One of the first things a buyer or customs official will ask for is a test report, and its value depends on who issued it and what they were accredited to test. If you are shortlisting a NABL testing lab in India for export work, then two developments in 2026 are important: a customs circular regarding the testing of export samples and a new format for NABL accreditation certificate numbers. Neither eliminates the need to check the testing scope, reporting details, and destination requirements.

Why Food Labs Tops in NABL Testing Lab Searches & How Should Product Exporters Filter

If you search for a NABL testing lab, you will most often find food, water, environmental and clinical providers before you come across anyone who tests electrical products. This is because NABL accredits laboratories in a wide range of fields. Fast filtering for product exporters. Pick the discipline you need, electrical or electronics for example, and list the test methods and standards your buyer is asking for. Then check the accredited scope for the methods for each lab. An NABL accredited lab can be accredited and still not be accredited for your test. Electronics & IT testing services may be relevant when selecting a laboratory for electrical and electronic products. Start the check with "NABL accredited".

2026: New Developments for Customs’ NABL Lab Reports 

Circular No. 28/2026-Customs dated 15 June 2026 issued by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs regarding testing of samples of export consignments. Exporters can continue to obtain the test reports from NABL-accredited labs, recognized by Export Promotion Councils or other recognized agencies for meeting the requirements of the importing country, it said. Where a report is submitted and there is no risk-based intervention or intelligence input, the officer takes it into account instead of mandatory sending of samples to the Central Revenues Control Laboratory. 

The upside is fewer routine re-tests for exporters who already have a valid report in hand. The limits matter as well. The circular is about export shipments. "Risk based intervention" gives customs the leeway to test anyway. When choosing a NABL testing lab in India,exporters should confirm that the report meets the applicable requirements. The circular does not decide whether a report is accepted by the destination country and does not replace product approvals. A NABL test report for export is useful evidence, but it is not a guarantee of acceptance or passing. 

How to Read the New NABL Certificate Number Before you Accept a Report 

On the NABL announcements page, there is a notice dated 6 July 2026 regarding the new format of the accreditation certificate numbers, a related notice dated 12 June 2026 regarding a symbol and a clarification dated 15 June 2026 on the ULR numbers linked to the new format. You can find these on the NABL page for news and announcements. 

Trade coverage notes that the NABL certificate number format has now been phased in to include information like the month and year of accreditation and a unique identifier. No matter the format you see, don't just look at the number. Check the lab in the list of NABL accredited laboratories and see if the number, name and scope are the same as in your report.

Scope, Discipline and Validity (Three checks on each NABL report) 

·         Scope: The test, method and parameters on your report must be within the laboratory's accredited scope. Accreditation does not give a free pass to test anything. 

·         Discipline: The discipline of the lab should be in line with your product, as a lab accredited in one field may not have the one you need. 

·         Validity: Verify that the accreditation was valid on the testing dates. NABL has a multi-year cycle with surveillance and publishes lists of suspended or withdrawn accreditations, so it’s worth checking the status.

·         Then read the report itself: sample description, test standard, lab details, dates and signatures should all be complete and match your product. 

Where Does Electrical and Electronics NABL Testing Lab Fit?

A specialist lab can assist makers and exporters of electrical and electronic products with report review, safety testing against the applicable standard, and organising the documents a buyer or authority expects. Household Appliances Testing Services can be relevant when manufacturers need to assess the safety of products such as household electrical appliances. 

But the approval you need and the work the lab does are not the same thing. NABL accreditation is not BIS certification. BIS and other mandatory schemes have their own rules and some lay down conditions under which the laboratories can test for them. A report from a NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing & Calibration Laboratories) accredited lab can support a compliance file but is not a substitute for a mandatory approval if required.

Why ACE Test Labs?

ACE Test Labs & Metrology Pvt. Ltd. is a testing laboratory located in Sonipat, Haryana. We are known as a trusted NABL accreditation testing lab working as per ISO/IEC 17025:2017.  Our team can help you determine which tests and standards apply how to prepare samples and what documents the lab needs. Our support does not guarantee customs acceptance, export clearance, BIS certification, a successful test result or a specific testing turnaround time. These outcomes depend on the applicable requirements, test results, and decisions of the relevant authorities. 

Common Questions 

1.      Is NABL lab report accepted in Indian customs 2026? 

As per CBIC Circular No. 28/2026-Customs dated 15 June 2026, in case of export consignments, the customs officers consider the reports of accredited labs and do not necessarily send samples to CRCL in the absence of risk-based intervention or intelligence. This is not universal acceptance and the rules of the destination country are not included. 

2.    How to verify NABL accredited testing laboratory? 

Search for the lab on the NABL accredited laboratories page. Check that the accreditation is current and read the scope to see if your test, method and parameter are listed. Confirm that the name and certificate number match your report. Don’t trust a logo or number printed on a report. 

3.     Is the NABL report equivalent to the BIS test? 

No, NABL accreditation shows a lab is competent for a defined scope. BIS certification is a separate regulatory approval with separate regulations. Check the scheme that applies to you before you test, as the route you take will depend on your product and the requirements that apply to it.

Summary 

Before using any report, review the lab's accreditation scope, certificate details, test methods, and the customs or destination requirements for your shipment. If you need a BIS testing lab, confirm the applicable testing requirements and laboratory scope before proceeding. Contact ACE Test Labs to discuss your product testing needs. 

About the Author 

Dimpy Narang is a product testing expert at ACE Test Labs. She writes on product safety, testing standards, BIS requirements and regulatory compliance to help manufacturers and importers understand the product testing requirements.