Frequently asked questions
DRAFT for owner approval. Questions and answers below are copied from each industry page.
Textiles & Apparel
Which accreditations does Tti hold?
Tti is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for testing and ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection. Tti also holds recognition from US CPSC, EPA, PSQCA, OGRA, IAC, ZDHC, MRSL, and Wastewater programs.
Is Tti a participant in any international testing programs?
Yes. Tti is a successful participant in ASTM, AATCC, IIS, and Global PTP programs.
What types of testing services does Tti offer?
Tti provides textile testing; leather, footwear, and PPE testing; restricted substances testing; environmental testing; petroleum and petroleum by-products testing; ZDHC wastewater and MRSL testing; antimicrobial testing; food testing; pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical testing; and GMO testing.
Which brands and retailers have nominated or approved Tti?
Leading international brands that work with Tti include Levi’s, Next, KIK, Tape à l’Oeil, ASDA, J., Wünsche, Sol’s, Sok, BR (Basic Resources), TCC, Fanatics, Hema, Creaprin, Majid Al Futtaim, Lipsy, Tally Weijl, Absolute Apparel, DeFacto, ISA Traesko, and Tom Tailor.
How can clients contact or visit Tti?
Clients can reach Tti through its main facility in Lahore or via its liaison offices in Karachi, Faisalabad, and Sialkot. Detailed contact information is available on Tti’s official website.
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Food & Agriculture
What testing services and parameters does Tti offer?
We test food and agricultural products in six areas: food microbiology and pathogens; nutritional analysis and label compliance; stability and shelf-life studies; food safety and contaminants; pesticide residues and agricultural contaminants; and food packaging safety. We also test water quality, monitor environmental hygiene and offer testing packages for rice exporters. Tell us your product and destination market and our team will confirm the parameters you need.
What is the expected turnaround time (TAT) for test reports?
Turnaround depends on the product and the tests requested. Microbiological tests take longer because cultures need a set incubation time. We confirm the expected turnaround in your quotation, before testing starts.
How are testing charges determined, and are there any additional costs?
Charges depend on the product, the number of tests and the methods required. We send a written quotation that lists each test and its charge before any work starts, and the payment terms are stated in the quotation.
What sample quantity is required, and how should samples be submitted?
The quantity depends on the product and the tests requested; our team confirms the minimum amount when you ask for a quotation. You can deliver samples to our laboratory in Lahore, or contact our customer service team to arrange collection.
Is Tti accredited, and are the testing methods validated?
Yes. Tti is accredited by the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) under ISO/IEC 17025, and our microbiology laboratory is U.S. IAC certified. Tests follow recognised standard methods, including AOAC, ISO, ASTM, BAM-FDA, EPA and APHA.
Are Tti’s test reports accepted by local and international regulatory authorities?
Tti is approved by the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan food authorities for a wide range of parameters, and our reports are issued under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Requirements abroad depend on the importing country and the buyer, so tell us your destination market and we will confirm the tests and methods it asks for.
What are the detection limits and sensitivity of your analytical methods?
Detection limits depend on the analyte, the product and the method. Pesticide residues are tested against the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of the EU, UK, US, SFDA, Codex and Gulf markets, using instruments such as LC-MS/MS, GC/MS and ICP-MS. Ask our team for the limit that applies to a specific test.
Which national and international standards and regulations do your testing methods comply with?
We use recognised methods from AOAC, ISO, ASTM, BAM-FDA, EPA and APHA. Pesticide residue testing is aligned with EU, UK, US, SFDA, Codex and Gulf MRL standards. Our data supports certification and compliance with BRCGS, FSSC 22000, SQF, IFS, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, GLOBALG.A.P., Halal, and FDA and EU food requirements.
Can urgent or priority testing requests be accommodated?
Contact our customer service team with your deadline before you send samples. Whether a test can be prioritised depends on the tests requested; for example, microbiological tests need a set incubation time.
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Pharmaceutical
Is your testing service ISO/IEC 17025 accredited?
Yes. Tti Testing Laboratories is accredited by the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) under ISO/IEC 17025.
Can you validate analytical methods?
Yes. We provide method development, validation, and verification studies.
Can you provide urgent sample testing service?
Yes. We can provide an expedited turnaround through our shuttle service within two working days, subject to a 100% surcharge.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment terms are specified in the quotation, and 100% advance payment is required. You can pay online, deposit cash in a bank, or pay by cheque.
Do you perform microbiological testing?
Yes. We have a fully equipped microbiological laboratory and perform a range of microbial tests according to the client’s requirements.
