We have several manufacturing plants in the U.S. that provide finished products to the automotive companies and are currently QS 9000 registered, and working towards ISO/TS 16949. Section 4.10.6 of ISO/TS 16949 requires that a facilities laboratory (either on-site or at a remote location) that conducts inspection, testing or calibrations must comply with ISO/IEC 17025. Does this imply that a remote off-site laboratory conducting PPAP testing (i.e. chemical, functional, weathering, etc) in support of the plants, must also comply with ISO/IEC 17025?

As I understand it, if you're testing there it has to be accredited.