Renewal testing should be reviewed at least 60 days before expiration. The TRF should be submitted, samples prepared and both submitted to the lab no later than 30 days before expiration. This allows sufficient time to test and correct any issues identified during testing.
- Similar products should be reviewed for possible grouping; for example various colors of loose glitter, similar jewelry strands, assorted storage boxes, etc.
- Ultimately, grouping approval will be the decision of either the customer, if applicable, or the lab.
- Product images are vital.
- Check by product category and vendor to consolidate and additional similar products.
- Childrenās items are tested from warehouse inventory if there is no open PO.
- Customers may require items to be tested from the warehouse. (i.e Office Depot)
- If the item is not on order with the vendor, escalate to Compliance Management before sending samples from warehouse inventory.
Product Testing Renewals/Annual Testing Best practices and Considerations:
- Ensure we have testing to support product claims
- Is the product active?
- Is frequency associated with a regulation or customer requirement?
- Adult or childrenās product?
- Adult products with established material and factory, along with multiple (2 or more) consecutive passing tests should be assessed for testing at an extended interval.
- Group ālikeā items:
- Surfaces (zippers, tabs, buttons, etc.)
- Formulas (CAS, ingredients, etc.)
- Color
- Composition of Material (Items must be constructed of the same basic materials)
- For large project assortments, (such as the Sulyn bead program), establish base testing for components. (i.e. an assortment with 4 colors and 4 shapes should be covered by no more than 5 tests (1 substrate test and 4 colors), not 16 tests)
If the same product, of the same material, at the same factory has been tested under an alternative product item number, determine if a Letter of Guarantee is accepted. Letter of Guarantee Template