Sampling for certification

Sampling of greasy and scoured wool is undertaken to IWTO Regulations under our Registered Sampler scheme (see Trading Certification Services for information concerning IWTO Regulations). For certification, core and/or grab samples of equal mass are obtained from every bale in an approved manner by registered samplers at registered sampling sites or mobile locations, using certified sampling and weighing equipment. Samples are double sealed before transport to the laboratory. All sampling processes are monitored, and extensive records kept on staff, equipment, premises, and procedures. All these processes are independently audited at regular intervals to ensure that IWTO Regulations are fully complied with. Further information on wool sampling can be found in Info-bulletin 5.12

In addition to certification, we also undertake testing on samples supplied by a client, or taken under supervision but in situations where there are no regulations or the regulations cannot be fully complied with. In such cases we offer "Reports of Test", which are not normally intended for trading unless both parties agree to the procedures used. IWTO definitions of Certificates and reports can be found here, or at www.iwto.org.

Contact us for sampling methods, prices and dispatch details if you wish to send samples for testing at Email. Samples sent from overseas must comply with NZ quarantine laws, and it is therefore important that you contact us first before dispatch. A copy of the procedure documents is available in Adobe format by following the next link, but be aware that the file is approximately 0.4 Mb in size: Other documents.

The SGS group has samplers available in all corners of the globe, and in general terms it could be considered that there will be an SGS sampler located within 100 km or so of anywhere that wool is delivered for processing. From time to time we utilise this facility to help resolve disputes between exporters and their clients. SGS is truly a global organisation but employing local people, and this is just one example of its strengths. You can contact us to locate your local SGS office, or find local contacts directly through this link: SGS Worldwide Group Directory Search.