Established in 1953, the Industrial Research Institute (IRI) is registered as a Lebanese nonprofit institution declared of public utility by D/L n° 10059 dated 17 August 1955, linked to the Ministry of Industry by Lawn° 642/1997, with administrative and financial autonomy for studies, industrial research and scientific testing, calibration, inspection and certification (system, product and personnel).

Our mission is to ensure an adequate service regarding technical and scientific support to the Lebanese industrialists and the national economy, especially in the framework of the partnership’s agreements with the European Community and Lebanon’s integration in the World Trade Organization (WTO).

IRI activities cover most of the conformity assessment activities and is already a member in many international organizations:

• ILAC: International Laboratories Accreditation Cooperation
• NCSLI: National Conference of Standard Laboratories International
• EUROLAB: European Federation of National Associations of Measurement, Testing and Analytical Laboratories.
• ICC: International Association for Cereal Sciences and Technology
• ISTA: International Seeds Testing Association
• IIW: International Institute of Welding
• ICNDT: International Committee for Non-Destructive Testing

In addition, IRI is designated as the accreditation body to all types of welding activities in Lebanon.

And IRI is mandated by the Lebanese Government through decrees to perform inspections / tests for specific imported goods.

Furthermore, IRI provides training and consultancy for laboratories’ accreditation on National, Regional and International level and leads regularly different European projects.

Within its structure, IRI comprises 14 laboratories among which six are already accredited by the American accreditation body ANAB according to ISO 17025: 2005 (IRI is the first accredited body in Lebanon since 2004).

The actual scope of accreditation covers mechanical calibration as well as more than 360 testing methods in the microbiological, chemical / physico-chemical, grains / rheological, electrical / environmental and mechanical / civil engineering fields.

In 2017, IRI obtained accreditation according to ISO 17020, from ANAB, for its inspection activities. It covers the qualitative and/or quantitative inspection of new products in the following fields: electrical appliances, food, ceramic tiles and sanitary wares, oil, cosmetics, glass, diapers, workbook, medical items.

 

The activities and services of the Institute are organized to realize the following aims:

• To conduct studies and research relevant to the establishment of new industries.
• To investigate and disseminate information about available raw materials with a view to defining their use and establishing the best means for their exploitation.
• To provide, on an international scientific level, reliable services in testing and analysis and to grant certificates of quality or conformity with standards and purchase specifications.
• To provide specialized technological, management and economic consulting services to existing industries and industrial development schemes.
• To maintain close co-operation with official institutions, industrial organizations, and development boards both on the national and international levels in matters relating to the industrial development of the country.

In carrying out its functions, the Institute adheres to ethical and professional standards whereby it safeguards the clients' best interests. Furthermore, IRI regards as the client’s property any information, processes, patent or techniques developed during work with the client and safeguards such matters in complete secrecy.