Can I receive a chromatogram?
Yes. Chromatograms and supporting analytical data may be provided where agreed in the contract or according to the client’s requirements.
Can I discuss my method with your analyst or technical team before testing?
Yes. Our technical and customer service teams can arrange a discussion to review analytical methods, testing requirements, and project feasibility before sample submission.
What is the standard turnaround time?
After receiving the sample, completed test request form, and payment receipt, we can provide the report within four to five working days. Turnaround times may vary for certain tests, including microbiological testing.
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PPE
Which international standards do you test against?
We perform testing according to a wide range of international standards, including EN ISO 21420 for protective gloves; EN 388 for mechanical risks; EN 407 for thermal risks; EN 511 for cold protection; EN 12477 for welding gloves; EN ISO 20345 for safety footwear; EN 13634 for motorcyclists’ protective footwear; EN 17092 for motorcyclists’ protective garments; EN ISO 20471 for high-visibility clothing; EN ISO 11611 for protective clothing for welding; EN ISO 11612 for protection against heat and flame; EN 469 for firefighters’ protective clothing; and many other PPE standards.
Is Tti Testing Laboratories a Notified Body?
No. Tti Testing Laboratories is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited testing laboratory. We provide accredited testing services and technical support for CE certification in collaboration with recognized European Notified Bodies.
What is the difference between testing and certification?
Testing evaluates whether a product meets specific technical requirements, while certification is the formal approval issued by a Notified Body after reviewing the test results and technical documentation.
How many samples are required?
Sample requirements vary depending on the applicable standard and the tests requested. Our technical team will inform you of the exact quantity after reviewing your product.
How long does testing take?
The testing duration depends on the applicable standard, test complexity, and laboratory workload. Our team will provide an estimated turnaround time with the quotation. Generally, complete PPE testing takes seven to ten working days.
Can I request only specific tests instead of full certification testing?
Yes. We can perform individual tests or complete testing programs according to your specific requirements.
What is a Technical File?
A Technical File is a collection of documents demonstrating that a PPE product complies with applicable regulatory requirements. It typically includes product specifications, risk assessment, test reports, drawings, labels, user instructions, and declarations.
What information should be included in the manufacturer’s instructions and information notice?
User instructions should include the intended use, limitations of protection, storage instructions, cleaning and maintenance guidance, marking explanations, size information, warnings, manufacturer details, and declaration of conformity access information.
Can overseas manufacturers use your services?
Yes. We work with manufacturers, exporters, importers, and brands worldwide.
Can you test prototypes before production?
Yes. Prototype testing is recommended to identify potential issues before mass production and certification.
What happens if my product fails testing?
Our technical team will explain the test results, identify the reasons for failure, and provide guidance on possible improvements before retesting.
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Petroleum
What petroleum testing services does Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) offer?
Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) provides comprehensive testing services for all kinds of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene, furnace oil, lubricating oils, greases, transformer oils, aviation fuels, and marine fuels.
Is Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) accredited?
Yes. Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) operates under an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality management system, accredited by the Pakistan National Accreditation Council (PNAC) under certificate LAB-022, first granted in 2006. The laboratory performs testing within its accredited scope using internationally recognized standards, ensuring the technical competence, accuracy, and reliability of test results.
Is Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) OGRA approved?
Yes. Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) has been an OGRA (Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority, Pakistan) approved third-party quality control laboratory for petroleum products since 13 May 2019.
Which international standards does Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) follow?
Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) performs testing in accordance with internationally recognized standards, including ASTM, ISO, IP, and customer-specific methods where applicable.
How can I submit a sample for testing?
Samples may be submitted directly to the Customer Service Department at Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab), Lahore. Customers may also contact our customer services team to arrange sample collection where required.
How much sample is required?
The required sample quantity depends on the product type and the requested tests. Our technical team will advise the minimum sample volume needed.
How long does testing take?
Turnaround time depends on the number and type of tests requested. Routine testing is generally completed within the agreed service timeline of two to three days.
Will I receive an official test report?
Yes. Upon completion of testing, Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) issues a formal test report detailing the test methods, results, units of measurement, and other relevant information.
Are Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) test reports accepted by regulatory authorities?
As Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) is an OGRA-approved third-party quality control laboratory, its reports are considered legal quality documents.
Can Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) perform customized or customer-specific testing?
Yes. Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) can perform customer-specific testing requirements where suitable methods, equipment, and technical capabilities are available.
How is customer confidentiality maintained?
Tti Testing Laboratories (Petroleum Lab) treats all customer samples, test data, and reports as strictly confidential in accordance with its quality management policies.
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