TCP Testing Protocol-V7.9-20231016
TCP Testing Protocol-V7.9-20231016
Testing Protocol
Version 7.9
Published Date Oct 16th, 2023
By TCP Product Integrity Team
Table of Contents
1 Testing Guideline -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-5
2 Testing Specifications -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-28
2.1 Fabric & Apparel -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6-10
2.1.1 Woven / Woven Sleepwear / Woven Swimwear ----------------------- 6
2.1.2 Knit / Knit-based Fake Fur / Knit Sleepwear / Knit Swimwear ------- 7
2.1.3 Denim ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8
2.1.4 Seamless Knit / Sweater ------------------------------------------------------ 9
2.1.5 Plastic Film ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 10
2.2 Soft Accessories --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11-15
2.2.1 Soft Accessory (Bib, Tie, Underwear, Socks & Tights, Gift Bag) ----- 11
2.2.2 Soft Hair Accessory (Hat, Gloves, Scarf, Tutu, Earmuff, Hair Ring) --- 12
2.2.3 Home Textile (Towel / Blanket, Cushion, Rug, Sleeping Bag) -------- 13
2.2.4 Belt / Suspender --------------------------------------------------------------- 14
2.2.5 Costume ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
2.3 Trim & Packaging Material ------------------------------------------------------------ 16-18
2.3.1 Label, Patch --------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
2.3.2 Fabric Trim (Elastic, Tape, etc.) -------------------------------------------- 17
2.3.3 Hard Trim ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
2.3.4 Packaging Material ------------------------------------------------------------ 18
2.4 Hard Goods -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19-24
2.4.1 Hard Hair Accessory /Jewelry /Lanyard /Slap Bracelet /Watch ---- 19
2.4.2 Eyewear (eg. Sunglasses, Swimming Goggles) ------------------------- 20
2.4.3 Umbrella ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
2.4.4 Swimming Gear ----------------------------------------------------------------- 22
2.4.5 Body Care Product, Health & Beauty Accessories, Art Material,
Liquid-Contained Product ---------------------------------------------------- 23
2.4.6 Food Contact Products, Decorations/Stationary, Candle, Toys ------- 24
2.5 Bag & Small Hard Accessory Goods -------------------------------------------------- 25
2.6 Footwear ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26-27
2.7 Electrical and Electronic equipment (E&E) Products ---------------------------- 28
3 Testing Requirements ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29-55
3.1 Chemical Tests ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29-30
3.2 Safety Tests -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31
3.3 Flammability Tests ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 32
3.4 Colorfastness Tests ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 33-34
3.5 Washability Tests ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 35
3.6 Physical & Performance Tests --------------------------------------------------------- 36-37
3.7 Special Function Tests ------------------------------------------------------------------- 38-39
3.8 Hard Trims / Packaging Specific Tests ----------------------------------------------- 40
3.9 Jewelry / Watch Specific Tests -------------------------------------------------------- 41
3.10 Other Accessory Specific Tests -------------------------------------------------------- 42
3.11 Eyewear (eg. Sunglasses, Swimming Goggles) Specific ------------------------- 43
3.12 Swimming Gear Specific ---------------------------------------------------------------- 44-45
3.13 Candle Specific ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
3.14 Food Contact Products Specific ------------------------------------------------------- 47
3.15 Lighting Unit / Toys Specific ----------------------------------------------------------- 48
3.16 Footwear Specific ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 49-50
3.17 Electrical and Electronic Products Specific ----------------------------------------- 51-52
3.18 Label / Ingredient / Document Review ---------------------------------------------- 53-55
4 Revision Log -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 56-62
2. Testing Stages
e. TCP Audit:
TCP will select among all material or products on a random basis to do selected tests.
a. Tests should be conducted by using the “testing protocols” per its product category. If the product
also contains the functions/components which fall into more than one “testing protocols”, all such
protocols should be applied. For example, a bag with a plush bear outlooking, should be tested upon
both “bag” and “plush toy” protocols.
b. All tests in each “testing protocol” should be tested in a package, no partial tests are allowed except
with written approval from TCP.
c. If the testing report is “critical failed”, the submitter must fill in Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and got
TCP’s approval, and retest. Filled CAPs are only needed for bulk and inline tests.
a. Base fabric report: One year if sample is under same quality / color /manufacturing.
b. Bulk fabric report: One year if sample is under same quality / color /manufacturing.
c. Production garment report: One year if samples are under same color /quality/ manufacturing.
d. Trims: One year if sample is under same quality / color/manufacturing, except heat transfer label or
any print label is for one season.
