The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has unveiled the revised and updated “Guidelines for Recognition of Environmental Laboratories under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.” Released in December 2024, this manual aims to standardize and enhance the quality of environmental testing nationwide.
The guidelines are a step towards ensuring that environmental data, vital for pollution control and policy-making, is scientifically reliable and legally defensible. Under Section 12(1) B and Section 13 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the CPCB is empowered to recognize environmental laboratories and appoint Government Analysts.
Key Objectives and Benefits
The primary objective of this recognition program is to cultivate a network of environmental laboratories equipped with the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to accurately analyze environmental quality parameters. Recognition under the Act significantly boosts a laboratory’s credibility and is often a mandatory prerequisite for empanelment with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) under other environmental laws. It is expected to improve analytical quality, increase operational efficiency, and build greater confidence in testing data among stakeholders.
Mandatory Requirements for Recognition
The revised guidelines outline stringent prerequisites for both new applications and renewals, emphasizing quality and competence. Laboratories seeking recognition must fulfill the following key criteria:
- Must be a legally registered entity situated in a designated authorized area.
- Mandatory ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories – NABL) and IS/ISO 45001:2018 certification (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) are essential for the entire three-year recognition period. Applications without these will be rejected.
- A minimum total working area of 150 square meters, excluding administrative and accounting sections, is required to accommodate various analytical sections (water, wastewater, soil, microbiology, air, instrumentation).
- A minimum of nine skilled personnel, including a Head of Laboratory, Environmental Scientists, Junior Scientists, Technical Officers/Assistants, Laboratory Analysts, and Laboratory/Field Assistants, with specified qualifications and experience.
- Nomination of a qualified Government Analyst is mandatory, with terms and conditions for their recognition also detailed.
- Submission of an undertaking to adhere to a Code of Ethics and maintain the integrity of analytical reports.
- GST/PAN registration, Geo-tagging details, and submission of laboratory photographs and video clippings are also required.
Application and Enforcement
Laboratories can apply for recognition (fresh or renewal) through a dedicated web portal. The recognition is valid for a period of three years. Application fees are Rs. 50,000 + GST for fresh applications and Rs. 25,000 + GST for renewals or changes in Government Analysts’ names.
The CPCB will conduct regular desktop audits, surveillance, and surprise inspections of recognized laboratories to ensure continuous compliance. Non-compliance can lead to actions ranging from show-cause notices to the revoking of recognition, with penalties as per the Act.
