The primary objective of the OECD Principles of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is to ensure the generation of high quality and reliable test data related to the safety of industrial chemical substances and preparations in the framework of harmonising testing procedures for the Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD).

GLP embodies a set of principles that provides a framework within which laboratory studies are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, reported and archived. These studies are undertaken to generate data by which the hazards and risks to users, consumers and third parties, including the environment, can be assessed for pharmaceuticals (only preclinical studies), agrochemicals, cosmetics, food additives, feed additives and contaminants, novel foods, biocides, detergents etc. GLP helps assure regulatory authorities that the data submitted is a true reflection of the results obtained during the study and can therefore be relied upon when making risk/safety assessments.