Specialist residue testing, now strengthened by SGS

Nearly four decades of specialist residue analysis

Founded in 1987 by respected analytical scientists Richard Hearshaw and Sue Kinnes, Hearshaw & Kinnes Analytical Laboratory (HKAL) has established itself as one of South Africa’s leading specialist laboratories for pesticide residue analysis. For nearly four decades, HKAL has earned the trust of producers, exporters, retailers, and agricultural stakeholders through its technical expertise, scientific integrity, and commitment to delivering accurate, reliable results.

Today, HKAL forms part of SGS, the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) company. This integration combines HKAL’s specialist agricultural and residue-testing expertise with SGS’s global network, resources, and industry-leading standards. While clients continue to work with the trusted HKAL team and benefit from the same high levels of service and technical excellence, they also gain access to the strength, international reach, and innovation of the SGS Group.

“HKAL is now part of SGS, the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. Our brand promise, when you need to be sure, underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.”

The expertise clients know, supported by a wider network

HKAL’s value is built on specialist residue-testing knowledge, practical client support and an understanding of the agricultural and food value chains it serves. The relationship with SGS strengthens this through additional quality systems, technical governance, resources and network support.

A specialist laboratory

HKAL remains a specialist analytical laboratory focused on residue testing.

The team you know

The established HKAL technical expertise and client-service focus remain central to the offering.

Backed by SGS

The SGS relationship adds governance, resources and network strength.