Testing Standards Summary - October 2025: In-depth Review and Analysis

Looking back at October 2025, the landscape of Testing standards publication was characterized by focused, high-impact contributions targeting key technological areas in non-destructive evaluation. Only one standard was officially released for the month within ICS 19 (Non-destructive testing)—EN ISO 32679:2025—but its significance cannot be overstated. As industries continue to prioritize the integrity of materials and structures via radiographic methods, standards like this play an essential role in ensuring measurement reliability, product safety, and consistent quality worldwide. This article provides a comprehensive retrospective analysis for professionals such as engineers, compliance officers, and quality managers who need to stay current with evolving standards and compliance obligations.

Monthly Overview: October 2025

October 2025’s standardization activity within the Testing sector was unusually concise, featuring the publication of a single, but highly specialized, European Standard for non-destructive radiographic testing. Instead of a broad assortment of updates, this period reflected a strategic focus by standardization bodies on advancing measurement rigor and best practices for gamma source characterization—a cornerstone of accurate industrial radiographic evaluation.

Compared to the typical pattern of multiple simultaneous releases across various non-destructive testing methods (ultrasonic, magnetic, eddy current), the spotlight this month was dedicated to radiographic source specification and measurement. This emphasis aligned with industry priorities around enhancing traceability, risk management, and regulatory harmonization for safety-critical sectors, particularly those relying on gamma radiography for asset integrity and defect detection.

As organizations continue to modernize nondestructive testing (NDT) protocols, the October 2025 release underscored the importance of precision in source parameterization. This reflects broader trends such as digitalization of NDT processes and increasing demand for robust, internationally recognized quality benchmarks.

Standards Published This Month

EN ISO 32679:2025 – Non-destructive Testing – Radiographic Testing – Determination of the Size of Industrial Radiographic Gamma Sources

Full Title: Non-destructive testing – Radiographic testing – Determination of the size of industrial radiographic gamma sources (ISO 32679:2024)

Scope and Application EN ISO 32679:2025 specifies a uniform test procedure to accurately determine the size of industrial radiographic gamma sources—those emitting gamma rays for imaging and evaluation purposes within the field of non-destructive testing. Specifically, it applies to sources with a diameter of 0.5 mm or greater, produced from radionuclides such as Iridium 192, Ytterbium 169, Selenium 75, or Cobalt 60. Although the primary focus is on these sources, the methodology outlined can be validated and adapted for additional radionuclides as technological needs evolve.

The accurate determination of a gamma source’s size is mission-critical: the source’s effective size directly influences radiographic image quality—affecting factors like spatial resolution, sharpness, and the ability to detect defects or structural variations in test objects.

Key Requirements and Specifications

• Specifies a radiographic method (using X-rays) for source size determination with an accuracy of ±10%, typically not better than ±0.1 mm.
• Source sizes are initially provided by the manufacturer; however, this standard requires verification through standardized measurement—essential when validating manufacturing processes or during post-assembly QA.
• The procedure covers both analog (film) and digital radiography methods, encompassing requirements for digital detector qualification and test parameterization.
• Detailed definitions and formulae are provided—including an explicit geometrical magnification factor—ensuring consistent interpretation and measurement across organizations.
• Issues of source shape characterization, assembly integrity, and packaging are referenced (with further guidance in ASTM E1114 for Ir-192 sources).

Intended Users and Compliance Primarily, this standard is relevant to organizations and laboratories performing industrial radiographic testing, quality assurance teams in sectors such as petrochemical, power generation, aerospace, and infrastructure, and manufacturers of radiographic gamma sources. Regulators and accredited conformity assessment bodies will also find this standard vital for auditing, oversight, and international alignment.

By superseding EN 12679:2018, the new edition incorporates modernized definitions, revised formulae, updated figures, and editorial corrections—making it a cornerstone document for any entity relying on gamma radiography for NDT applications.

Broader Regulatory Landscape EN ISO 32679:2025 fits smoothly into the broader matrix of NDT standards governing radiographic techniques, equipment, and calibration. Its harmonization at both CEN and ISO levels ensures widespread recognition and supports mutual acceptance of results across borders—facilitating smoother trade, lower compliance costs, and greater confidence in results.

Notable Features or Changes

• Revised definitions for key technical terms, ensuring uniformity of interpretation.
• Introduction of a precise formula for the geometrical magnification factor—critical for calculating source size from radiographic images.
• Updated and clarified procedural illustrations and test setup diagrams.
• Clear documentation and reporting requirements to facilitate traceability and audit-readiness.

Key highlights:

• Scope includes both analog (film) and digital source size measurement methods.
• Mandatory for sectors relying on gamma radiography for quality assurance.
• Supports international regulatory alignment and harmonized NDT best practices.

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 32679:2025 on iTeh Standards

Common Themes and Industry Trends

The publication of EN ISO 32679:2025 in October 2025 highlighted several important trends within the Testing sector:

• Increased Focus on Source Characterization: The precision and reliability of radiographic NDT images hinge on accurate gamma source measurement. This standardization effort reflects growing industry consensus on the necessity of source traceability for risk mitigation.
• Digitalization of NDT Processes: Greater attention to digital detector requirements indicates a shift toward advanced, software-enabled image capture and analysis. This supports ongoing digital transformation initiatives across many heavy industries.
• Global Regulatory Harmonization: The dual adoption of the ISO and CEN versions underscores a move towards seamless international compliance—critical for multinational companies and supply chains.
• Continuous Improvement and Revision: The update supersedes a 2018 edition, reflecting the cyclical nature of standards maintenance. It incorporates modern technical insights while correcting, clarifying, and strengthening key requirements.
• Alignment with Other Standards: References to related standards, such as ASTM E1114, suggest a commitment to comprehensive measurement discipline and ongoing cross-compatibility.

Compliance and Implementation Considerations

For organizations affected by EN ISO 32679:2025, several best-practice steps should be considered:

• Gap Assessment: Review existing source measurement and reporting procedures to identify disparities with the revised standard.
• Calibration and Qualification Activities: Ensure that both analog and digital measurement devices meet the specified requirements and calibration parameters.
• Training and Competency: Update operator and inspector training curricula to include the new definitions, formulas, and procedural steps set forth in the standard.
• Documentation Systems: Revise technical documentation, test reports, and audit trails to comply with updated reporting and traceability provisions.
• Timeline: With publication in October 2025, organizations should assess national adoption timelines—typically allowing several months before mandated withdrawal of conflicting national standards.
• Resources: Engage with resources such as iTeh Standards for up-to-date documents, technical clarifications, and integration guidance. Consider participating in user forums and technical discussions facilitated by international NDT bodies.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways from October 2025

October 2025’s contribution to the Testing standards landscape—though singular—was of pivotal importance. EN ISO 32679:2025 delivers a robust, harmonized benchmark for the measurement of industrial radiographic gamma sources, supporting enhanced quality, reliability, and regulatory compliance across industries reliant on non-destructive testing.

Professionals and organizations in the NDT, quality assurance, and compliance disciplines should prioritize awareness and adoption of this standard. Staying current with such updates is essential for maintaining technical credibility, fostering international business, and ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.

For those seeking to deepen their understanding or implement best-in-class measurement solutions, the full documentation is readily available on iTeh Standards:

Explore EN ISO 32679:2025 in detail:View EN ISO 32679:2025 on iTeh Standards

Bottom line: Even a single, highly-targeted standard release can have far-reaching impacts. Leverage this retrospective overview to strengthen your organization’s testing, compliance, and risk management strategies—and stay tuned for future developments in the dynamic world of Testing standards.