Softlines Testing:

1. Why is it necessary to have testing done on my garments or fabric ?

High street retailers set performance standards with which the goods they sell must comply. This is in order to establish a minimum quality level of their goods and ensure that their customers, i.e. the consumers, are satisfied. If you want to become a supplier to a specific high street retailer, you will need to have your products tested to these minimum requirement standards. If you do not have an accredited laboratory, BV CPS UK Ltd. will carry out the testing for you.

2. How long does it take to have something tested ?

The normal turnaround time is typically between 3 - 5 working days from receipt of work. For the purpose of timing, work received after 12.00 pm (UK time) is treated as being received the following working day. Specialist and investigative work will be reported when the work is complete.

3. If I use the Rapid Service, how soon will I get my results and how much extra will it cost ?

We are sensitive to the constraints of our customers and the need on occasion to provide reports in as short a time as possible. In order to respond to this demand we have formed a special Rapid Response Team within the laboratory. Therefore, if sufficient sample is received by 9.30am Monday to Friday (UK time) and you request the Rapid Response Service, an Interim Report will be faxed or emailed to you between 4.00 and 5.00 pm the following working day, although we reserve the right to amend comments and/or results in the final report. We can only give the results to tests which can be completed within this timescale without compromising the accuracy of the results, and typical exclusions include Colour Fastness to Light, some Pilling and Abrasion tests and selected Fibre Composition and most Chemical, Flammability, Zip and Button tests.  These exclusions are because due to the requirements within the standard for conditioning times etc...

The surcharge for the Rapid Response service is 25%..

4. What quantity of fabric or garments do I need to send in for testing ?

For a Full Test we require 2 metres by full width of fabric or 2-3 garments.

For Colour Fastness and Stability - 1 metre by full width or 2 garments.

For Colour fastness only, we need 0.5 metre by full width or 1 garment.

Fibre Composition requires 25 cm squared or 2 pattern repeats of fabric or 1 whole garment.

For Flammability Testing, we require 2 metres by full width of fabric or 3 garments (largest size available). In the case of socks, "1 garment" is equivalent to one pair.

Please note that for highly patterned items, we may require a larger quantity than is stated here in order to ensure all colours are tested.

5. Can I receive my results by email?

Yes - we support email reporting at both the Leicester & Derby sites.

We always send a copy of your results by post but our system can also automatically email results, which can save time. If you would like to use this free service; you will need to inform us of the email address to send results to. Results are currently issued and e-mailed in an Adobe acrobat pdf format.

To request this service - Contact Us

6. Can I monitor submitted work & review my results over the Internet ?

Leicester site:

Yes - We support internet access. Registered customers are also able to view the progress of their submitted work and completed test reports, in a printable HTML format, through the website. This free service is being improved all the time, and many of the features have been implemented at the request of individual customers. If you would like to use this facility but are not a registered customer contact:

Liz Pryor Tel: +44 (0) 116 2785514      e-mail: liz.pryor@uk.bureauveritas.com

Derby Site:

This facility is currently under development

7. When I submit fabric to Bureau Veritas CPS UK for testing, is there any further information I need to tell you ?

It is important for us to know , if possible, the end use of the fabric, ie; whether for mens wear or ladieswear, whether for dresses or trousers etc., the retailer you are making it for, if any and the fibre composition, if known. In some instances, we also need to know the care code that you will be applying to your product and the age range if for childrenswear. If you are submitting socks for testing, we need to know also, the size of the socks you are submitting to enable us to fit them onto the correct sock board when measuring stability. Without this additional information, delays inevitably occur.

8. What is a "Care code" ?

The care code is simply the washing, drying, ironing and general care instructions found on printed on the labels of our clothes. Often the retailer will supply you with a care code, but if you are required to compose one for your garment or fabric, the following guide may be of help to you - click here.

Hardlines Testing:

If we have not answered your question please contact our Business Developmnet Team - Contact Us