Split a first shipment: lab samples and pilot stock
Agree the laboratory's destructive sample needs before ordering, then identify and pack those goods separately from pilot stock. Ask your customs agent to apply testing relief only to eligible samples and clear stock intended for sale separately. Coordinate the factory split with Cambridge China Bridge.
Let the test plan determine the split
HMRC limits the relief quantity to goods needed for the tests and directly consumed in testing. Ask the laboratory for a written sample schedule covering each model, material variant and destructive method. Discuss repeat tests and retained specimens separately rather than adding spare saleable units to the relief allocation.
Build the pilot quantity around your commercial trial and the stock you can afford to hold pending results. Record sample costs separately from stock costs; our hidden import costs guide covers the wider budget.
Give the customs agent a clear allocation
Prepare separate invoice and packing-list lines for destructive samples and stock intended for sale, showing descriptions, quantities, values and carton references. Ask the agent to confirm the declaration treatment for each allocation before dispatch. Keep saleable pilot goods outside the testing-relief claim.
Send the agent the laboratory brief and a written instruction identifying exactly which goods are claimed. Use our testing-relief guide for the declaration process. Ask the agent whether the allocations can travel together under separately identified declaration items; do not assume separate customs treatment requires separate freight bookings.
Identify the specimen, not just the carton
Ask the factory to assign each specimen a unique reference linked to its model, production batch, material or component version and carton. Photograph the specimen and label before packing. Have the laboratory confirm the references received and carry them into its report and destruction record. Follow our laboratory sample chain-of-custody guide for the handovers.
Choose specimens from the production intended for the pilot, and record any differences. Avoid a specially improved laboratory sample that tells you little about the stock. Keep pilot cartons on hold in your warehouse workflow until the test outcome and product documentation have been reviewed.
Agree the endpoint before testing starts
Agree who will report completion to HMRC's National Imports Reliefs Unit and prepare the sample reconciliation. HMRC requires contact after testing ends. Leftovers are to be disposed of only as specifically allowed by that unit. Ask the laboratory to list unused specimens, surviving components and residues before anyone moves or discards them.
Ask for a dated record identifying what testing consumed or destroyed, what remains and who holds it. Keep the laboratory record, photographs, disposal receipt and any HMRC correspondence together. HMRC requires disposal evidence and records kept for a minimum of 4 years. A generic disposal receipt is less useful than one linked to your specimen references.
Make the pilot release decision separately
Use a release checklist linking the pilot batch to the reviewed test report, approved specification and product documents. Our test-report verification guide helps with the report review. Record the person approving release and the stock references covered.
If testing reveals a problem, keep the pilot on hold and ask the factory and laboratory whether the issue affects its configuration. Reconcile the testing allocation before arranging replacements. Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can coordinate sample identification and the factory packing split. For direct laboratory delivery, see sending China samples overseas.
Frequently asked questions
How many units should I send for destructive testing?
Ask the laboratory for a model-by-model sample schedule. Base the relief allocation on goods needed and directly consumed in testing; discuss retained specimens and repeat-test stock separately.
Can lab samples and pilot stock travel together?
Ask your customs agent to confirm the declaration arrangement before dispatch. Use separate packing and invoice lines so the agent can identify the relief samples and stock intended for sale.
Can unused test samples become saleable stock?
Do not move them into saleable stock automatically. Goods left after testing must be disposed of only as specifically allowed by HMRC's National Imports Reliefs Unit.
What should a laboratory destruction record show?
Ask for specimen references, the testing performed, the date, what was consumed or destroyed, and any remaining goods or residues. Link it to the import and disposal records.