Due Diligence
In today's increasingly demanding business climate, manufacturers and retailers must be confident that their products will stand up to the tightest scrutiny.
OVERVIEW
In today's increasingly demanding business climate, manufacturers and retailers must be confident that their products will stand up to the tightest scrutiny not just from their competitors, but also from the increasingly discerning consumer, who is nowadays more likely to challenge any purchases which fall below expectations.
Not only must products be "fit for purpose" and comply with the necessary safety and manufacturing legislation, but they should also meet the expectations of the end user, not least in terms of product serviceability and life-time. The European Directive concerning General Product Safety now means that the safety of all products has to be considered before they are placed on the market.
PRODUCT CONFORMITY ASSESSMENTS
Suppliers should ensure that they have evaluated their products sufficiently to be able to demonstrate, possibly to a court if challenged, that reasonable “Due Diligence” has been undertaken in terms of testing and to ultimately be able to defend the integrity of their products.
Although it is impossible to expect to be completely infallible to scrutiny, it is however possible to minimise the risk by taking the appropriate steps.
Shirley Technologies can assist in providing a range of information to assist clients with their consumer product testing in this area including:
- Advice on legal compliance
- Independent and objective testing protocols to existing methodologies
- Preparation of appropriate test protocols where no existing methodology is available
- Durability and ageing studies to determine product serviceability and life-time
- Recommendations for "in-use" conditions
For further information or to discuss a specific test or ongoing testing programme, please contact Ian Strudwick who will be happy to discuss your requirements on +44 (0) 161 869 1610 or ian.strudwick@shirleytech.co.uk