Official control laboratories: designation conditions (Reg 2017/625)

This regulation clarifies when national authorities can designate laboratories for official controls even if those labs do not meet all standard requirements for every single testing method they use. This ensures that a wider range of laboratories can support food and plant safety checks without being blocked by minor technical gaps.

This affects national competent authorities and laboratories performing official controls on food, animal health, and plant health. It streamlines the process for certifying labs to conduct essential safety tests.