Independent Laboratory Testing for Certification & Quality Assurance

Independent & Unrivaled Integrity

Accredited & Credible

Internationally Trusted

Fast & Reliable Service

Proudly Accredited and Approved by

ISO 17025 Accredited

Internationally recognised testing standards, delivering accurate and reliable results.

Independent & Impartial

Objective assessments you can trust, free from commercial influence.

Fast Turnaround Times

Responsive testing and reporting to keep your projects moving.

Globally Recognised Certifications

Supporting compliance with leading international standards and approval schemes.

Trusted Industry Experts

Over 25 years of experience working with manufacturers, governing bodies and sports organisations worldwide.

Global Market Support

Helping clients bring products to market with confidence across multiple regions and territories.

The Laboratory Services

Governing Body Product Certification
Ball Testing/Certification
Wearable Device Testing/Certification
Indoor/Outdoor Flooring
Athletic Tracks
Head Injury Criterion (HIC)
Material Identification

Certification by Sport
Slip Resistance
Product Quality Control
Landscape Turf
UV Testing
Forensic Investigations
Toxicology

ITF Court Pace Ratings
Simulated Mechanical Wear
Vertical Water Infiltration and Horizontal Flow Rate
Agronomy Services
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) Testing
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) Testing
Abrasion Testing

Testing & Certification

Independant testing. Global Recognition

Sports Labs operates one of the world’s leading ISO 17025-accredited laboratories for sports surfaces, products and technologies. For more than 25 years, we have supported manufacturers, governing bodies and facility operators through independent testing, certification and product development services.

By verifying performance in a controlled, accredited environment, laboratory testing helps you make informed decisions, reduce risk and protect your investment over the long term.

Our laboratory combines technical expertise, state-of-the-art equipment and internationally recognised testing protocols to help clients demonstrate product quality, achieve certification and access global markets.

Sports Labs works closely with manufacturers during all stages of product development, from prototype evaluation through to final certification. Our team provides clear technical guidance, helping clients optimise product performance and navigate evolving industry standards.

The Laboratory Case Studies

Sports Labs Design Consultancy Supports Delivers Wales’ First Organic 3G Pitch at Caldicot

05/06/2026

The Hidden Physics That Shape Every Football’s Flight

22/05/2026

Sports Labs is Now the Lincolnshire County FA’s Official 3G Pitch Testing Partner

30/04/2026

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Sports Labs Accreditations, Quality Control Marks, Memberships & Trade Bodies

We certify sports surfaces or technology to national and international standards with our expanding scope of accreditations. We actively contribute to the development of these standards, ensuring testing protocols are up to date with the most current product innovations.

Frequently Asked QuestionS

Get clear answers to the most common questions

Why is ISO 17025 accreditation important for a test institute?

ISO 17025 is the international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Being an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory means that Sports Labs has been independently verified to produce technically valid and reliable results. This accreditation is mandatory for global governing bodies like FIFA, FIH, and World Athletics.

Do I need to test to the latest (2024) FIFA Manual, or can I continue to certify my products/fields to the 2015 FIFA Manual?

The 2015 FIFA Manual remains live and it is possible to test/certify your products or fields to that version if necessary. The FIFA 2024 Manual has, however, taken steps to address limitations in material quality and safety, as well as adjusting test methodologies to match latest understanding and technologies, so we would advise testing your product to the latest manual where possible.

Why did FIFA introduce a component-led certification approach in the FIFA Quality Programme 2024?

The FIFA Quality Programme 2024 Manual introduced a component-led approach, requiring individual turf system components to be registered separately. This improves consistency by ensuring each approved component delivers the same verified performance across multiple turf systems. The result is a more efficient certification process, providing greater confidence in the quality and reliability of certified products.

What is EN15330-5 and why is it important for me as an infill supplier?

EN 15330-5 provides a harmonised European framework for assessing the performance, durability and environmental characteristics of performance infill materials used in artificial turf systems. For infill suppliers, compliance demonstrates that products meet recognised industry requirements, giving customers greater confidence in quality and consistency. The standard also provides a common benchmark for comparing products, helping manufacturers differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. By testing to EN 15330-5, suppliers can support product specifications, streamline approvals and provide independent evidence of long-term performance. Ultimately, it helps reduce risk for facility owners while strengthening the credibility and market acceptance of the infill product.