5. TCP Seasons:
Spring, Summer, Fall / BTS (back-to-school), Holiday
a. Newborn: 0-24M
b. Toddler Girl/Boy: 6M-6T
c. Big Girl/Boy: 4+
d. Big Kid: refers to Big Girl / Big Boy
e. Gymboree Girl/Boy: 12M-14
f. SNJ Girl: 5-22
g. Adult/Men/Women: 16+
h. Pet
All tests should follow TCP suggested care instructions (“TCP care recommendation” file is posted on
Vendor Cloud).
a. All submitted samples must have treatments (including but not limited to pre-washings, finishes,
prints, embroidery) by the actual method using in bulk production, to ensure represent bulk quality
sample submitted for testing. For example, a base/bulk denim fabric should be washed by the actual
treatment method as bulk denim garment needed to be treated.
b. For denim or washed garment washing, if the mill can’t know the actual wash at an early stage, they
could use a default washing condition shown here, enzyme wash for 30 mins for light weight fabric
(<7 oz/sq.yd) or 45 mins for heavy weight fabric (≥7 oz/sq.yd).
All tests should be done in either TCP approved 3rd party testing service providers or TCP accredited
inhouse laboratories.
a. 3rd Party Testing Service Providers
i. China Tag-on testings should be conducted in Intertek (ITS) Shanghai (all products except
sunglasses/footwear), ITS Wenzhou (sunglasses only), or ITS Guangzhou (footwear only).
ii. Other all testing & inspection (except above point i) for TCP (including Gymboree), should be
in either ITS or BV.
iii. All approved BV/ITS labs are listed in ““Section 3 – Product Safety > 01 – General Testing >
Lab Info” session posted in Vendor Cloud.
b. Inhouse Accredited Laboratories:
i. The accreditation should be within valid date while the inhouse reports are issued.
ii. All valid accredited inhouse laboratories are listed in “Section 3 – Product Safety > 04 –
Inhouse Lab Accreditation” session in Vendor Cloud.
a. Non-footwear products: If Azodyes, Total Cadmium, Total Lead, Chromium VI, Phthalates, Nickel
Release, & Soluble Heavy Metals have proceeded in Stage 1 (bulk fabric or material) or trim stage, it is
not necessary to proceed test in Stage 2 (bulk production) again. Vendor needs to provide valid fabric
stage reports, and lab should quote such report number in the garment testing reports.
b. Footwear: If Azodyes, Nickel Release, & Soluble Heavy Metals proceeded in Stage 1 (bulk fabric or
material) or trim stage, it is not necessary to proceed test in Stage 2 (bulk production) again. Total
Cadmium, Total Lead, Chromium VI and Phthalates tests needed to be done in both stages.
c. Chemical test (lead/cadmium/phthalate) test on graphic print garment :We would not accept
chemical test on lead/cadmium/phthalate on graphic print in fabric form, but we allow vendor to
submit all garment styles together so vendor can able to proceed combine test on chemical test on
print on bulk garment.
11. All Lab-Dip Colour recipes should be tested by Fabric Mill to TCP standards before submitting for approval.
a. For garment styles contained below hard trims (Jeans Button, Rivet, Eyelets, Snap Button, Snapet,
Hook & Eye), vendor need to send garment mock-up to YKK conduct GCR (Garment Check &
Recommendation) test, and provide “GOOD” GCR report for the specific “Style”, before they could
start Bulk Garment Testing.
b. For trim testing, Chemical, washing, colorfastness should be performed on one selective size but all
colors, and physical test should be performed on all size but only one selected color (prefer darkest or
specific by TCP).
For products ship to China market, China Tag-on tests are needed to be arranged. Detailed information
could refer to TCP’s China Tag-on manual.
We allowed products within a family to group together for testing. In such cases, vendors should send all
product samples to lab for final decision whether such family grouping is allowed. Below are some
examples we allowed family grouping.
a. Different styles which are exactly same but only for different age grade. For example, garment for
toddlers and for big kids.
b. Different styles by using same fabric with similar construction. For example, T-shirt with only different
length. Or similar garments only with or without a trim bow.
c. For sleepwear / underwear / soft accessory / hard accessory / etc., all these products are not tested at
fabric stage but only garment stage. We allow common material of these products to be tested only
once. For example, knit hat / muffler / mitten /etc., used same knit fabric could be tested in a group.
d. For bags, we have “raw material / component” stage and “production” stage tests in family grouping
approach, which is applied normally for Back-to-school program. Different types of products by using
common material could be tested in a group. For example, backpack / lunchbox / pencil bag /etc.,
used common shell /lining / trim material could be grouped. In this case, all common material will be
tested at “raw material /component” stage. And only product related testings will be done on each
different product types.
