A number of countries require manufacturers of chemicals viz. Industrial chemicals, Pharmaceuticals (Human and Veterinary), Agrochemicals, Cosmetics Products, Food/ Feed Additives and Medical devices, etc., to establish through data that use of these chemicals does not pose any hazards to human health and the environment. Non-hazardous nature needs to be established through studies and data, which will be examined by the regulatory authorities of the concerned countries. Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a system, which has been evolved by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) used for achieving the above goals.

National GLP Compliance Monitoring Authority (NGCMA) was established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, with the approval of the Union Cabinet on April 24, 2002.

GLP-compliance certification is voluntary in nature. Industries/ test facilities/laboratories dealing with above chemicals and looking for approval from regulatory authorities before marketing them, may apply to the NGCMA for obtaining GLP Certification.