Ship launch-safe, every time.
This hub turns destination rules into a practical plan: what to test, when to test, how many samples, and which documents you’ll hand to customs and retailers.

What we cover

• Compliance matrix: Match your SKU/category to likely standards by destination (US/EU/UK/CA/AU).
  
• Test pathways: Pre-tests at T2, production validation on PP/bulk, and re-test triggers.
  
• RSL/MRSL control: Restricted substances set-up and supplier declarations.
  
• Sampling & AQL hooks: How lab tests align with DUPRO/PSI and golden samples.
  
• Docs pack: DoC/COC/COI, lab reports, SDS, CoC (FSC/GOTS), ISPM-15, barcode scans.
  
• Risk playbook: What typically fails and how to prevent it (finish changes, colorways, decal inks, FR rules).
  

Compliance matrix (by category)

Metalware (table/barware)

• Likely: Food-contact (FDA 21 CFR; EU food-contact framework), REACH chemicals.
  
• Typical tests: overall/specific migration, heavy metals (Pb/Cd), nickel release if body-contact, dishwasher cycles (internal).
  
• Notes: lock plating chemistry and lacquer before bulk; tone/gloss shifts can change results.
  

Ceramics & Glass (mugs/serveware)

• Likely: FDA/EU ceramic & glass migration, REACH; thermal-shock & dishwasher durability.
  
• Notes: New glaze color or decal ink = re-test.
  

Textiles (adult)

• Likely: REACH, azo-free dyes; colorfastness (wash/rub/sweat), pH, dimensional stability, seam strength; fiber-content labeling.
  
• Notes: Dark/reactive shades → higher rub & azo risk.
  

Textiles (children)

• Likely: CPSIA/EN71, phthalates/lead (as applicable), small parts/sharp points, flammability where required; tracking labels.
  
• Notes: Any trim (zip, print, button) change triggers review.
  

Furniture (wood/metal, HORECA/contract)

• Likely: BIFMA/EN performance (stability, load, durability); FR requirements depend on destination/local code.
  
• Notes: Confirm FR scope early (curtains/upholstery vs general seating).
  

Paper & Packaging

• Likely: FSC (if claimed), ECT/BCT strength, REACH/SDS for inks; ISPM-15 for wood pallets/crates.
  
• For food-contact packs: migration testing and declarations.
  

When to test

• T2 Pre-tests (finish/glaze/print locked): catch chemistry issues before raw-material mass booking.
  
• PP/Golden validation: do only if risk profile or buyer policy demands.
  
• Bulk spot-tests: per lot or colorway for high-risk categories.
  
• Change control: any change in material, finish, color, decal ink, or supplier → review the matrix and re-test if needed.
  

Sampling plan (how many & from where)

• Pre-tests: 3–5 pcs per variant (finish/glaze/color/size family).
  
• Production: 3–5 pcs per lot/line.
  
• Source: pulled from line or finished stock, sealed with sample ID that appears on the test report and PO.
  

Tie-in with QA

• Golden sample = the visual & dimensional truth; lab test report = the chemical/mechanical truth. Keep both linked to the same spec/version.
  
• Book DUPRO at 20–60% and PSI at ≥80% packed; inspectors verify that the tested construction/finish matches what is actually produced.
  

Documents you’ll hand over

• DoC/COC/COI (declaration/certificate of conformity/inspection) per market or retailer.
  
• Lab test reports with photos, sample IDs, and standards cited.
  
• SDS for inks, coatings, chemicals; FSC/GOTS/CoC if claimed.
  
• ISPM-15 pallet proofs, barcode scan logs, and packaging strength evidence (ECT/BCT).
  
• Retain everything in a compliance data-room mapped to PO/SKU.
  

Common failure traps & quick fixes

• Finish tones changed after test → re-test or lock bath parameters and lacquer lot.
  
• New glaze/decal → re-test before bulk.
  
• Mixed-material kids’ items → verify every component (fabric, print, trims).
  
• Barcodes unreadable → print proofs + live scanner checks before mass print.
  
• FR rules misunderstood → confirm whether FR is legally required for your destination and product class at the brief stage.
  

Our role

• Map your SKU to a Compliance-Ready Line where possible.
  
• Build a test plan, raise lab requests, and coordinate pre-tests → final tests.
  
• Compile the DoC/COC pack with your importer identifiers and HS code logic.
  

Downloadable working sheets

I prepared an editable workbook so you can run compliance without hunting for templates:

IndiaUnbox_Compliance_Testing_Pack.xlsx
Tabs included:

• Compliance_Test_Matrix (category × destination with suggested tests & timing)
  
• Lab_Test_Request_Form (send directly to your lab)
  
• RSL_Register (maintain your restricted substances program)
  
• Docs_Tracker (DoC/COC/Reports/SDS/FSC/ISPM-15)
  
• Sampling_Plan (pre-test & production)
  
• Packaging_Checklist (barcodes, ECT/BCT, ISPM-15)
  
• Lab_Partners (fill with your preferred labs)
  
• Test_Calendar (Gantt-friendly milestones)

Download the Compliance & Testing Pack (Excel)