GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUPPLY
GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUPPLY
1. Premise
These Terms and Conditions of Supply apply to the contract between Laboratorio Centro Qualità Tessile S.r.l. (hereinafter “CQT” or “Laboratory”) and the Client, concerning the provision of services by the Laboratory. Contracts shall include: test execution offers signed by the Client, test orders (received by email or in paper form), as well as the submission of samples to the Laboratory.
2. Conditions of supply
- Requests received by the Laboratory in written or verbal form shall be formalized by means of an order confirmation and shall be deemed accepted unless otherwise specified.
- All samples must be clearly identified by the Client and must include all informations necessary for the requested tests. The Laboratory is responsible for all informations contained in the Test Report, with the exception of the sample description and any sampling date, which are provided by the Client and for which the Laboratory assumes no responsibility. Test results therefore refer exclusively to the sample as received. Sampling responsibility lies with the Client.
- The Client can verify the types and quantities of materials required for the analysis directly on the Laboratory’s website, by consulting the testing lists published on the following pages:
– Textile testing
– Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) testing
Before sending the samples, the Client is advised to contact the Laboratory for further information in this regard.
- Materials for analyses may be delivered with their corresponding consignment note (CN). The analyses carried out by CQT are destructive in nature; therefore, the Laboratory is authorized to cut and perform other procedures that may cause deterioration of the samples, unless expressly requested otherwise.
- The CN related to the material for testing must specify the following:
– If the return of the sample is not requested, the wording “Material intended for destructive testing” must be stated.
– If the return of the sample is requested, the wording “Transport for laboratory analysis purposes” must be stated.
– If the sample is a garment or any finished product, the phrase “Cutting of garment/product authorized” must be stated.
- Upon the Client’s request, urgent tests may be performed, subject to evaluation of technical feasibility within the requested timeframe and provided that the Client delivers the samples by 12:00 noon. Urgent testing entails a surcharge of 30% on standard costs. Any requests made after the issuance of the test reports (translations, additional information, etc.) shall also result in additional charges.
- Payment for tests and any other services shall normally be made by bank transfer within thirty days end of month from the date of invoicing (unless otherwise contractually agreed between the parties). VAT at the applicable rate shall be added to the prices listed. The Laboratory reserves the right to suspend the execution of tests or the provision of services in the event of non-payment of issued invoices.
- Residual samples shall be kept at the Client’s disposal for a period of not less than 30 days from the date of issuance of the analysis certificate. After 30 days, CQT shall be expressly authorized to destroy the tested samples unless the Client submits a written request for sample retention within the aforementioned 30 days or unless otherwise expressly agreed between the parties.
- The Laboratory ensures the continuous updating of test methods and the execution of tests in accordance with the editions currently in force, unless otherwise requested by the Client. Should the Client request testing activities to be carried out under one or more deviations from the conditions defined by the standards, the Laboratory shall disclaim any responsibility regarding the validity of the results.
- Test results refer solely to the examined samples and shall be delivered and, if applicable, discussed exclusively with the Client.
- Any comments on test results requested by the Client shall be provided informally via verbal or written communication other than the Test Report.
- The Laboratory considers the transmission of the Test Report in PDF format with digital signature as the preferred method for delivering results. If expressly requested by the Client, or if material must be delivered to the Client, a hard copy original shall also be provided.
- Test reports and related technical records shall be retained by the Laboratory for a period of 48 months from the date of issuance.
- Any technical complaints must be submitted in writing to the Technical Secretariat and shall be handled and formalized in accordance with CQT procedures. Complaints shall be accepted if received no later than 20 days from the Client’s receipt of the Test Report. After this deadline, the Laboratory reserves the right to review the terms of the dispute.
3. Meaning of the accreditation by Accredia
CQT is a Testing Laboratory accredited by the Italian body Accredia (accreditation certificate No. 00237 Testing).
Accredia is the sole Italian accreditation body, designated by the Italian Government to certify the competence and impartiality of organizations verifying the conformity of goods and services to international standards.
Like other accreditation bodies in the European countries, Accredia operates in accordance with the regulation EC 765/2008, the ISO/IEC 17011standard, and the international Mutual Recognition Agreements (MLA/MRA) with EA, IAF, and ILAC, authorizing us to perform internationally-accredited tests.
3.1. Accredited tests
Accreditation granted by Accredia constitutes formal recognition of the Laboratory’s competence to perform the tests for which accreditation has been requested and obtained.
