The OECD policy for the implementation of the principles of good laboratory practice.

OECD has been involved in the harmonisation of policies and instruments for chemicals control since the late 1970's. The OECD principles of good laboratory practice (GLP) were developed and subsequently adopted by the Council in 1981. These principles have the primary objective of ensuring the generation of high quality test data. They set out managerial concepts covering the organisation of test laboratories as well as the conditions under which laboratory studies are planned, performed, monitored, recorded and reported. A system of compliance monitoring procedures has been established to ensure that laboratory studies are carried out in member countries according to the principles of GLP. The harmonization and mutual recognition of compliance monitoring methods among member countries have been a crucial step in ensuring the international acceptability of data. This undertaking involved the development of consistent criteria for determining whether a laboratory conducts studies in accordance with the principles of GLP. Training courses are held for GLP inspectors, an activity which lies at the basis of harmonising monitoring procedures. Consensus workshops result in consensus documents on the harmonised application and interpretation of the GLP principles in specific areas or on specific points. This system makes it possible for countries to speak the same language when exchanging information about specific laboratories, and to have confidence in the quality and rigour of safety tests undertaken in a laboratory.