which define the efficacy testing of disinfectants and antiseptics.
These include:
- 1- EN 1276 – Bactericidal activity.
- 2- EN 1650 – Fungicidal and yeasticidal activity.
- 3- EN 14476 – Virucidal activity.
- 4- EN 1656 and EN 1657 – Veterinary area testing.
This integration ensures that SHAPYPRO’s programs cover the full spectrum of microbiological evaluation under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No 528/2012, providing laboratories with a unified and consistent framework for demonstrating efficacy and compliance.
Innovation, Technology, And Analytical Reliability
In addition to its accreditation, SHAPYPRO stands out for its technological innovation and commitment to analytical excellence.
Using advanced equipment such as the S2 PUMA —based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy— SHAPYPRO conducts trace element and chemical composition analysis of test materials.
This ensures sample homogeneity and stability across all rounds, reinforcing the accuracy and reproducibility of interlaboratory comparisons.
By combining scientific rigor with instrumental precision, SHAPYPRO strengthens the confidence and trust of its partner laboratories worldwide.
SHAPYPRO 5-Year Agenda: A Strategic Vision For The Future
Achieving ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation is only the first step in a broader strategic plan.
The SHAPYPRO 5-year agenda defines a long-term roadmap for expanding scientific capabilities, digital transformation, and international collaboration within the field of analytical competence evaluation.
Key objectives of the Agenda:
- Expansion of accreditation scope.
Extend accredited PT programs into cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental analysis. - Development of digital participation platforms.
Enable laboratories to manage results and documentation through secure online systems with full traceability. - Scientific collaboration and research.
Establish partnerships with universities, metrology institutes, and standardization bodies to advance research in microbiological efficacy and uncertainty evaluation. - Integration of AI and advanced statistics.
Apply machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance PT result interpretation. - Sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Reduce the environmental footprint of PT logistics by optimizing sample production, packaging, and transport.
This strategic agenda reflects SHAPYPRO’s ongoing commitment to innovation, scientific excellence, and transparency, ensuring its leadership in the global proficiency testing sector for the years ahead.
Conclusion: ISO/IEC 17043 and Future of PT
The ISO/IEC 17043:2023 accreditation positions SHAPYPRO as the international benchmark in biocides proficiency testing, ensuring the highest standards of quality, impartiality, and technical reliability.
But beyond accreditation, SHAPYPRO drives a long-term vision focused on expanding its technical network, promoting international cooperation, and leveraging digital technologies to create a sustainable and globally connected platform for analytical excellence.
In a regulatory environment that demands verified competence and scientific credibility, SHAPYPRO continues to embody the principles of quality, innovation, and accredited excellence.
At SHAPYPRO, we are dedicated to driving innovation through rigorous research and the advancement of standardized methodologies. However, we can’t achieve this alone. By participating in our Proficiency Test, you play a vital role in accelerating scientific progress and improving quality of life.
Whether it’s evaluating emerging technologies, enhancing testing procedures, or gathering critical data, your contribution helps turn groundbreaking ideas into practical, real-world solutions. Participants also benefit from exclusive advantages such as compensation, early access to cutting-edge developments, and the rewarding experience of contributing to meaningful scientific advancement.