In 2023, Shenzhen NTEK once again achieved outstanding results in international laboratory proficiency testing organised by the German reference materials body DRRR: RVEP 230260 Odour test (VDA 270), RVEP 230263 Thermal desorption analysis (VDA 278), RVEP 230265 Fogging behaviour (method B) (DIN 75201) and RVEP 230262 Total carbon emission (VDA 277). All four projects received the highest rating, excellent performance.

The vehicle interior is an environment in which modern people spend long periods. Rubber and plastic parts and leather may introduce toxic and harmful gases during raw material processing or moulding, so interior parts must undergo a number of tests to determine whether they pose a risk to consumer health. The testing capability for interior parts is therefore of great importance.

The proficiency test parameters were odour, total carbon, fogging and VOC. The tests were carried out by the Shenzhen NTEK central laboratory. On receiving the samples, the testing staff immediately confirmed the performance status of the equipment used and the reference materials required, in accordance with the work instructions, studied the test standards, simulated every operating step of the test process and evaluated the uncertainty of the test results so as to minimise all influencing factors. Through scientific and standardised testing, the results were submitted within the specified time and satisfactory results were obtained at the first attempt. This marks that the Shenzhen NTEK central laboratory has reached a world-class technical level in the field of automotive interior part testing.

In the future, the central laboratory will continue to take an active part in domestic and international technical comparisons for automotive testing projects, continuously improve inspection and testing capability and overall service levels, and provide customers with high-level testing services.

About the German reference materials body

Deutsche Referenzbüro für Ringversuche und Referenzmaterialien GmbH (DRRR) is Germany's largest professional provider of laboratory proficiency testing (PT), certified reference materials (CRM/RM) and training. In the field of proficiency testing in particular, it is an internationally accredited PT provider under ISO 17043:2010 and is recognised as a PT provider by German DAkkS and American A2LA (similar to CNAS in China). DRRR offers several hundred PT test rounds and handles up to 30,000 samples. Currently more than 1,000 customers worldwide take part in DRRR proficiency testing, giving it wide influence.

Automotive services of the NTEK central laboratory

Material testing

Whole-vehicle air and material VOC, odour testing, fogging testing, material performance testing, failure analysis, material composition identification and morphology observation, crystal structure analysis

Hazardous substance testing for vehicles and components

ELV testing, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, battery regulation testing, REACH Annex XVII and SVHC testing, POPs regulation testing

Other items: azo dyes, formaldehyde, PFAS analysis, organotin compounds, asbestos, halogens, dimethyl fumarate

Chemical management services

IMDS and CAMDS declaration agency services and training for automotive components, training on global environmental regulation compliance for automotive components, 3R calculation and recycling services and training