The Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC) has successfully renewed its ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation as an Electrical Testing Laboratory specifically for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and product safety testing, further strengthening its position as the Philippines’ premier testing facility for electronics.  

(L-R) Ms. Rubylene “Jing” L. Osila (SGS Philippines, Inc. Technical Manager and EPDC Test Engineering Consultant), Mr. Alvin E. Retamar (SSED Chief), Mr. Rob Castro (A2LA Assessor and ISO/IEC 17025 Auditor), Mr. Glenn Vincent C. Lopez (EPDC Managing Head) 

EPDC’s Test Engineering Laboratory first earned its accreditation in 2019, giving local and international companies access to facilities for testing electronics products that meet global standards and are ready for international markets. 

The renewal comes with an expanded scope of accredited services, now covering additional standards that ensure electronics products are safe, reliable, and able to withstand extreme environmental conditions. 

Among these are EMC standards (IEC/EN 61000-6-3 and IEC/EN 61000-6-4 Generic Family Standard for residential, commercial, light industrial and industrial equipment) which set limits on electromagnetic emissions to ensure that electronic devices can operate without causing interference in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Complementing these are immunity standards (EN 55035 Immunity Standard for ITE and other consumer electronics) which verify that information technology equipment and consumer electronics can withstand external electromagnetic disturbances without compromising performance or safety.

The scope also includes product safety evaluations (IEC 62368-1 Audio Video and Information Technology equipment - excluding Flammability Test) for information technology equipment and consumer electronics. Accreditation under this standard allows EPDC to help manufacturers demonstrate compliance with hazard-based safety requirements that protect users from risks such as electric shock, overheating, or mechanical injury. 

EPDC’s Thermal Shock Chamber and Temperature Humidity Chamber 

In addition, EPDC is now accredited to conduct environmental stress tests (IEC 60068-2-1, IEC 60068-2-2). These involve exposing electronic products to extreme cold and dry heat to verify durability and reliability in harsh conditions. Clients can avail equipment rental for EPDC’s Temperature Humidity Chamber and Thermal Shock Chamber. 

“Renewing our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation and expanding its scope is more than a compliance milestone for EPDC. Through this, we can assure our partners that their products are safe, reliable, and ready for the global market. This accreditation is at the core of how we deliver value to our stakeholders, that every test we conduct is accurate, trusted, and aligned with global standards,” said Mr. Glenn Vincent C. Lopez, Managing Head of EPDC. 

EPDC staff, together with A2LA Auditor Mr. Rob Castro, reviewing product safety laboratory documents as part of the ISO/IEC 17025 external audit. 

For the local electronics industry, this milestone translates to greater access to world-class testing services without the need to rely on overseas laboratories. Accredited results also help companies comply with export regulations, strengthening the global competitiveness of Philippine-made electronics. 

This achievement comes as EPDC celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Since its inauguration in July 2015, EPDC reaffirms its role as a vital partner in advancing the electronics industry in the country. 

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is the international standard for testing and calibration laboratories, demonstrating a laboratory’s commitment to quality, technical proficiency, and scientific rigor. The re-accreditation is granted by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). 

(L-R) Engr. Aimee C. Nobleza, Engr. Bea Mae M. Estoesta, Ms. Maricar C. Ganzo, Engr. Mary Ann A. Bobis, Mr. Rob Castro (A2LA Auditor), Mr. Glenn Vincent C. Lopez (EPDC Managing Head), Mr. Jhonatan A. Tapay, Engr. Joebert S. Casunuran and Engr. Oswald Godwin G. Villanueva 

EPDC staff with Ms. Jing Osila (SGS Philippines, Inc.) and Mr. Rob Castro (A2LA),  
photo taken during ISO/IEC 17025 External Audit 

About EPDC 

The Electronics Product Development Center (EPDC) is DOST-ASTI's strategic initiative to support and accelerate innovation in the electronics industry. Backed by seasoned professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, EPDC transforms ideas into reality by offering end-to-end support for electronics and emerging technology development-from research and design to manufacturing and testing. 

For inquiries or collaboration, send an email to sm.epdc@asti.dost.gov.ph or send a message to the Electronics Product Development Center Facebook Page.