Accredited tests are listed in schedules issued by Accredia to the Laboratory together with the accreditation certificate. The updated list of accredited tests is available from the Laboratory Secretariat and may be requested by the Client or verified on the Accredia website.
3.2. Attestation of the Laboratory’s technical competence
Accreditation involves verification of the Laboratory’s technical competence with regard to accredited tests and of its quality management system, in compliance with UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
The Laboratory has entered into an accreditation agreement with Accredia detailing the mutual commitments governing accreditation. Through this accreditation, Accredia ensures the technical competence of personnel, the adequacy of equipment and instrumentation, and the suitability of facilities.
Accredia periodically carries out random checks on all accredited tests and on the Laboratory’s quality management system.
3.3. Utilization of Accredia mark and accreditation references
The Laboratory informs the Client of the existence of an agreement with Accredia, the Italian accreditation body.
Where the issuance of a Test Report on letterhead bearing the Accredia mark is requested, both the Laboratory and the Client undertake to comply with all requirements set forth in Accredia reference documents. In particular, the Accredia mark and any reference to accreditation may be used only when the Test Report contains at least one test result performed under the Laboratory’s accreditation.
Furthermore, the Accredia mark must not be affixed to a test sample or product (or part thereof) nor used to imply product certification.
If at least one test is accredited by Accredia, a Test Report bearing the Accredia mark may be issued; non-accredited tests shall be appropriately indicated with an asterisk (*).
Accreditation therefore certifies the Laboratory’s compliance with the requirements set forth in the reference documents and applies to tests, not to products.
3.4. Measurement uncertainty and decision rules
For each accredited test, the Laboratory calculates a measurement uncertainty associated with the result.
The expanded uncertainty, available upon request, is calculated with a coverage factor k=2 for a probability interval of 95%. If the decision rule is specified by the Client, regulations, or normative documents, no further consideration of risk level is required. Otherwise, CQT has adopted a decision rule based on simple acceptance or shared risk with a probability of false acceptance (PFA) of 50% (JCGM 106:2012 §8.2.1), thus assigning conformity based solely on the obtained result.
In practice, in order to keep the probability of erroneous decisions at acceptable levels for both the Laboratory and the Client, the Laboratory verifies that the measurement uncertainty has been considered and deemed acceptable for the intended purpose (U ≤ Umax as defined by method performance characteristics and applicable standards).
For tests involving product classification according to standards, a decision rule with a 95% acceptance probability (5% non-acceptance) is applied, corresponding to a coverage factor k=1.64.
4. Confidentiality
CQT governs its confidentiality obligations as follows.
4.1. Confidential Information
“Confidential Information” means all information acquired that is not in the public domain, provided that such information is identified as confidential at the time of communication by the Client. Confidential Information may be acquired in any form (oral, written, graphic) without limitation.
In no case shall information be considered confidential if:
a) It is public domain information.
b) It was known and/or can be demonstrated to have been known.
c) It was transmitted and expressly identified as non-confidential.
d) It was independently developed by CQT without using Confidential Information.
e) It is disclosed by a party other than the Client who is not bound by a confidentiality obligation, or otherwise becomes known through no fault of CQT.
Confidential Information communicated to CQT by subsidiaries, consultants, agents, or representatives of the Client shall also be subject to these provisions.
Confidential Information may be disclosed to third parties performing subcontracted activities. Such third parties shall also be bound by these provisions and must be authorized in writing in advance by the Client.
Confidential Information may be disclosed to legislative or regulatory authorities upon a justified request, and in any case must be authorized in advance in writing by the Client.
Confidential Information may be disclosed to interested parties directly by CQT upon justified request, and in any case must be authorized in advance in writing by the Client.
4.2. CQT obligations
CQT undertakes to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding Confidential Information acquired from the Client and identified as confidential.
CQT undertakes to treat Confidential Information as strictly confidential and not to disclose or make it available to third parties.
CQT shall adopt all necessary and appropriate security measures to maintain confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access, removal, or manipulation of such information.
CQT shall strictly comply with applicable data protection legislation (EU Regulation No. 2016/679 – GDPR) should personal data be processed for the purposes described herein.
CQT shall not use, transfer, reproduce, or copy any part of such information without the Client’s specific written consent.
CQT retains the right to present test results, always in compliance with its confidentiality obligations.
These confidentiality conditions shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of issuance of each Test Report.