Scope:
Textile Gift Bag: Reusable textile gift bags which normally used to contain several soft accessory goods (eg. eyemask, pillow case, etc.) to sell as a set
Remark:
1) For costume, lab should always review for full toy requirement, if labs find any applicable requirement that the manual does not cover, please
contact TCP PI for clarification.
2) Please refer to “Special Instruction” Session L4 for more for more clear identification and examples of toy/costume.
Remark: Only one size is needed to be tested. Biggest size / more printed content is preferred to submit.
Remark:
1) Textile trim with free graspable end (eg. tassel, lace, pompom, 3D patch, etc.) needs to provide mock-up sample for “use & abuse” test
2) Elastic used for footwear follows the elastic requirement in footwear protocol instead of this.
3) Only one size for soft textile trims (TS1-TS4) are needed to be tested. Biggest size is preferred to be submitted.
Additional frame colorway packages are applied on frames with same or very similar shape but have different color.
Additional len colorway packages are applied on lens have differences on its frame color, could use “additional colorway” package.
Scope:
1) Inflatable Floating Leisure Article: Swim Ring, Air Cushion, Floating Island, Floating Mattress, Floating Sofa, etc.
Scope:
1) Health & Beauty Accessories: Hairbrush, Nail File, Toothbrush, etc.
2) Non-medical Cosmetics Products: Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the
human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance. It includes but not limited to nail
polish/sticker/shields, lip stick/balm/gloss, glitter, temporary tattoos, face / earring / body stickers, hand sanitizers, skin moisturizers, perfumes,
eye and facial makeup preparations, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, etc.
3) Art Material: Pen (ball pen, fountain pen, paint pen, etc.), Marker, etc.. If have play value (eg. sticker & sticker book set), lab should apply HLF11
toy protocol and add any applicable requirements.
4) Essential / Aroma Oil: Volatile liquid, such as essential oil used in aroma diffuser, etc.
Remark:
For toys, lab should always review for full toy requirement, if labs find any applicable requirement that the manual does not cover, please contact TCP
PI for clarification.
Scope:
1) Non-Food Contact Containers / Decorations / Stationary: Jewelry dish, notebook, photo clip, fridge magnet, whiteboard, holder, mi rror, locker
wallpaper, locker rug/mat, wall decal/sticker, home/seasonal decoration (eg. small Christmas tree, etc.), etc.
Reminder:
1) Lunch bag which is designed to contact with food must be tested to the food container supplementary specification HLF9.
2) Bags with play-value (eg. garment with animal head, decorative pillow/bag with the shape of an animal, etc.) should be reviewed by labs and
decide whether needed to be tested per toy protocols (HLF10 or HLF11) additionally, and lab should always review for full toy requirement.
3) If products with over one above function, please contact TCP Product Integrity Team for testing requirements.
4) Hard trims follow trim manuals.
Scope:
E&E Products using AC supply (E&E1): Wireless charger
E&E Products using DC supply without adapter (E&E2):
Battery operated E&E Product (E&E3): Wireless earphone/earbuds, BO seasonal light string, BO lighting product, etc.
Other E&E Accessories (E&E4): USB retractable cord
Differential shrinkage:
• Body vs. tape fabric: 2%, Max.
• Shell vs. lining: 1%, Max.
