Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL) has been awarded ISO 17025:2005 accreditation, a rating which accords it the title of the most technically competent lab in the world. The accreditation spells that the lab is recognised according to international standards for accurate and reliable grading. GCAL's lab ISO Laboratory Accreditation Bureau (LAB), which performs certification assessment, is acknowledged to provide third party attestation of technical confidence. %% The certification stands for reassurance and minimal risk. “Currently, GCAL is the only diamond grading lab in North America to earn this prestigious certification, and it is one of only three diamond grading labs in the world that is ISO 17025:2005 accredited”, explains Jason Stine, Testing Program Manager for LAB. %% The advantage for a customer to acquire grading from an accredited lab includes accurate grading the first time/less retesting, enhancing consumer confidence, and making goods more easily accepted overseas. "Laboratory tests are supposed to be repeatable and verifiable—we should all be doing it the same way," says Stine. The benefit of an ISO certification is that its international recognition gives the exporters a relief of not having to retest for most other markets: Over 40 laboratory accreditation bodies have signed a multilateral recognition statement called the ILAC Arrangement, which greatly enhances the acceptance of data across the borders of member countries. Although the GCAL has received the certification, it will be continually monitored and tested periodically to ensure compliance with all regulations and standards.