How to approve a filled aerosol compliance pack
Approve the pack only when the specification, filled-dispenser testing, conformity mark, batch code and warning artwork describe the same product. Ask for production records and any alternative-test approval before releasing the shipment. Factory evidence can be gathered by Cambridge China Bridge.
Define the finished product before reviewing reports
Ask for a controlled specification covering the formulation, propellant, container material, capacity, valve, actuator and fill. Match report sample descriptions and photographs against it. Record who is responsible for marketing the dispenser: the aerosol rules place obligations on that person without assigning separate supply-chain roles.
Keep this approval focused on the filled dispenser. For empty-can purchasing and compatibility checks, use our aluminium aerosol can guide. Ask the filler to explain how each component report supports the finished assembly.
Separate container tests from filled-unit testing
Request the applicable empty-container pressure evidence, including bursting evidence for metal cans, alongside final testing records for the filled dispensers. Under the hot water bath method, each filled dispenser is immersed and units showing visible permanent distortion or a leak must be rejected. A report on empty cans does not document that production step.
Ask for batch-linked line records showing the method, operating conditions, results and rejected units. Alternative final test methods require approval; request the approval and technical file, then check their scope against the filling site, equipment and product. If the scope is unclear, hold approval while the supplier obtains clarification.
Check the actual conformity mark and batch code
Official GB aerosol guidance permits UKCA or the reversed epsilon conformity mark. Approve the actual artwork against the selected route and supporting evidence. A supplier's generic CE certificate does not show which aerosol mark will appear on your goods.
The required particulars include the marketing person's name and address or trade mark, a code identifying the filling batch and net contents by volume in metric units. Ask the factory to decode a photographed production code and retrieve its filling and test records. Inspect the printed goods as well as the artwork proof.
Approve warnings against the flammability assessment
Request the flammability assessment for the supplied formulation and discharge format. Mandatory label elements depend on the classification: non-flammable and flammable aerosols use “Warning”; extremely flammable aerosols use “Danger”, with the other label elements for the applicable aerosol category. Consumer aerosols also require the child-safety precaution specified in the legislation.
Check the full category-specific hazard and precautionary wording, pictograms and any additional operating precautions against the assessment. Separate instructions must reflect the product-specific operating precautions too. Have the reviewer confirm whether the conditional declaration of flammable content applies. For printing approval, use our product label checklist.
Record a release decision and control changes
Keep an approval record linking the specification, reports, alternative-test approval where applicable, batch-code explanation, approved artwork and production photographs. Record unresolved items, their owners and the evidence needed to close them. Release the shipment only after your reviewer has resolved those items; repeat the review when the formula, can, valve or filling process changes.
Aerosol approval does not settle the contents' separate product requirements. Use our beauty and personal care guide for cosmetics and our cleaning products guide for cleaning formulations and claims. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can request the factory records and compare production goods with the approved specification.
Frequently asked questions
Is an empty aerosol can test report enough?
No. Ask for the applicable container evidence and final testing records for the filled dispensers. Match both to the specification and production batch.
Do filled aerosols need CE or UKCA in GB?
Official aerosol guidance permits UKCA or the reversed epsilon mark in GB. Check the aerosol-specific route and printed mark; a generic CE certificate does not establish either.
Can the factory use a cold leak test?
Alternative final test methods require approval. Request the approval and technical file, and check that they cover the actual filling operation before accepting the records.
What if the aerosol batch code cannot be traced?
Hold your approval. Ask the filler to decode a production sample and retrieve the corresponding filling and test records. A code identifying the filling batch is a required label particular.