Feature Overview

You can find a list of limitations and risks related to lab testing and other third-party services in this document.

Third-party services

1. You can request service quotations from lab testing companies and other third-party service providers via the Compliance Gate Platform.

2. For lab testing, we mainly refer our subscribers to QIMA and TUV Rheinland are accredited* by multiple entities:

• QIMA Accreditations
• TUV Rheinland Accreditations

*The specific accreditations can vary between branches and labs operated by the companies.

3. These companies can often help you suggest relevant testing requirements and standards for certain products.

4. The terms of service of the service provider apply. We do not provide any warranties or guarantees concerning the provided services. Further, we do not actively monitor the communication between our users and the relevant third parties. You must submit a support ticket if you need our input.

Limitations and risks

You can find a list of limitations and risks related to lab testing and other third-party services in this document.

Why is lab testing necessary?

Lab testing is often necessary to verify if a product complies with a certain regulation, directive, or standard. For example, lab testing can determine if a product complies with certain substance restrictions, or mechanical safety requirements set by product standards. Once the lab test is completed, you will receive a lab test report which indicates if the overall result is pass or fail.

How do we know what tests are required for a certain product?

You must first identify relevant product regulations and other compliance requirements. This can help you understand which safety standards, substance restrictions, and other requirements apply to a particular product. This assessment must be based on the latest version of the relevant legislation, guidance page or other source.

Lab testing companies can also help you assess applicable standards, substance restrictions, and other testing requirements. Another option is to contact market surveillance authorities.

Why do I need a lab test report?

Lab test reports, if the result is passed, serve as evidence that your product is compliant with a certain regulation, directive, or standard. Lab test reports can also be requested by market surveillance authorities or Amazon. In addition, mandatory certificates, declarations, and other documents can only be issued if you have already obtained test reports.

What can be done if the test result is failed?

This indicates that the product does not meet the requirements under relevant regulations, directives, or standards. Here are some examples of why testing can fail:

1. The material contains excessive amounts of restricted substances, such as heavy metals or phthalates.

2. The product failed one or more safety tests.

3. The product fails the flammability requirements.

When this occurs, the course of action depends on what caused the product to fail testing. You may need to redesign the product or change materials.

How does the process work?

1. Request a lab test quotation.

2. The testing company normally responds within a few days with a quotation:

• Suggested tests/standards/substances
• Cost
• Sample quantity
• Lab address
• Booking number

3. If you accept their assessment and quotation, you will be instructed to send a certain number of product samples to a designated address.

4. Samples are sent to the testing company.

5. The final invoice is issued.

6. Lab testing takes place (1 to 3 weeks).

7. A lab test report is issued.

Do you offer testing in-house or through partners?

We do not operate our own testing facilities. Instead, we work with lab testing companies with facilities in Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Which countries/regions are covered by your testing partners?

Our testing partners offer lab testing services for companies selling in the US, EU and UK.

Which testing companies do you work with?

We mainly work with the following two testing companies:

• QIMA
• TÜV Rheinland

We also have a wider network of more specialised labs in the EU, US, UK and Asia.

Where are the testing labs located?

Our lab testing partners have testing facilities in Asia, EU, and the United States. Most of our customers use test lab facilities in the country or region where their products are manufactured.

When should I book lab testing?

You need to verify that your product is fully compliant and safe before you start importing and selling a product. Further, the lab test can either take place before or after mass production, or both.

Pre-production testing: Verify if the product/components/construction is compliant. This can be necessary to avoid an inherently non-compliant product entering production.

Batch testing (post-production): Verify if the final product that is to be placed on the market is compliant.

Note that batch testing is mandatory for certain products.

How do we submit samples to the lab?

The testing company will provide the testing lab address once you have confirmed the quotation.

How many samples do I need to send?

The testing company will confirm the number of samples and/or material quantity required.

How do I know what to test for?

Lab testing companies can assess applicable substance tests and standards based on the following:

• Product type and characteristics
• Materials
• Country/states/market
• Age group

Keep in mind that lab testing companies provide this assessment based on the information they have.

Note: If you intend to ensure compliance with certain US state-level or European national regulations or standards, then this must be clearly stated in your quotation request.

Is the lab testing cost included in the subscription?

No, the Compliance Gate Platform subscription fee does not include lab testing costs. Lab testing fees are charged directly by our lab testing partners.

How much does lab testing cost?

There is no standard rate for lab testing. The cost depends on the following factors:

1. The applicable standards and regulations for the product.

2. The number of unique materials/colors and components that must be tested.

3. Product risk factors (e.g. sharp points, magnets, batteries).

Can you estimate testing costs?

At best, we can share cost examples. However, there are many parameters that impact the lab test cost, which makes it hard to compare the cost of testing one product to another.

What can happen if I don’t have a lab test report?

Without lab test reports you may end up selling a product that is non-compliant and unsafe. Furthermore, market surveillance authorities and Amazon can also request a test report. It is expected that you can demonstrate compliance upon request, or you may face recalls and fines.

What other third-party service providers can we access?

Here are some examples of other third-party services you can access via the platform:

• Label review services
• EU authorised representatives
• Instructions authoring companies
• Translation companies
• Government portals
• Product standards vendors
• SDS services
• Licensing