Can I send samples to a UK lab before shipment?
Yes, provided the laboratory accepts the samples and the courier accepts the consignment. Agree which production goods to select, preserve their identity and hold the relevant production or shipment stage until the results are reviewed. Coordinate the factory checks and sample dispatch with Cambridge China Bridge.
Agree the laboratory brief before selecting samples
Send the laboratory your specification, product photographs, materials, intended use and the questions the testing should answer. Ask it to confirm the test scope, sample quantity, required condition, destructive testing, delivery contact and reporting arrangements. Obtain its acceptance before the factory packs anything. For samples shipped alongside sale stock, see splitting lab samples and pilot stock.
Separate permission to start production from permission to ship finished goods. A pre-production sample can inform the production decision; a sample taken from finished stock can inform shipment release. Agree which stage stays on hold, who reviews the results and who gives written release. Use the existing guide on making bulk production match the sample for the underlying approval process.
Select samples that answer the batch question
Tell the inspector which batch and configurations the laboratory should assess. Agree selection across relevant materials, colours, components or production runs with the laboratory. Let the inspector select the goods rather than accepting pieces prepared by the factory sales team. If only part of production exists, record that limitation.
Give each sample an identifier linked to the order, batch and specification revision. Photograph the selected goods and sealed package, record who selected them and retain comparison samples where appropriate. Do not let the factory replace a selected piece without recording the change. The laboratory sample chain of custody guide covers the detailed handover record.
Confirm courier acceptance for the actual contents
Give the courier an accurate description of the contents, including batteries, liquids, powders or chemicals where present. Ask for written acceptance of the actual goods, route, packaging and documents. Dangerous goods classes affect how goods must be packaged and transported. Ask the courier what classification information it needs; provide an SDS where relevant.
Confirm the laboratory's receiving address and contact, who handles customs queries and who pays courier and clearance charges. Prepare a contents list matching the sample identifiers and use an accurate description and defensible value on the invoice. Share tracking with the laboratory and ask it to confirm package condition and sample identity on arrival. A booking confirmation alone does not show that the laboratory has received usable samples. For direct delivery, see sending China samples overseas.
Discuss customs treatment before collection
HMRC provides a relief route for goods imported into the UK for testing, analysis or examination. Ask the courier's clearance team whether this consignment qualifies and whether it can handle the claim. Use the guide to sample duty and VAT relief rather than assuming that calling the package a sample settles its tax treatment.
Give the clearance team the laboratory brief and intended use of the goods. Ask it to explain the declaration approach and any conditions before collection. Agree with the laboratory what will happen to unused samples, tested pieces and residues, then check that plan with the clearance team if relief is being considered.
Release only the stage supported by the results
Keep the agreed hold in place while samples are delayed, damaged, unidentified or awaiting results. Review whether the report names the selected samples, covers the agreed tests and records exclusions or inconclusive findings. A passing result concerns the tested samples and scope; it does not demonstrate that every unit matches them. Use checking whether a test report covers your order for that review.
Record the decision as hold, rework and retest, or release of the named production stage or batch. If materials or components change after testing, ask the laboratory whether further testing is needed before release. Keep the report review separate from the factory inspection outcome, and send the written decision to the factory and shipping coordinator. Plan storage and booking changes in advance so a missed sailing does not become automatic approval.
Frequently asked questions
Can the factory choose the samples for my UK lab?
Ask your inspector to select them under an agreed laboratory brief. Factory-selected pieces may not represent the batch you intend to release. Record any limits where production is incomplete.
Can I start production while laboratory tests run?
Agree this before ordering. If testing is your production approval gate, keep production on hold. Continuing while results are pending creates a risk of rework or rejection that you should explicitly accept.
Does courier acceptance mean my samples will clear customs?
Treat transport acceptance and customs handling as separate checks. Confirm the clearance arrangements before collection and keep the laboratory brief available for queries.
Can I ship the order as soon as the samples pass?
Review the report scope, sample identity, factory inspection and any changes since selection. Release the named batch in writing only when the agreed checks support that decision.