Wicking:
Woven: 12cm @ 30 minutes
Knit : 15cm @ 30 minutes
Moisture AATCC 195 All parameters (median): Grade 4, Min. Test if claimed “moisture
Management management”, or similar claims
Water Repellency AATCC 22 Spray Test Initial: ISO 90, Min. Test if claimed “water repellent”, “anti-
After 5 washes: ISO 70, Min. splashing”, or similar claims
Water Resistance AATCC 35 Rain Test Initial: 1 gram, Max. 1) Test if claimed “water resistant”,
Garment: 2 feet pressure @ 2 mins After 5 washes: Data only “rain coat”, or similar claims
Umbrella: 3 feet pressure @ 5 mins 2) Test all colors for each fabrication
3) Test should be done on initial sample
for base fabric and bulk garment stage,
and on initial and after-5-wash samples
for bulk fabric stage
4) Umbrella test for initial only
Water Proof / AATCC 127 (Option 2) 2,000mm, Min. (Each individual reading) 1) Test if a garment claimed “water
Rain Proof proof”, “rain proof”, or similar claims
Grade 2 (300-2,000mm): light shower 2) Test done on both fabric and seam
Grade 3 (2,000-4,000mm): shower
Grade 4 (4,000-8,000mm): storm
Grade 5 (>8,000mm): thunderstorm
Bag/Case Water TCP Inhouse Method No leakage shall be observed in both Test on waterproof hardgoods which
Proof Performance - Dynamic submerging test: Put dynamic and static surbmerging test. No have waterproof function
some paper and 200 grams of dead static test is needed if dynamic test failed.
weight into the product, sealed as
intended, completely submerge it
under 1-meter-deep water (or
claimed depth) for 1 minute, repeat
for totally 10 cycles. Remove from
water and check for any signs of
water penetration.
- Static submerging test: If pass in
dynamic submerging test, reseal it
and submerge it for further 20
minutes for checking
IEC 60529 (Put product into water No leakage shall be observed Test on waterproof hardgoods which
of 1-metre depth simulation test for have waterproof function and claimed
30 minutes) as IPX7 on its packaging
IEC 60529 (Put products into water No leakage shall be observed Test on on waterproof hardgoods
of 1-metre depth, then do 5-metre which have waterproof function and
depth simulation test for 30 claimed as IPX8 on its packaging
minutes)
TABLE - Zipper Strength Minimum Requirement (ASTM D2061, American Federal Specification V-F-106F-modified)
SIZE
L LS LM LMS M MS MH MHS H
Characteristic, Lb. (minimum)
Breaking strength, crosswise, of chain 50 55 65 75 85 100 120 140 160
Breaking strength, crosswise, of separating unit 15 20 25 25 25 30 50 50 65
Holding strength of stops* 12 15 20 20 25 25 40 45 60
Holding strength of retainer of separating unit 12 15 20 20 25 25 40 45 60
Holding strength of separating pin of separating unit 12 15 20 20 25 25 40 45 60
Individual scoop pull-off 5 6 9 9 9 9 18 20 30
Scoop slippage lengthwise 5 5 7 7 9 9 12 12 12
Resistance to pull-off of slider pull 20 20 25 30 45 50 60 60 65
Holding strength of slider lock 3 4 5 6 8 10 15 17 20
Twist off of Pull* 2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 4
Strength of Single Top Stop (open-ended fastener) 12 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15
Zipper Type Chain Width (Closed Chain) Inch Thickness of Tape (Max.) Inch
L (Light) –LS (Light Special) 0.125 - 0.180 0.035
LM (Light Medium) – LMS (Light Medium Special) 0.180 - 0.310 0.035
M (Medium) – MS (Medium Special) 0.180 - 0.310 0.040
MH (Medium Heavy) – MHS (Medium Heavy Special) 0.310 - 0.390 0.050
H (Heavy) 0.320 - 0.500 0.050
Load Bearing EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 5.7 All load bearing fittings of floating leisure All floating leisure article
components article shall not break or result in any
impairment in air tightness or water
integrity when applying a load of 500 N in
any direction for 1 minute.
Strength of the Hull EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 5.12.2 / Floating leisure article manufactured from All floating leisure article manufactured
- Pressure Test 5.12.4 / 5.12.5 unsupported material shall be tested to from unsupported material
combined cycle pressure/static load test,
and inflatables made from reinforced or
fabric covered material shall be tested to
overpressure test. The article shall remain
airtight after the test.
Strength of the Hull EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 5.12.3 / The article shall remain airtight after the All floating leisure article
- Heat Test 5.12.4 / 5.12.5 (Condition: state in test.
standard: 60ºC @ 6hrs)
Air Tightness EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 5.12.5 for The article shall remain airtight after the 1) Per request only for inflatables
reinforced or fabric covered test. floating leisure article made from
material, Clause 5.12.4 for reinforced or fabric covered Material
unsupported material 2) Mandatory for all inflatables floating
(The airtightness is measured leisure article made from unsupported
indirectly as shrinkage of the material (no reinforcing textiles).
material. Test all chambers of
floating leisure article individually
with all adjacent chambers
deflated. There shall be no
overlapping of the two cut ends.)