1. Premise
These Terms and Conditions of Supply apply to the contract between Laboratorio Centro Qualità Tessile S.r.l. (hereinafter “CQT” or “Laboratory”) and the Client, concerning the provision of services by the Laboratory. Contracts shall include: test execution offers signed by the Client, test orders (received by email or in paper form), as well as the submission of samples to the Laboratory.
2. Conditions of supply
- Requests received by the Laboratory in written or verbal form shall be formalized by means of an order confirmation and shall be deemed accepted unless otherwise specified.
- All samples must be clearly identified by the Client and must include all informations necessary for the requested tests. The Laboratory is responsible for all informations contained in the Test Report, with the exception of the sample description and any sampling date, which are provided by the Client and for which the Laboratory assumes no responsibility. Test results therefore refer exclusively to the sample as received. Sampling responsibility lies with the Client.
- Before sending the samples for testing, to know the types and quantities of materials required for the analysis, the Client is advised to contact the Laboratory for more information in this regard.
- Materials for analyses may be delivered with their corresponding consignment note (CN). The analyses carried out by CQT are destructive in nature; therefore, the Laboratory is authorized to cut and perform other procedures that may cause deterioration of the samples, unless expressly requested otherwise.
- The CN related to the material for testing must specify the following:
– If the return of the sample is not requested, the wording “Material intended for destructive testing” must be stated.
– If the return of the sample is requested, the wording “Transport for laboratory analysis purposes” must be stated.
– If the sample is a garment or any finished product, the phrase “Cutting of garment/product authorized” must be stated.
- Upon the Client’s request, urgent tests may be performed, subject to evaluation of technical feasibility within the requested timeframe and provided that the Client delivers the samples by 12:00 noon. Urgent testing entails a surcharge of 30% on standard costs. Any requests made after the issuance of the test reports (translations, additional information, etc.) shall also result in additional charges.
- Payment for tests and any other services shall normally be made by bank transfer within thirty days end of month from the date of invoicing (unless otherwise contractually agreed between the parties). VAT at the applicable rate shall be added to the prices listed. The Laboratory reserves the right to suspend the execution of tests or the provision of services in the event of non-payment of issued invoices.
- Residual samples shall be kept at the Client’s disposal for a period of not less than 30 days from the date of issuance of the analysis certificate. After 30 days, CQT shall be expressly authorized to destroy the tested samples unless the Client submits a written request for sample retention within the aforementioned 30 days or unless otherwise expressly agreed between the parties.
- The Laboratory ensures the continuous updating of test methods and the execution of tests in accordance with the editions currently in force, unless otherwise requested by the Client. Should the Client request testing activities to be carried out under one or more deviations from the conditions defined by the standards, the Laboratory shall disclaim any responsibility regarding the validity of the results.
- Test results refer solely to the examined samples and shall be delivered and, if applicable, discussed exclusively with the Client.
- Any comments on test results requested by the Client shall be provided informally via verbal or written communication other than the Test Report.
- The Laboratory considers the transmission of the Test Report in PDF format with digital signature as the preferred method for delivering results. If expressly requested by the Client, or if material must be delivered to the Client, a hard copy original shall also be provided.
- Test reports and related technical records shall be retained by the Laboratory for a period of 48 months from the date of issuance.
- Any technical complaints must be submitted in writing to the Technical Secretariat and shall be handled and formalized in accordance with CQT procedures. Complaints shall be accepted if received no later than 20 days from the Client’s receipt of the Test Report. After this deadline, the Laboratory reserves the right to review the terms of the dispute.
3. Meaning of the accreditation by Accredia
CQT is a Testing Laboratory accredited by the Italian body Accredia (accreditation certificate No. 00237 Testing).
Accredia is the sole Italian accreditation body, designated by the Italian Government to certify the competence and impartiality of organizations verifying the conformity of goods and services to international standards.
Like other accreditation bodies in the European countries, Accredia operates in accordance with the regulation EC 765/2008, the ISO/IEC 17011standard, and the international Mutual Recognition Agreements (MLA/MRA) with EA, IAF, and ILAC, authorizing us to perform internationally-accredited tests.
3.1. Accredited tests
Accreditation granted by Accredia constitutes formal recognition of the Laboratory’s competence to perform the tests for which accreditation has been requested and obtained.
Accredited tests are listed in schedules issued by Accredia to the Laboratory together with the accreditation certificate. The updated list of accredited tests is available from the Laboratory Secretariat and may be requested by the Client or verified on the Accredia website.
