Testing of tops and sliver

Independent certification of tops or sliver to IWTO standards is uncommon, primarily because sampling is best undertaken throughout production, which would require long periods of independent supervision.  Historically, topmakers and their clients have established trust relationships based on mill certification using the mill QC laboratory.  IWTO has licensed some of these laboratories to issue IWTO Certificates.

Nevertheless, SGS Wool Testing Services does issue independent test reports and certificates on consignments of tops and sliver where these are required by the buyers.  These are routinely required for some specific countries such as Iran.

Common test requirements include:

• Condition (moisture content)
• Fibre diameter
• Fibre length
• Residues (dichloromethane-soluble matter, "fatty matter")
• Sliver density
• Sliver quality (neps, dark fibres, medullated fibres, vegetable matter)

Less frequently, measurements are required and can be provided on properties such as colour, evenness and fibre strength.

Please contact us for information regarding sampling should this service be required.