Resistance to EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 6.2.2 After 22 ± 0.25 hours, the change in mass All floating leisure article
Mineral Oil per unit are shall not exceed 100 g/m2.
Resistance to EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 6.2.3, 7.2 - Material property: All floating leisure article
Chlorinated Salt Modified After minimum of 36 hours, change in mass
Water (Modification: add colorfastness per unit are shall not exceed 100 g/m2
evaluations, and extend scope to - Colourfastness:
applied to all material and prints) Change in colour material, marking and
printing shall be Grade 3, Min.
Puncture Resistance EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 6.4.2 Air filled buoyancy chamber of floating Mechanical requirements of
leisure article shall remain air tight when unsupported hull materials
tested according to the Standard
In-water EN ISO 25649-3 Clause 4.3 Shall meet all applicable requirements For class A articles (eg. floating islands,
Performance specified in ENISO 25649-4 Clause 4.3 floating seat, giant rings etc.) only
(such as buoyancy, stable of floating
position, floating stability etc.)
Body Entrapment EN ISO 25649-1 Clause 5.2.1 - 5.2.5, - Shall not have accessible design feature Per request only for floating leisure
5.3, 5.4 that may cause body entrapment. article
(Tested per the intended use groups - Design feature accessible to the test
labelling) person in any stable floating position the
product can take on the water.
- All design features (e.g. gaps, openings,
slots, etc.) which allow the initial ingress
of the foot probe shall prove that they
subsequently allow the free passage of
either the appropriate test probe (adult /
child) or the relevant test subject.
- The depth of openings, gaps, slots, etc
shall not allow the entry of foot probe of
more than 20cm (for children) or 30cm
(for adult).
- At any position, the child torso probe
shall pass through the opening between
line and the hull of the floating leisure
article under the force of its own weight.
- Floating leisure article shall have no
hazardous accessible protrusions causing
entanglement.
Microwave Exposure 3 cycles of microwave heating No visible damage or color change. On request if claimed
(If not appropriate for microwave, must
be labeled as : Not Microwave Safe.)
Dishwashing 10 cycles No breakage or adverse effects. On request if claimed
Resistance *Load in bottom rack unless (If not appropriate for dishwashing, must
claimed top loading only be labeled as : Not Dishwasher Safe.)
Hot Insulation EN 12546-1 (Pre-heat the container Temperatures measured after test shall Food contact container which claimed
for 5±1 min by filling it to its nominal be no lower than specified in below table: to have warm keeping function.
capacity with hot water at >
95℃/200°F. Then empty the
container and immediately fill it to its
nominal capacity with water at >
95℃/200°F. Apply the stopper. After
leaving the container at 20±2 ℃ for
6h±5 min or per claimed duration,
check temperature of the water.)
Cold Insulation TCP inhouse method referring to EN Temperatures measured after test shall Food contact container which claimed
12546-1 (Pre-cold the container for be no greater than 60°F. to have cold keeping function.
5±1 min by filling it to its nominal
capacity with hot water at ≤2℃/36°F.
Then empty the container and
immediately fill it to its nominal
capacity with water at ≤2℃/36°F.
Apply the stopper. After leaving the
container at 20±2 ℃ for 4h±5 min or
per claimed duration, check the
temperature of the water. If no
claim, record time duration when
liquid temperature from 36°F to
60°F.)
*Food Contact Products: Lunch Box, Sippy Cup, Drinking Bottles, Dinnerware, etc.
Revised by /
Version Revised Date Summary of change
Contributor
1.0-1.8 Sep 15, 2014 - Intertek – Softlines / Refer previous version test protocol for detail.
Sep 23, 2015 TCP – Rory Campbell
2.0 Apr 13, 2016 - Intertek – Softlines / New Items added
May 03, 2016 TCP – Frazer Mead - Combine pre-production/final production test stage into one production test stage
- Add package code for each fabric test package
- Add additional color test package
- Add colorfastness to water in all fabric test package
- Add colorfastness to light for neon color in bulk fabric test package
- Add fabric weight on base/bulk fabric test package
- Add fiber shedding test on fake fur bulk/base fabric test package
- Add appearance After Storage test under production package test
- Add suppressor assessment for appearance after wash & colorfastness to actual
laundering.
- Adding Faux Fur Requirement on Fiber content test column
- Add Design requirement for Canada market only
- Add fabric weight test and on request only under production garment.
- For Chemical test – detail test & requirement refer to TCP RSL SOP