How can I certify my ball to FIFA standards?

To obtain FIFA certification for your balls you must meet certain requirements as a company, so you need to contact FIFA directly to begin the processing of registering as a Licensee. Further information can be found on the FIFA Resource Hub Website. Once you have started or completed the process of becoming a Licensee then Sports Labs can test your product and submit the results to FIFA for approval.

How can I certify my product under the FIBA Approval Programme?

To get FIBA approved you need to follow the step-by-step guide located on the FIBA website. Sports Labs can then assist with the testing and certification of your product so that it can be registered with FIBA.

Do you offer bespoke testing programmes?

Yes. We regularly develop bespoke testing programmes tailored to specific products, technologies and performance objectives. Whether you’re validating a new concept, benchmarking against competitors or generating data to support product claims, our experts can design a testing programme that delivers the insights you need.

Why is UV testing important and what can Sports Labs do for me?

UV exposure can cause materials to fade, weaken and deteriorate over time, impacting both appearance and performance. Sports Labs offers accelerated UV ageing and weathering tests to assess long-term durability, support product development, validate performance claims and help ensure products remain fit for purpose throughout their intended lifespan.

I am a flooring manufacturer. How can Sports Labs help me?

EN 14904 Testing for Indoor Sports Surfaces
EN 14904 is the European standard for indoor sports flooring, ensuring surfaces provide the correct levels of safety, comfort and performance for athletes. Sports Labs tests key properties including shock absorption, vertical deformation, ball rebound and slip resistance to verify compliance with the standard. Whether you are developing a new flooring system or undertaking routine quality control, our independent testing provides confidence that your product meets recognised industry requirements.

EN 14877 Testing for Outdoor Sports Surfaces
EN 14877 is the European standard for synthetic outdoor sports surfaces, commonly used for athletics tracks and recreational facilities. Sports Labs assesses key performance characteristics including force reduction, vertical deformation, tensile strength and durability to verify compliance and long-term performance. Our testing services support product development, quality control and certification, helping manufacturers demonstrate the quality and reliability of their surfaces.

Why is Quality Control Testing Important?

Quality control testing ensures that every product leaving the manufacturing process consistently meets the required performance, safety and quality standards. It helps our customers identify variations early and maintain confidence in their products.

How can Sports Labs help me bring my product to market faster?

Sports Labs can support your product from the earliest stages of development through to final certification. By identifying potential issues early, conducting pre-certification testing and providing clear technical guidance, we help reduce costly delays, minimise re-testing and streamline the route to market. Our responsive approach and efficient testing programmes ensure you receive the data you need when you need it.

What makes Sports Labs different from other testing laboratories?

Sports Labs combines over 25 years of industry experience with independent, ISO 17025-accredited testing and a deep understanding of global sports standards. Unlike many laboratories, we offer a complete service including laboratory testing, field testing, certification support, consultancy and research & development. This allows us to provide practical solutions, not just test reports.

Why is independent testing important?

Independent testing provides objective verification that a product performs as claimed and meets the required standards. Third-party testing gives confidence to manufacturers, governing bodies, specifiers and end users by removing potential conflicts of interest and ensuring results are impartial, reliable and technically robust.

How do I know if my product is ready for certification?

The best way to determine certification readiness is through an initial technical review or pre-certification assessment. Sports Labs can evaluate your product against the relevant standards, identify any areas requiring improvement and provide guidance on the most efficient path towards formal certification.

How can I ensure my product remains compliant over time?

Ongoing quality control testing and periodic verification are essential for maintaining compliance. As manufacturing processes, materials and standards evolve, regular testing helps confirm that product performance remains consistent and continues to meet certification requirements and customer expectations.

Which testing programme is right for my product?

The most appropriate testing programme depends on the product type, intended application and certification requirements. Our technical team will work with you to understand your objectives and recommend a tailored testing programme that provides the most relevant and cost-effective route to compliance and certification.