Selecting the right accredited testing laboratory is crucial for ensuring your children's products meet UK safety standards and achieve market compliance. With numerous laboratories offering testing services, understanding accreditation requirements and how to evaluate laboratory capabilities can save time, money, and prevent costly compliance issues down the line.
Understanding Laboratory Accreditation
What is Laboratory Accreditation?
Laboratory accreditation is a formal recognition that a testing laboratory has demonstrated the competence to carry out specific tests according to recognised standards. In the UK, accreditation provides confidence that:
- Test results are accurate, reliable, and repeatable
- The laboratory follows internationally recognised quality systems
- Staff are properly trained and qualified
- Equipment is calibrated and maintained correctly
- Testing procedures follow established standards
UK Accreditation Bodies
United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)
UKAS is the UK's national accreditation body, responsible for accrediting laboratories, certification bodies, and inspection bodies. Key features include:
- Recognised by government and regulatory bodies
- Mutual recognition agreements with international accreditation bodies
- Regular surveillance and reassessment programmes
- Scope-specific accreditation for different testing areas
International Accreditation Bodies
Due to mutual recognition agreements, laboratories accredited by certain international bodies may also be acceptable:
- DAkkS (Germany): Deutsche Akkreditierungsstelle
- COFRAC (France): Comité français d'accréditation
- ACCREDIA (Italy): Italian national accreditation body
- A2LA (USA): American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
Types of Testing for Children's Products
Physical and Mechanical Testing
Essential for most children's products, covering:
- Small Parts Testing: Choking hazard assessment using standardised cylinders
- Sharp Points and Edges: Evaluation of potential cutting or puncture risks
- Drop Tests: Impact resistance and durability assessment
- Tensile Strength: Pull tests for components that might separate
- Compression Tests: Resistance to crushing forces
- Torque Testing: Resistance of screwed components
Chemical Testing
Critical for ensuring material safety:
- Heavy Metals Analysis: Testing for lead, mercury, cadmium, chromium, and other toxic metals
- Migration Testing: Assessment of chemical transfer from materials
- Phthalates Testing: Screening for restricted plasticisers
- Organic Compounds: Analysis of potentially harmful organic chemicals
- Formaldehyde Testing: Particularly important for textiles and adhesives
- Azo Dyes: Testing for banned colorants in textiles
Flammability Testing
Required for many children's products:
- Textile Flammability: Burning rate assessment for clothing and soft toys
- Plastic Material Testing: Self-extinguishing properties of synthetic materials
- Foam Testing: Special requirements for foam-filled products
- Liquid Flammability: Flash point testing for products containing liquids
Electrical Safety Testing
For electronic children's products:
- Electrical Safety: Insulation, earthing, and protection against electric shock
- EMC Testing: Electromagnetic compatibility assessment
- Battery Safety: Testing for leakage, overheating, and explosion risks
- Radio Frequency: For wireless and connected devices
Key Standards for Children's Product Testing
EN 71 Series - Safety of Toys
The comprehensive European standard for toy safety, consisting of multiple parts:
- EN 71-1: Mechanical and physical properties
- EN 71-2: Flammability
- EN 71-3: Migration of certain elements (chemical safety)
- EN 71-4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related activities
- EN 71-5: Chemical toys other than experimental sets
- EN 71-7: Finger paints
- EN 71-8: Swings, slides, and similar playground equipment for domestic use
Additional Relevant Standards
- EN 62115: Safety of electric toys
- EN 50088: Safety of electric toys specification
- BS EN 14350: Child use and care articles - Drinking equipment
- BS EN 1888: Child use and care articles - Wheeled child conveyances
Choosing the Right Testing Laboratory
Accreditation Verification
Before selecting a laboratory, verify their accreditation status:
- Check UKAS Database: Use the online directory to confirm current accreditation
- Review Scope: Ensure accreditation covers the specific tests you need
- Verify Validity: Check accreditation is current and not suspended
- Understand Limitations: Some laboratories have limited scope for certain tests
Technical Capabilities Assessment
"The best testing laboratory is one that not only has the right accreditation but also understands your specific product and market requirements."
