Accreditation Benefits

For the laboratory:

• Gives formal recognition that a Member Laboratory is technically competent to test seed using ISTA methods, producing reliable results.
• Laboratory staff receive confirmation of their competence to perform sampling and testing, as required at an international level. This increases staff motivation and technical expertise.
• Laboratory performance is evaluated and measured by participation in the Proficiency Testing Programme.
• Accreditation is also an important marketing tool. The laboratory’s details and scope of Accreditation are publicly available to potential customers on the ISTA website.

For the seed seller:

• An increased acceptance of seed lots reduces costs and improves sellers’ credibility for their products.
• The risk of shipping seeds with faulty results on the test report is minimised.
• In some countries/distinct economies, the export of seed is only permitted if the seed lot is accompanied by an ISTA Certificate.
• Seed producers themselves can apply for Accreditation for their laboratory.

For the seed buyer:

• ISTA Certificates provide the seed buyer with confidence that the results on the test report correspond to the quality of the seed lot.
• The use of an ISTA Accredited Laboratory to test seed lots indicates that seeds have been tested by internationally accepted methods, helping to demonstrate that the quality of a seed lot is acceptable. This is particularly important for the international trade of seeds.
• In some countries/distinct economies, the import of seed is only permitted if the seed lot is accompanied by an ISTA Certificate.