Lab Testing
Product Category Examples
Clothing & textiles
Our testing partners offer chemicals, heavy metals, and flammability testing for textiles
Children’s Products
Our testing partners cover chemicals & heavy metals, mechanical and flammability testing
Electronics
Our testing partners cover EMC, RoHS, electrical safety, and other testing for electronic products
Jewelry & Accessories
Our testing partners cover chemicals and heavy metals testing for jewelry & accessories
Food Contact Materials
Applies to food containers, kitchen utensils, drinkware and other food contact materials
Packaging Materials
Our testing partners cover chemicals and heavy metals testing for product packaging & gift boxes
Why do I need lab test reports?
Third-party lab testing is often mandatory when importing or manufacturing products – or at least necessary for the sake of demonstrating that your product is safe and compliant.
The purpose of the lab test is to determine if the product is safe and compliant. For example, a lab test can determine if a certain product contains harmful and restricted chemicals – such as phthalates. Lab testing can also cover mechanical safety, such as sharp points and small parts.
Ultimately, it’s also in your interest as an importer, manufacturer, or brand to ensure that your products are verified to be fully compliant and safe.
Do you offer testing in house or through partners?
We do not operate our own testing facilities. Instead, we work with labs located in Asia, Europe, and the United States.
Which countries/regions are covered by your testing partners?
Our testing partners offer lab testing services for importers and manufacturers selling the United States, European Union, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Where are the testing labs located?
Our lab testing partners operate testing facilities in the United States, Europe, and China. Most of our customers use test lab facilities in the country or region where their products are manufactured.
How do we submit samples to the lab?
The testing company will provide the testing lab address once you have confirmed the quotation. You may also need to label your sample parcel in order to make sure that the samples can be identified upon arrival.
What kind of support do you provide?
We can answer your questions about the following:
- When should we book lab testing?
- What kind of information do we need to provide?
- How do we submit product samples?
- How do we deal with failed test results?
Further, we can also review your lab test quotations, and provide guidance in case the test fails.
How do I know which standards, regulations, and corresponding tests apply?
Our lab testing partners can provide their assessment when you request a quotation. For example, they can provide a list of substance tests and safety standards that they deem applicable to your product. Keep in mind that this list is provided without any guarantees. Further, you can also communicate your testing requirements when you request a quote.
At what stage do I need a lab test report?
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. The specific details depend on the regulatory requirements, and the product.
Keep in mind that you can only issue certain product certificates and other compliance documents once you have obtained a lab test report.
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.
What can happen if I don’t have a lab test report?
Without a lab test report you cannot demonstrate that your product is safe and compliant – which is a requirement for many product categories. The customs or national market surveillance authorities may contact you at some point to verify that your products are lab tested.
Further, Amazon and other marketplaces can remove your product listings in case you cannot submit valid lab test reports.
Important Information
Partner Information
Covered Markets/Countries
- The United States
- The European Union
- The United Kingdom
- Australia/New Zealand
- Saudi Arabia
European National & US State Level Regulations/Standards
The testing company may not cover every single European national/US state level product standard or regulation. You must inform the testing company if you intend to sell in any particular European country and/or US state and ask if they can assess the necessary standards/regulations and perform necessary testing.
Relevant Product Categories
- Toys
- Children’s products
- Electronics
- Food contact materials
- Fitness products
- Pet products
- Watches
- Packaging materials
- Clothing
- Children’s clothing
- Accessories
- Bags
- Jewellery
- Eyewear
- Home products
- Furniture
- Home textiles
- Kitchen products
Disclaimer
It is your sole decision to engage in a business relationship with such third parties, and you acknowledge that their respective general terms and conditions apply. Please read our terms of service for more information.
Commission
Note that we receive a commission from the testing company. However, you are charged at a standard rate. The commission is not adding anything to your cost and contributes to our operations.
FAQ
My country and/or my product is not covered. Can you help?
Yes, we can find other testing labs that cover additional product categories. Please send an email to info@compliancegate.com and provide the following information:
- Product name
- Product category
- Manufacturing country
- Destination country
- Age group
When should I book lab testing?
We recommend that you request a quotation at least 4 weeks prior to the requested testing date.
How should I submit product samples?
The testing company will send instructions for how you or your supplier should submit samples to one of their testing facilities.
How many samples do I need to send?
The testing company will confirm the number of samples and/or amount of materials.
What else do I need to consider?
Lab testing is only part of the compliance process. For example, you must also take the following steps:
1. Verify that your supplier has the capability to manufacture products according to all applicable safety standards and regulations
2. Inform your supplier of which standards and regulations they must follow
3. Ensure that your product and the packaging is correctly labeled
4. Issue mandatory documents (if any), such as a Declaration of Conformity.