BIPEA: Proficiency Testing and Reference Materials

• Launched proficiency testing programs in agri-food and contaminant(s) in the early 1990s
• Created environmental proficiency testing programs in the late 1990s
• Innovated in cosmetics in 2009 with PT programs, particularly sunscreen products
• Expanded its offerings to the pharmaceutical market in 2020
• Now offers over 220 regular proficiency testing programs

BIPEA is a non-profit organization based in France with over 2600 member laboratories across 130 countries, offering over 220 regular proficiency testing programs.

Established in 1970 by INRA (National Institute of Agronomic Research) and CNRS (National Center for Scientific Research), and other professional organizations primarily in the sectors of production and storage. BIPEA focuses on organizing interlaboratory comparisons and providing technical assistance to laboratories. Initially, it had 60 laboratories and eight proficiency testing programs in grains and milling.

In the early 1990s, it expanded to include agri-food and contaminant testing, followed by environmental testing in the late 1990s.

In 2009, BIPEA introduced PT programs for cosmetics, particularly sunscreen products. In 2020, it expanded its offerings to the pharmaceutical market and increased its international funding. BIPEA continues to expand its offerings and participation in proficiency testing programs.

Watch our video to learn more about BIPEA and what we do.