Test request checklist: How to save time when looking for a laboratory
Are you a manufacturer, purchaser or importer of products and need certificates, test reports or conformity assessments for market launch? Accredited testing laboratories can help you. We have compiled a small checklist for your test request to help you find a suitable laboratory quickly and easily. The more information a laboratory receives from you in your test request, the faster you will receive feedback on whether the laboratory has the capacity and the right equipment to carry out the requested test. Use the checklist to check whether your enquiry contains the following information.
1.Information about the company
In your enquiry, state the name, contact person and address of your company and how you can best be reached. If you are enquiring on behalf of another company, also include the company details of your client. In this way, the laboratory knows who is enquiring and whether branches in German-speaking countries, Europe or other countries are available for selection. To submit a quotation and identify the requesting company, you should also provide the laboratory with the VAT number.
2. Product name and field of application
Which product should be tested? With the help of the name, the manufacturer's name and the product category, the selected laboratory can more easily assign your product. You should also state the (planned) areas of application of the product and where you want to distribute or trade it. After all, different tests are required for food products than for products for the medical or industrial sector. And other guidelines apply in the EU than in the USA, for example.
3 Technical data and functions
The technical data such as dimensions, weight, performance, etc., and possible design variants of the product are needed by a laboratory and the description of the functions of the product. This is because it should have the appropriate test equipment on-site and, in terms of time, have the qualified test personnel to operate the equipment, procedures or test devices used for testing.
4. Environmental and operating conditions
In addition to a description of use and function, environmental and operating conditions for the product will help the laboratory. Is it intended for outdoor or indoor use? Do (operating) temperatures have to be observed during or for service? The product’s environmental requirements also include the reaction with the environment, such as temperature or air humidity (e.g. plastic melts under heat, depending on the air humidity, sugary foods become hard or decompose, wood expands or contracts).
5. Critical components and parts
Also, name critical components or parts of the product if they are known. Critical components affect, for example, the performance or safety of a device or product. Does your product contain elements that could lead to a hazardous situation if they fail (e.g. due to shocks and vibrations, deviations in environmental and operating conditions or if they exceed their service life)? The laboratory would first check whether the critical components evoke such a failure and simulate it. Concerning such an investigation, the laboratory should have appropriate protective equipment, primarily if potentially hazardous substances are contained.
6. Product images and data sheets
Product graphics, pictures and diagrams illustrate your product. This enables the respective laboratory to assign and understand your product more quickly and make a more targeted statement on the possible implementation of a testing service. Datasheets and technical documentation are also helpful and should be enclosed with your test request if available.
Why do laboratories need this information?
Not every laboratory has the equipment, measuring instruments etc., that are necessary for a particular product test. This is because laboratories often specialise in specific tests - depending on the product and its application. The more product specifications are available, the better the laboratory can prepare for the tests, thus saving time. In addition, a laboratory can use your product information to make statements about feasibility, documentation possibilities and time and space capacity. In addition, a more precise estimate of the costs incurred is possible. If important details are missing, staff will contact you.
You can submit a test request free of charge via the testxchange portal. To do so, provide us with as many details as possible: The checklist will help you. The engineers and staff can find a suitable testing laboratory for you even faster with the information.