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FAQs: Regulatory Testing Insights from Our Webinar

Understanding the nuances of regulatory testing can be complex. Our recent webinar with Shaz Younis, an expert with over 25 years of experience, provided clarity on evolving standards, compliance challenges, and the practicalities of testing. Below is a technical breakdown of some of the key points discussed.
Q1: What are the recent changes in regulatory testing standards?
Recent updates in guidelines, such as the CLP physical hazards testing, have refined requirements for agrochemical and UN transportation testing. Regulations like the BPR (Biocidal Products Regulation) and PPP (Plant Protection Products) now address specific chemical properties and market needs. These changes often align with updates in REACH and GHS standards, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions.
Q2: What trends are shaping compliance requirements?
Regulators often focus on particular aspects of compliance for a period, leading to trends such as increased scrutiny on oxidising properties, auto-ignition temperatures, or corrosion resistance. Organisations may need to adapt quickly to these shifting priorities to remain compliant.
Q3: How do agrochemical and transportation regulations intersect?
There is significant overlap in the core tests for physical hazards outlined in UN transportation regulations and those required under agrochemical-specific guidelines like BPR and PPP. For example, properties such as water solubility, dissociation constants, and density may be required for classification, depending on the material type.
Q4: What are the key considerations for selecting tests?
Identifying the right tests is crucial. Common pitfalls include requesting unnecessary or irrelevant tests, such as those designed for aerosols when the material isn’t classified as one. Prioritising essential tests based on material properties and regulatory requirements saves time and resources.
Q5: What testing methodologies are commonly used?
  • Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC): A cost-effective screening test for explosive properties, often used to eliminate unnecessary follow-up tests.
  • Aerosol Testing: Includes heat of combustion, ignition distance, and foam flammability tests, depending on the material.
  • Flammability in Contact with Water (UN N5 Test): Duration varies between 3 and 15 days, depending on material characteristics.
These tests align with international standards (e.g., ISO, BSEN) and ensure precision in classification.
Q6: How is accuracy and repeatability ensured in testing?
To maintain reliability, tests are often run in duplicate or triplicate, even when not explicitly required by guidelines. Equipment validation and annual requalification, as well as adherence to GOP (Good Operating Practices), further support result consistency.
Q7: What challenges arise with borderline results?
Borderline results, such as those on the edge of hazardous classification thresholds, require careful interpretation. The default approach is to err on the side of caution, recommending further testing or classifying conservatively to ensure compliance and safety.
Q8: What emerging developments should organisations anticipate?
Recent updates to BPR, PPP, and CLP guidelines highlight ongoing refinement in regulatory requirements. For example, some tests previously accepted under REACH have been removed, signalling possible future changes in agrochemical regulations. Staying informed about these developments is essential to proactive compliance.
Q9: How should organisations approach regulatory testing?
Start by understanding regulatory expectations for your material, as dictated by competent authorities. From there:
  • Prioritise essential tests based on material properties.
  • Seek guidance to clarify ambiguous requirements or optimise test selection.
  • Ensure that test methodologies align with recognised international standards.
Q10: What are common logistical considerations for testing?
Testing durations can vary widely:
  • Standard tests: 15-20 working days.
  • Extended tests (e.g., corrosion resistance): At least 28 days.
Expedited services may be available, but timelines depend on material complexity and workload.
Want to Learn More?
Watch the full webinar to dive deeper into these insights.
Watch the Webinar Now
Have a question? Contact us today to discuss your testing needs or challenges.