3.2. Attestation of the Laboratory’s technical competence
Accreditation involves verification of the Laboratory’s technical competence with regard to accredited tests and of its quality management system, in compliance with UNI CEI EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
The Laboratory has entered into an accreditation agreement with Accredia detailing the mutual commitments governing accreditation. Through this accreditation, Accredia ensures the technical competence of personnel, the adequacy of equipment and instrumentation, and the suitability of facilities.
Accredia periodically carries out random checks on all accredited tests and on the Laboratory’s quality management system.
3.3. Utilization of Accredia mark and accreditation references
The Laboratory informs the Client of the existence of an agreement with Accredia, the Italian accreditation body.
Where the issuance of a Test Report on letterhead bearing the Accredia mark is requested, both the Laboratory and the Client undertake to comply with all requirements set forth in Accredia reference documents. In particular, the Accredia mark and any reference to accreditation may be used only when the Test Report contains at least one test result performed under the Laboratory’s accreditation.
Furthermore, the Accredia mark must not be affixed to a test sample or product (or part thereof) nor used to imply product certification.
If at least one test is accredited by Accredia, a Test Report bearing the Accredia mark may be issued; non-accredited tests shall be appropriately indicated with an asterisk (*).
Accreditation therefore certifies the Laboratory’s compliance with the requirements set forth in the reference documents and applies to tests, not to products.
3.4. Measurement uncertainty and decision rules
For each accredited test, the Laboratory calculates a measurement uncertainty associated with the result.
The expanded uncertainty, available upon request, is calculated with a coverage factor k=2 for a probability interval of 95%. If the decision rule is specified by the Client, regulations, or normative documents, no further consideration of risk level is required. Otherwise, CQT has adopted a decision rule based on simple acceptance or shared risk with a probability of false acceptance (PFA) of 50% (JCGM 106:2012 §8.2.1), thus assigning conformity based solely on the obtained result.
In practice, in order to keep the probability of erroneous decisions at acceptable levels for both the Laboratory and the Client, the Laboratory verifies that the measurement uncertainty has been considered and deemed acceptable for the intended purpose (U ≤ Umax as defined by method performance characteristics and applicable standards).
For tests involving product classification according to standards, a decision rule with a 95% acceptance probability (5% non-acceptance) is applied, corresponding to a coverage factor k=1.64.
4. Confidentiality
CQT governs its confidentiality obligations as follows.
4.1. Confidential Information
“Confidential Information” means all information acquired that is not in the public domain, provided that such information is identified as confidential at the time of communication by the Client. Confidential Information may be acquired in any form (oral, written, graphic) without limitation.
In no case shall information be considered confidential if:
a) It is public domain information.
b) It was known and/or can be demonstrated to have been known.
c) It was transmitted and expressly identified as non-confidential.
d) It was independently developed by CQT without using Confidential Information.
e) It is disclosed by a party other than the Client who is not bound by a confidentiality obligation, or otherwise becomes known through no fault of CQT.
Confidential Information communicated to CQT by subsidiaries, consultants, agents, or representatives of the Client shall also be subject to these provisions.
Confidential Information may be disclosed to third parties performing subcontracted activities. Such third parties shall also be bound by these provisions and must be authorized in writing in advance by the Client.
Confidential Information may be disclosed to legislative or regulatory authorities upon a justified request, and in any case must be authorized in advance in writing by the Client.
Confidential Information may be disclosed to interested parties directly by CQT upon justified request, and in any case must be authorized in advance in writing by the Client.
4.2. CQT obligations
CQT undertakes to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding Confidential Information acquired from the Client and identified as confidential.
CQT undertakes to treat Confidential Information as strictly confidential and not to disclose or make it available to third parties.
CQT shall adopt all necessary and appropriate security measures to maintain confidentiality and prevent unauthorized access, removal, or manipulation of such information.
CQT shall strictly comply with applicable data protection legislation (EU Regulation No. 2016/679 – GDPR) should personal data be processed for the purposes described herein.
CQT shall not use, transfer, reproduce, or copy any part of such information without the Client’s specific written consent.
CQT retains the right to present test results, always in compliance with its confidentiality obligations.
These confidentiality conditions shall remain in force for a period of five years from the date of issuance of each Test Report.
Centro Qualità Tessile S.r.l.
The Executive Management