SGS Lab in Canada Achieves ISO 17025 Accreditation for EL Testing
SGS Laboratory Earns Prestigious ISO 17025 Accreditation in Canada
On May 20, 2025, SGS, the world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, announced that its laboratory in Mississauga, Ontario, has successfully attained ISO 17025 accreditation. This distinguished recognition enables SGS to expand its offerings by providing comprehensive extractables and leachables (EL) testing for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries across North America.
Situated strategically near Toronto, where over half of Canada's pharmaceutical companies are located, the Mississauga laboratory is fully equipped to handle advanced biologics, chemistry, and microbiological testing. The addition of EL testing thus raises SGS's capability to serve both large and small-scale clients in the pharmaceutical sector effectively.
Why Extractables and Leachables Testing Matters
The surge in demand for EL testing is primarily driven by the increasing necessity to validate drug safety throughout drug discovery and the development phases. Joseph Bower, who leads the Health Science department for SGS in North America, emphasized that the ISO 17025 accreditation reflects the high operational standards maintained by their laboratory, which bolsters SGS's reputation as a reliable service provider in the pharmaceutical market.
The ISO 17025 standard is a global benchmark that assures the competence of laboratories in quality management practices, documentation procedures, and management of operations. This accreditation is particularly significant as it aligns with SGS's strategic objectives to enhance service offerings in response to current megatrends affecting the testing, inspection, and certification landscape.
Comprehensive Lab Services in Mississauga
SGS's Mississauga site is recognized for its contract testing services tailored for healthcare sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Although several SGS laboratories worldwide carry ISO 17025 accreditations, integrating EL testing capabilities is a substantial improvement in ensuring quality control across various segments of the pharmaceutical lifecycle.
In addition to the Mississauga hub, the company operates a complementary laboratory in Fairfield, New Jersey that specializes in EL testing, solidifying its North American operational network. This configuration not only amplifies testing capabilities but also allows for a consistent delivery of high-standard services across the continent.
Commitment to Quality and Compliance
The Mississauga facility, which also holds various registrations and certifications including Health Canada and FDA approvals, operates under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards. Moreover, it is accredited in alignment with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016, reinforcing its commitment to providing excellence in the medical device sector.
SGS operates with an extensive network encompassing 20 laboratories across 11 countries in North America, Europe, and Asia. This infrastructure positions SGS uniquely to cater to both large pharmaceutical firms and smaller manufacturers, ensuring they receive tailored or bundled testing services where needed.
Alongside EL testing capacities, SGS also offers comprehensive clinical trial management services from Phase I through Phase IV. This encompasses support in data management, statistics, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory consultancy, ensuring a holistic approach to tackling industry challenges.
About SGS
With a legacy spanning 145 years, SGS stands as a global leader in Testing, Inspection, and Certification services. With a workforce of approximately 99,500 professionals, it operates a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities in 115 countries. The company’s dedication to precision and reliability underscores its pledge to assist organizations in meeting their quality, compliance, and sustainability objectives.
Through its trusted brands—such as Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe, and Nutrasource—SGS remains committed to its motto: "When you need to be sure." This reflects the organization's emphasis on trust and integrity, empowering businesses across various sectors to thrive with confidence in their operations.
Publicly trading under the symbol SGSN on the SIX Swiss Exchange, SGS continues to set industry standards and drive innovation within the Testing, Inspection, and Certification domains.