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Good Laboratory Practice

The principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) promote the quality and validity of data generated in the testing of chemicals and prevent fraudulent practices.

The principles have been developed in accordance with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the EU has adopted these principles and the revised OECD Guides for Compliance Monitoring Procedures for GLP as annexes to its two GLP Directives.

GLP underpins the mutual acceptance of test data between countries, which avoids duplicative testing, is beneficial to animal welfare, and reduces costs for industry and governments.

Common principles for GLP also facilitate the exchange of information and prevents the emergence of non-tariff barriers to trade, while contributing to the protection of human health and the environment.

International aspects

The EU has concluded Mutual Recognition Agreements for GLP with Israel, Japan, and Switzerland. The European Regulations and Directives also apply to Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

Following Decision C (97)186/Final of the OECD Council, data generated in the testing of chemicals in an OECD Member Country, in accordance with OECD Test Guidelines and the principles of GLP, are accepted in other OECD Member Countries (e.g. Australia, Canada, Korea, and the USA). This also applies to certain non-OECD member countries that are full adherents to the mutual acceptance of data (MAD) in accordance with OECD Council Decision C(97)114/Final (Brazil, India, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa, as well as Argentina for industrial chemicals, pesicides and biocides only.)

Product oriented legal acts

The principles of GLP are applied to the non-clinical safety testing of test items contained in a range of products. The application of GLP is required by a variety of different product-specific legislation (560 kB).

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