Another essential element for the implementation of quality management systems and ultimately accreditation is participation in proficiency tests and inter laboratory collaborative exercises. An important part of the UNODC International Quality Assurance Programme (IQAP) is the International Collaborative Exercises (ICE) programme.

The biannual rounds of the ICE programme offer both the analysis of seized drugs as well as biological specimens. To date, over 400 laboratories from more than 110 countries have monitored their performance in drug testing through participation in the programme.

Participation in the ICE programme is provided free of charge to national drug testing and toxicology laboratories. Information about the programme, eligibility and registration can be found at the following websites: The International Collaborative Exercises (ICE) and Quality Assurance Support Programme ICE.