---
title: "What is the difference between GLP, GMP and ISO/IEC 17025? | Sable Peptides"
description: "Three quality frameworks that are often confused: GLP for non-clinical safety studies, GMP for manufacturing medicines and APIs, and ISO/IEC 17025 for testing-lab competence. What each covers, who inspects it in the UK, and which applies to a research peptide CoA. Research use only."
canonical: https://www.sablepeptides.co.uk/guides/glp-vs-gmp-vs-iso-17025-quality-systems
dateModified: 2026-10-16
publisher: Sable Peptides Limited (UK company 17488610)
note: Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
---

# What is the difference between GLP, GMP and ISO/IEC 17025?

GLP (good laboratory practice) governs how non-clinical safety studies are planned, run and recorded. GMP (good manufacturing practice) governs how medicines and active substances are made and released. ISO/IEC 17025 sets competence requirements for testing and calibration labs. A research peptide CoA usually comes from a lab working under ISO/IEC 17025 or none of these.

## How do the three frameworks compare?

|  | GLP | GMP | ISO/IEC 17025 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Applies to | Non-clinical safety studies | Manufacture of medicines/APIs | Testing and calibration labs |
| Key focus | Study integrity and reconstruction | Product quality and consistency | Technical competence and valid results |
| UK oversight | MHRA GLP Monitoring Authority | MHRA inspections | UKAS accreditation |
| Typical document | Study report | Batch record, CoA, release | Test report with scope reference |

Source: [GOV.UK (MHRA): Good laboratory practice (GLP) for safety tests on chemicals](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/good-laboratory-practice-glp-for-safety-tests-on-chemicals); [ICH Q7 Good manufacturing practice for active pharmaceutical ingredients](https://database.ich.org/sites/default/files/Q7_Guideline.pdf); [ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories](https://www.iso.org/standard/66912.html)

## Where did GLP come from?

GLP principles were harmonised internationally through the OECD so that safety data from one country would be accepted in others; early papers describe that implementation policy.

Source: [The OECD policy for implementation of the principles of GLP, Ann Ist Super Sanita 1994 (PubMed 7762932)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7762932/)

## Which one applies to research peptides?

-   Research peptides are not medicines, so GMP release does not apply.
-   GLP applies only if the peptide is a test item in a regulated safety study, and then the study, not the supplier, is under GLP.
-   ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation of the testing lab, for the specific method, is the most relevant assurance for a CoA.

## How does Sable document lots?

There is a CoA for every lot, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches its certificate. A CoA is emailed within 2 hours of a request.

Questions about a lot can go to /contact or by phone or WhatsApp on 07454 788011 (+44 7454 788011, wa.me/447454788011).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is ISO/IEC 17025 the same as GMP?

No. ISO/IEC 17025 covers testing-lab competence; GMP covers manufacture and release of medicines.

### Who oversees GLP in the UK?

The MHRA's GLP Monitoring Authority.

### Do research peptides need GMP?

No; they are not medicines. Lab testing competence (ISO/IEC 17025) is the more relevant standard.

## Related

-   [ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation](/guides/iso-17025-accreditation-for-peptide-testing-labs)
-   [Data integrity (ALCOA+)](/guides/data-integrity-alcoa-for-lab-records)
-   [UK legal status](/guides/uk-legal-status-of-research-peptides)
-   [CoC vs CoA](/guides/coa-vs-coc-what-ich-q7-requires-on-a-certificate)

Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.

Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)

-   GLP = non-clinical safety studies; GMP = manufacture; ISO/IEC 17025 = lab competence
-   UK: MHRA (GLP, GMP); UKAS (17025)
-   References: GOV.UK GLP; ICH Q7; ISO/IEC 17025; PubMed 7762932
-   Updated 2026-10-16