Equipment and Facilities
- Modern, well-maintained testing equipment
- Appropriate environmental controls for testing conditions
- Adequate sample storage and preparation facilities
- Proper safety measures for hazardous testing procedures
Staff Expertise
- Qualified and experienced testing personnel
- Understanding of relevant standards and regulations
- Ability to provide technical guidance and interpretation
- Multilingual capabilities if needed for international projects
Quality Management Systems
- ISO/IEC 17025 compliance (foundation of laboratory accreditation)
- Documented procedures for all testing activities
- Regular internal audits and management reviews
- Continuous improvement programmes
Service Considerations
Turnaround Times
- Standard testing turnaround times for routine tests
- Rush testing availability for urgent requirements
- Clear communication about realistic timescales
- Ability to handle multiple samples simultaneously
Reporting Quality
- Clear, comprehensive test reports
- Proper interpretation of results against standards
- Photographic evidence where appropriate
- Electronic delivery options for reports
Customer Support
- Responsive communication throughout testing process
- Technical support for test planning and interpretation
- Project management for complex testing programmes
- Post-testing support for regulatory submissions
Geographic and Logistical Considerations
UK-Based vs International Laboratories
Advantages of UK-Based Laboratories
- Better understanding of UK regulatory requirements
- Easier communication and time zone compatibility
- Simpler sample shipping and customs procedures
- Direct relationships with UK regulators and notified bodies
When International Laboratories May Be Suitable
- Cost considerations for large testing programmes
- Specialised testing not available in the UK
- Integration with global testing strategies
- Proximity to manufacturing locations
Sample Management
- Shipping Requirements: Proper packaging and labelling for transport
- Customs Considerations: Documentation for international sample shipping
- Sample Preparation: Laboratory capabilities for sample conditioning
- Sample Retention: Policies for storing samples after testing
Cost Considerations and Budgeting
Understanding Testing Costs
Testing costs vary significantly based on several factors:
- Test Complexity: Simple physical tests vs complex chemical analyses
- Number of Tests: Comprehensive testing vs single parameter testing
- Sample Requirements: Number of samples needed for statistical validity
- Urgency: Rush testing typically costs 50-100% more than standard service
- Laboratory Location: Geographic variations in testing costs
Budget Planning Strategies
- Early Cost Estimation: Get quotes before finalising product designs
- Testing Packages: Many laboratories offer package deals for comprehensive testing
- Annual Agreements: Volume discounts for regular testing requirements
- Phased Testing: Initial screening tests before full compliance testing
Common Testing Challenges and Solutions
Failed Test Results
When products fail testing, consider:
- Root Cause Analysis: Understanding why the failure occurred
- Retesting Options: When retesting is appropriate vs design changes needed
- Alternative Test Methods: Different approaches that might be acceptable
- Expert Consultation: Getting specialist advice on remediation
Test Method Interpretation
- Standard Variations: Different versions of standards may have different requirements
- Edge Cases: Products that don't fit neatly into standard test categories
- Regulatory Updates: Changes in requirements affecting test interpretation
- International Differences: Varying requirements between markets
Building Long-Term Laboratory Relationships
Partnership Benefits
- Better Service: Preferred customer treatment and priority scheduling
- Cost Savings: Volume discounts and reduced per-test costs
- Technical Expertise: Access to specialist knowledge and guidance
- Process Efficiency: Streamlined procedures and faster turnaround times
Relationship Management
- Regular communication beyond testing projects
- Feedback on service quality and suggestions for improvement
- Participation in laboratory customer events and training
- Early notification of new testing capabilities or regulatory changes
Future Trends in Testing Services
Technological Advances
- Digital Reporting: Real-time test result tracking and electronic certificates
- Remote Witnessing: Video monitoring of critical testing procedures
- Automated Testing: Increased automation for routine testing procedures
- Data Analytics: Advanced analysis of testing trends and patterns
Regulatory Evolution
- New Standards: Evolving requirements for emerging product categories
- Enhanced Requirements: More stringent testing for certain hazards
- International Harmonisation: Greater alignment between different markets
- Sustainability Focus: Environmental testing requirements expanding
Getting Professional Support
Navigating laboratory selection and testing requirements can be complex. At Twilight Capital, we help businesses optimise their testing strategies by:
- Recommending appropriate accredited laboratories for specific needs
- Coordinating testing programmes to minimise costs and timelines
- Interpreting test results and their implications for compliance
- Managing laboratory relationships on behalf of clients
- Providing ongoing support for testing requirement changes
Choosing the right testing laboratory is a critical decision that affects product quality, compliance, and time to market. By understanding accreditation requirements, evaluating laboratory capabilities thoroughly, and building strong relationships with testing partners, businesses can ensure their children's products meet safety standards efficiently and cost-effectively.