Textiles, Footwear & Toys Testing

Enter the world of excellence at METS Laboratories, where science meets quality. We test and certify textiles testing in the UK, footwear, and toys to the highest international and European standards. Our state-of-the-art laboratory in the heart of the UK is your gateway to product excellence and market confidence.

What sets us apart is our commitment to precision and reliability. Every product that comes into our lab is tested to rigorous protocols developed by our team of experts. Whether you are a small manufacturer or a global retail chain, we treat every client the same way. We are a recognized and reliable leader in the industry.

In today’s fast-paced market, where consumer safety and product quality are paramount, we are your partner in compliance and excellence. Our testing services don’t just meet standards; they set them. With METS Laboratories, you are not just getting a testing service; you are getting a strategic partner dedicated to your product’s success in the market.

Why is Testing Important?

Textiles

We maintain product quality with UK-based testing of our advanced-technology textiles.

• Full durability and performance testing of clothing, home furnishings, and industrial textiles using the most advanced technology
• New detection technology of toxic chemicals like azo dyes, formaldehyde, and heavy metals for consumer protection
• Increased comfort testing of attributes such as breathability, moisture management, and higher fire resistance
• Comprehensive textiles testing in the UK for color fastness to washing, rubbing, light, and other environmental conditions

Footwear

Our footwear testing in the UK includes:

• Tough material durability, slip resistance, and water resistance testing using advanced techniques
• Chemical safety testing for compliance with the requirements of the restricted substances directive, that is, Chromium VI
• Comfort and flexibility testing to confirm footwear performance in repeated use conditions
• Specialty applications and safety shoes impact resistance testing

Toys

Our toy testing in the UK program comprises:

• Mechanical safety testing such as small parts, sharpness, and choking hazards
• Chemical compliance test with specific testing for lead, cadmium, and toxic phthalates
• Flammability resistance toys testing in the UK, specifically for plastic goods and soft toys
• Conduct full electrical safety tests of battery and electronic toys

Textile Labelling Regulations in the United Kingdom

The Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations require labelling for textile products in the United Kingdom. The regulations refer to the European Union Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, which requires fiber composition information for textile products. The regulation EU 1007/2011 covers textile products, including

• Fibre composition: Products containing a minimum of 80% by weight of textile fibers. Furniture, sunshade coverings, and umbrellas with at least 80% textile content by weight. Textiles integrated into a product must have their fiber composition specified
• Manufacturer’s information
• Washing instruction
• Retailer’s information
• Size
• Country of origin

The regulation EU 1007/2011 is fully adopted in France, Italy, Germany & Spain. Textile testing in the UK ensures compliance with these regulations

How can METS Laboratories help?

Failure to comply with labeling and marking requirements can result in product recalls, consumer complaints, and other unpleasant scenarios. Buyers can use our technical expertise to ensure product labeling and marking is complete and correct.

What Standards Do We Follow?

We comply with globally recognized testing standards for superior product quality and safety:

Textiles Standards

• ISO 105 - Comprehensive colorfastness testing to washing, rubbing, and environmental factors
• ISO 12947 - Advanced abrasion resistance testing using the Martindale method
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 - Ensuring textiles are completely free from harmful substances
• ASTM D5034 - Sophisticated tensile strength and fabric durability testing
• REACH (EU Regulation) - Full compliance with European chemical safety regulations
• BS EN ISO 13934 - Textile tensile properties testing
• BS EN ISO 12945 - Fabric pilling resistance assessment

Our textiles testing in the UK ensures compliance with these international standards

Footwear Standards

• SATRA TM144 - Slip resistance testing methods
• ISO 17707 - Flex resistance testing of soles
• ISO 16187 - Antibacterial testing in footwear
• ASTM D1052 - Sole adhesion strength testing
• EN ISO 20344 - Safety footwear performance testing
• BS EN ISO 17708 - Upper sole bond testing
• BS EN ISO 20871 - Sole abrasion testing

Our footwear testing in the UK ensures compliance with these international standards

