I remember sitting across from the procurement head of a Fortune 500 pharma company. After months of discussion, it came down to one question: “Is your lab NABL accredited?”
We weren’t. That one ‘No’ cost me a ₹2 crore contract.
It stung. But that rejection triggered a transformation. Within 5 months, I secured NABL accreditation for my testing facility. Not only did we get the contract later, but our credibility skyrocketed.
If you’re running a lab, clinic, or calibration center in India, NABL Accreditation isn’t optional anymore—it’s your competitive advantage.
According to the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), over 6,500+ labs in India are already accredited, and the number is growing fast. The demand for accuracy, standardization, and global recognition is rising.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from why NABL matters to how you can achieve it without drowning in paperwork.
Why NABL Accreditation Matters More Than Ever?
1.1 It’s Not Just a Badge—It’s a Trust Multiplier
Think about this: would you trust a COVID test result from a non-accredited lab? Neither would regulators, courts, or clients.
NABL accreditation proves your lab complies with international standards like ISO/IEC 17025, 15189, or 17020, depending on your service.
1.2 Regulatory, Legal & Business Incentives
- Required for many government tenders and public sector contracts
- Recognized by over 100 countries via ILAC-MRA and APLAC agreements
- Boosts chances for global partnerships and research collaborations
- Avoids legal liabilities tied to unverified or inconsistent test results
1.3 More Than Compliance—It’s Commercial Strategy
NABL is the “trust currency” in diagnostics, pathology, food, pharma, and environment sectors. Clients will pick your lab over others—just because you’re accredited.
How to Get NABL Accreditation—Step-by-Step?
2.1 Understand the Right Standard
| Type of Lab | Standard Required |
|---|---|
| Testing Lab | ISO/IEC 17025 |
| Medical Lab | ISO 15189 |
| Calibration Lab | ISO/IEC 17025 |
| Inspection Body | ISO/IEC 17020 |
Choosing the wrong one can delay approval by months.
2.2 Get a Pre-Assessment Audit (Highly Recommended)
Here’s what worked for me: I hired a third-party consultant to conduct a mock audit before the official one. It helped plug documentation gaps early.
2.3 Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Apply on NABL Portal
Register and submit Form NABL 100 along with fees. - Prepare Your Quality Manual & SOPs
Align with ISO standard requirements. This includes document control, calibration, traceability, etc. - Conduct Internal Audit & Management Review
This is a must-do before formal assessment. - Assessment by NABL Team
A team of 2–3 experts visit your premises, verify practices, review records. - Corrective Action Report (CAR)
Based on findings, you respond within 30 days. - Grant of Accreditation
If CAR is approved, you receive the accreditation certificate valid for 2 years.
Pro Tip: Keep your scope realistic. Don’t apply for every test upfront—focus on core competencies first.
Beyond Accreditation—Advanced Strategies to Leverage It
3.1 Use NABL Logo (The Right Way)
Once accredited, you can use the NABL symbol on reports, websites, and marketing. But beware: misuse can get you de-accredited.
3.2 Build Marketing Collateral Around Accreditation
- Create case studies showing how NABL helped reduce retesting or win contracts
- Display certificates visibly in reception and digital touchpoints
- Train your sales team to talk about it as a value driver, not a compliance requirement
3.3 Join the Network: B2B Opportunities
Many corporates maintain a list of NABL-accredited labs for vendor tie-ups. Getting listed on government portals like GeM and Eprocurement India can bring massive visibility.
Case Study: How One Lab Increased Revenue by 240% Post-Accreditation?
Client: Small pathology lab in Pune
Problem: Losing out on hospital tie-ups due to lack of recognition
Intervention: NABL documentation, process revamp, staff training
Result:
- Accredited within 6 months
- Revenue grew from ₹60 lakhs to ₹2.04 crore/year
- Partnered with 4 hospitals and 2 insurance companies
Accreditation didn’t just open doors—it became their key differentiator in a crowded market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is NABL Accreditation and why is it important?
NABL accreditation is an official recognition of a lab’s technical competence to carry out specific tests. It ensures global acceptance and legal credibility.
Q2. How much does it cost to get NABL accreditation in India?
Costs vary by lab type and scope, but typically range from ₹1.5 to ₹4 lakhs (inclusive of application fees, consultancy, infrastructure).
Q3. How long does it take to get NABL accredited?
If well-prepared, the process takes 4–6 months. Without guidance or readiness, it can stretch beyond 12 months.
Q4. Can I apply for NABL accreditation myself?
Yes, but unless you have in-house ISO/QMS experts, a professional consultant is highly recommended to avoid delays.
Q5. What happens if my lab fails the NABL audit?
You’ll be given a Corrective Action Report (CAR). If not resolved properly, your application will be rejected or delayed.
Your Turn to Take the First Step
I started this journey confused, overwhelmed, and hesitant. But getting NABL accredited changed everything—it opened bigger deals, built trust with stakeholders, and gave us a real edge.
If you’re still on the fence, let me tell you this: Don’t wait for a rejection like I did. Be proactive. Start with a readiness check, get expert help, and move step by step.
BECOME A NABL ACCREDITED LAB