How to Read Key Indicators
Test reports are the 'ID card' of fabric quality. First check the composition: national standards allow a ±5% tolerance. For example, if 95% cotton is stated but actual test shows 90%, it's non-compliant. Focus on colorfastness for washing, rubbing, and perspiration. Daily wear requires ≥3 grade; dark fabrics for wet rubbing need ≥3-4; infant items must be ≥4. pH value: 4.0-7.5 for direct skin contact, 4.0-9.0 for non-contact. Formaldehyde limits: infant products ≤20 mg/kg, direct contact ≤75 mg/kg, non-contact ≤300 mg/kg.
Certifications and Standard Codes
Reports must carry CMA (China Metrology Accreditation) or CNAS (China National Accreditation Service) stamps. CMA is mandatory for legal validity; CNAS ensures international recognition. Check the standard code: GB 18401-2010 covers safety like formaldehyde and pH, GB/T 2662-2017 for cotton garments, FZ/T 73025-2019 for infant knits. Always ask suppliers to match the code to your product and verify all test items are included.
Choosing by Use Case
For childrenswear: prioritize formaldehyde and pH, meeting Class A (GB 18401 A). Colorfastness must be ≥4 for all, especially saliva resistance (if listed). For sportswear: focus on perspiration fastness (≥4) and light fastness (≥4), plus functional tests like moisture-wicking. For home textiles: light fastness (curtains ≥5) and washing fastness (≥4), with pH between 6.0-7.5. For export orders: verify OEKO-TEX® or REACH compliance; CNAS is accepted globally.
Procurement Pitfalls
First, beware of reports without samples. Reports must be within one year and match the batch. Second, note 'only responsible for submitted sample'—this doesn't cover full lots. Third, if colorfastness is rated as 'good' rather than a number, ask for raw data. Fourth, formaldehyde test methods differ: GB/T 2912.1 (water extraction) vs. ISO 14184-1; Chinese standards use the former, export needs the latter.
Buyer's Checklist
- Verify report stamps: check CMA/CNAS online.
- Key indicators: composition ±5%, colorfastness ≥3-4 (dark wet rub), pH 4.0-7.5, formaldehyde ≤75 mg/kg (direct contact).
- Match use case: infant A class, sport ≥4 for perspiration/light, home textile light ≥5.
- Three-step inspection: check report date and batch; retest colorfastness on 10% of lot; use pH strips (tolerance ±0.5).
- Keep report copies: require supplier to provide stamped PDF as contract attachment.