Toys Standards

• EN 71 (European Toy Safety Directive) - Full safety testing for mechanical, chemical and flammability hazards
• ASTM F963 (USA) - Full toy safety standard implementation
• ISO 8124 - International standard compliance for toy testing
• CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act - USA) - Full child safety compliance
• BS EN 62115 - Electric toys safety requirements
• BS EN 71-13 - Olfactory board game requirements

Our toy testing in the UK verifies compliance with these global safety standards

Industries We Serve

We offer testing solutions to various industries, including:

• Textile & Apparel Manufacturers: Quality, safety & regulatory compliance.
• Footwear Brands & Retailers: Material durability & chemical safety.
• Toy Manufacturers & Distributors: Mechanical, chemical & electrical safety checks.
• Government & Regulatory Bodies: Compliance monitoring & certification.
• Retail & E-Commerce Brands: Meeting market safety requirements.

Testing Services

Textiles Testing in the UK.

Fabric & Raw Material Testing

• Fabric & Raw Material Testing.
• Natural Fibers: Cotton, wool, silk, linen.
• Synthetic Fibers: Polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic.
• Blended & Recycled Materials: Cotton-polyester blends, recycled polyester, reclaimed wool.

Finished Textile Products

• Apparel - Shirts, trousers, dresses, sportswear, undergarments.
• Home Textiles - Bedsheets, towels, curtains, upholstery fabrics.
• Industrial Textiles - Geotextiles, medical fabrics, flame-retardant materials.
• Outdoor & Sports Textiles - Tents, raincoats, sleeping bags, protective gear.

Specialty Textiles

• Smart Textiles - Wearable technology, conductive fabrics.
• Technical Textiles - Automotive seat covers, filtration fabrics.
• Protective Textiles - Bulletproof vests, high-visibility clothing, fire-resistant gear.

Footwear testing in the UK.

Material Testing

• Uppers - Leather, synthetic leather, fabric.
• Soles - Rubber, polyurethane (PU), EVA, thermoplastics.
• Linings & Insoles - Cotton, polyester, wool, orthotics.

Finished Footwear Products

• Casual & Formal Shoes - Sneakers, loafers, sandals, oxfords, high heels.
• Athletic Footwear - Running shoes, football boots, cleats.
• Work & Safety Shoes - Steel-toe boots, slip-resistant footwear.
• Children’s Footwear - School shoes, casual and sports shoes for kids.

Toys Testing in the UK.

Toy Categories

• Plastic Toys - Children can use action figures as well as dolls together with building blocks from plastic products.
• Electronic Toys - Remote-controlled cars, educational devices.
• Wooden Toys - Puzzles, blocks, model trains.
• Soft & Plush Toys - Stuffed animals, sensory toys.
• Outdoor Toys - Slides, swings, trampolines, ride-on toys.

Specialty Toys

• STEM Toys - Science kits, robotics, coding toys.
• Collectibles - Figurines, model cars, trading cards.
• Water Toys - Bath toys, water guns, floatation devices.

Key Testing Parameters

Textiles

• Physical Capability: strength under tension, resistance to tearing, durability against abrasion.
• Chemical Compliance: Formaldehyde, azo dyes, pH, and heavy metal testing.
• Comfort & Functionality - Moisture-wicking, breathability, and thermal insulation.
• Colorfastness - Resistance to washing, rubbing, light exposure.
• Flammability - Fire resistance testing for home textiles and protective wear.

Footwear

• Durability & Strength - Sole adhesion, tear resistance, abrasion resistance.
• Comfort & Fit - Flexing resistance, cushioning, and shock absorption.
• Chemical Safety - Screening for Chromium VI, phthalates, and heavy metals.
• Slip Resistance - Sole traction on various surfaces.
• Waterproofing - Testing for water ingress in waterproof footwear.

Toys

• Mechanical & Physical Safety - Small parts testing, sharp edges, choking hazards.
• Chemical Compliance: Lead screening and tests identify both cadmium and phthalates alongside other banned chemicals.
• Flammability - Fire hazard testing in soft toys and plastic components.
• Electrical Safety - Ensuring compliance in battery-operated and electronic toys.
• Age Suitability & Labelling - Product age requirements should be displayed accurately on labels to guarantee consumer safety through proper identification.