EU-standard International Analytical Laboratory opens in Tbilisi with state support

A new European Union-standard International Analytical Laboratory has been opened near Lisi Lake in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi with the support of the Produce in Georgia state programme, the Ministry of Economy said on Friday.

The Laboratory will be focused on agricultural, veterinary and food safety sectors and host up to 500 “highly qualified” studies, the body added.

Its research will include food production and sale facilities, hotels, medical and preventive infrastructure and veterinary institutions. It will offer “complete laboratory services” in food safety - including comprehensive chemical and microbiological studies on drinking water, surface and mineral water, meat and dairy products, bread, cookies, cereals and nuts.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili emphasised the importance of enhancing the country’s economy and promoting the competitiveness of domestic products by increasing quality infrastructure in the country.

Over the years, our country has developed a robust quality infrastructure through close collaboration with the EU. Our economic policies are fully aligned with European standards and requirements. One of the important tasks of cooperation with Europe is a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area deal, a very large part of which is related to sanitary and meeting phytosanitary requirements. In this regard, the country has made great progress”, he said.

The Minister said the new Laboratory was accredited according to the international 17025 standard, making certificates issued by the Laboratory fully recognised in markets where the products are to be sold.

Davitashvili also noted “a lot of work” had been done by state institutions to ensure recognition of Georgian accreditation, adding the national Accreditation Centre was a “part of the international accreditation system”.

Otar Shamugia, the Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, underlined the increasing demand for laboratory services and the development of a robust laboratory network to fulfil the country's obligations in integrating with the EU.

Our goal is to promote the development of a private laboratory network. The opening of the Laboratory of such standards in Tbilisi is an important fact. The demand and need for laboratory services is constantly increasing. Therefore, every year we increase and strengthen the capabilities of our agricultural laboratory. The Ministry, together with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, has developed and approved the concept of development of the laboratory network”, he said.

The Laboratory is accredited in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017/2018 standard by the unified national accreditation body, the Ministry of Economy added.