Product Testing
Product Testing refers to the technical examination and evaluation of a product to determine whether it complies with the applicable regulatory, safety and technical requirements. Within the framework of EAC Certification and EAC Declaration in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), product testing is an essential part of many Conformity Assessment procedures and frequently provides the basis for issuing an EAC Certificate or registering an EAC Declaration.
Product Testing is intended in particular to:
- verify the safety and functionality of a product,
- confirm technical characteristics and performance features,
- demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements,
- establish conformity with applicable standards and Testing Methods,
- provide the necessary evidence for the Conformity Assessment.
The type and scope of product testing depend on the applicable Technical Regulations (TR EAEU / TR CU), the relevant standards and test methods, and the prescribed conformity assessment procedure.
Correct Product Classification and Product Identification are therefore important for determining the required scope of testing and the applicable Certification Procedure or declaration procedure. The main factors include the technical characteristics, intended use, potential hazards and the applicable Certification Scheme.
Depending on the product and regulatory requirements, product testing may include:
- safety and functional testing,
- electrical safety testing,
- electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing,
- Pressure Testing and strength testing,
- Material Testing and material examinations,
- mechanical load testing,
- testing of explosion-protected equipment,
- chemical analyses and hazardous substance testing,
- testing under defined operating and environmental conditions.
The required tests depend in particular on the applicable Technical Regulation. Relevant regulations may include:
- TR CU 010/2011 – Machinery Safety,
- TR CU 004/2011 – Safety of Low-Voltage Equipment,
- TR CU 020/2011 – Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC),
- TR CU 012/2011 – Explosion Protection,
- TR CU 032/2013 – Safety of Pressure Equipment,
- TR EAEU 037/2016 – RoHS / Restriction of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment.
For pressure equipment subject to TR CU 032/2013, the required scope of testing depends, among other factors, on the regulatory classification of the product. Our Pressure Equipment Category Calculator can be used for an initial assessment.
Within regulated EAC conformity assessment procedures, product testing is frequently carried out by a suitably accredited Testing Laboratory. Whether an Accredited Testing Laboratory is mandatory and which test reports may be accepted depend on the applicable Technical Regulation and conformity assessment procedure.
Existing test reports from European or international testing procedures may provide valuable technical information. However, they do not automatically replace the tests or test reports prescribed for the respective EAC procedure. Their acceptability must be assessed for each individual procedure.
Test Samples are often required for product testing. The number, selection and identification of test samples depend on the product type, scope of testing and applicable conformity assessment procedure. Clear identification and traceability of test samples to the relevant product type are particularly important.
The results of product testing are documented in a Test Report or other appropriate test documentation. This may include:
- identification and designation of the tested product,
- information about the Manufacturer,
- details of the test samples used,
- applicable standards and test methods,
- tests performed and testing conditions,
- measurements and test results,
- assessment of the characteristics tested.
Test reports form an important part of the Technical Documentation in many EAC procedures and may serve as supporting evidence for the required Proof of Conformity.
Depending on the product type, the test results may also be incorporated into other technical documents, including:
- a Safety Justification and the associated Risk Assessment,
- supplementary Technical Documentation,
- a Technical Passport, where relevant to the product,
- Operating Instructions,
- other product-specific supporting evidence.
Careful test planning is particularly important for safety-related products. Before testing begins, it should be determined which Technical Regulations apply, which test methods are required, which test samples are needed and which test reports can be used for the intended conformity assessment procedure.
Incorrect Product Classification, unsuitable test samples, missing test reports or the use of inappropriate test methods may result in additional testing and delays in the conformity assessment process.
We support manufacturers, exporters and plant engineering companies in planning and coordinating product testing as part of EAC Certification and EAC Declaration. Our services include Product Classification, identification of applicable Technical Regulations, determination of the required scope of testing, review of existing Technical Documentation, coordination of test samples and laboratory testing, and cooperation with Testing Laboratories and Certification Bodies.
