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Product test advisor. Test what matters.

Product testing checks that goods from a factory meet your specification and the rules of your market, from alloy grade and colour fastness to electrical safety and restricted substances. Pick your product type and this advisor lists the tests we recommend, why each matters and when to run it.

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Test advisor

Know exactly what to test, and why.

Pick your product. We recommend the tests that protect your brand and your market access, and skip the ones that only add cost.

TestWhy it mattersWhen we recommend it
Alloy check (PMI)Confirms the grade, for example 316 against 304 stainless.Every lot
HardnessConfirms heat treatment and temper.Every lot
Dimensional (CMM)Critical dimensions against the drawing.First article, then sampling
Salt sprayCoating and plating corrosion resistance.New finish or supplier
Dye penetrant or X-raySurface and internal soundness of castings and welds.Safety-critical parts
Need a test plan for your product? Ask a quality principal, free
How it works

Three steps. One clear answer.

  1. 01

    Choose your product type: metal parts, plastic parts, textiles, furniture, electronics or packaging.

  2. 02

    Read each recommended test and why it matters.

  3. 03

    Use the timing column to plan tests into your first article, lot or new-supplier checks.

Method and sources

Recommendations follow common practice in our inspection and lab work for importers into the EU, UK and US. Tests fall into three groups: identity (is it the right material, such as PMI for alloy grade or fibre composition), performance (hardness, dimensions, colour fastness, stability, drop and compression) and compliance (restricted substances under REACH and RoHS, electrical safety, UN38.3 for lithium batteries, EUDR traceability for wood). Timing shows when a test adds most value: every lot, the first article, a new material or supplier, or a specific market. Your product's standards and your customer's requirements decide the final test plan.

Results are estimates to support your decisions. For binding figures, ask our team or your customs broker.

Test advisor questions

Straight answers.

Anything else, ask us directly. A principal replies, not a bot.

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What is the difference between an inspection and a lab test?

An inspection checks a sample of finished goods at the factory against your specification: appearance, dimensions, function and packing. A lab test measures properties an inspector cannot see, such as alloy chemistry, colour fastness or restricted substances.

Do I need to test every production lot?

Not for every test. Run identity checks such as alloy grade or colour against the master every lot, and run full performance or compliance tests on the first article, a new material or supplier, or a change in process.

What is PMI testing?

Positive material identification. A handheld XRF or spark analyser confirms the alloy grade in seconds, for example that a part is 316 rather than 304 stainless steel.

Which tests are needed to sell in the EU?

It depends on the product. Common ones are REACH restricted-substance screening for most consumer goods, RoHS for electrical and electronic equipment, and EUDR traceability for wood and other covered commodities.

From numbers to factories

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Send one drawing, photo or quote. A principal returns how it is made, where it is made best and a realistic target price, free, in 48 hours.

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