The difference between the US- Protocol 16 CFR 1700.20 and the ISO 8317 lays in the panel testing with the children. For the US-Protocol, 50 children must be tested on 5 different locations (10 children per location). Furthermore, there is also an extra requirement regarding their age distribution. 30% must have the age of 42-44 months, 40% must have the age of 45-48 month and the remaining 30% must have the age of 49-51 months. This requirement is not demanded/requested by the ISO 8317. This standard stipulates only the fact that 30 children are tested on a minimum of 3 locations. There is no requirement regarding the number of children tested per location, and a subdivision per age is neither required. If a full test was effectuated according to the US-protocol, IBE-BVI can also edit an ISO certificate for that packaging.

The containers must be filled before testing, in order to simulate a real situation for the children. The containers are filled with a maximum of 1l or 1kg water or sand or another substance which is completely safe. In most of the cases IBE-BVI will proceed with the filling of the containers.

It is effectively possible to proceed with a pre-test. For a pre-test a maximum of 10 children will be tested. After this test (which gives you an indication of feasibility) a report (positive or negative) can be delivered. In case of positive pretest it is not possible to obtain a certificate. Certificates are only delivered after a full testing procedure (children and adults), and only in case of positive testing with both panels.

When a combination (container + closure) is already tested according the ISO 8317, it is possible to effectuate mechanical comparison tests when a small change is made to the closure or the container. The small modification will be analysed by the supervisor who will evaluate if it is possible to certify the adapted combination by mechanical comparison testing only (ISO 13127).

Yes certainly! Every change (form, material, closure, supplier of material, ….) must be communicated. You may not forget that on the certificate all details are mentioned as well of the container and the closure, and their manufacturers. Depending on the kind of change a new full test will be effectuated and a new certificate will be edited. For minor changes complementary testing can be needed and thus also the certificate will be adapted.

The certificates delivered by IBE-BVI have an unlimited validity if no changes are made neither to the combination (container/closure) neither of the suppliers/manufacturers of the container or closure.