Why Quality Testing Matters in Synthetic Leather Production

Synthetic leather — whether PU or PVC — is widely used in furniture, automotive, and fashion. Because its performance depends on the formulation, thickness, and coating process, quality testing is essential to ensure durability, color consistency, and safety compliance.

Proper testing verifies resistance to abrasion, bending, peeling, UV exposure, and chemicals. It also confirms that the leather meets international environmental standards such as REACH, RoHS, and CA Prop 65.

Common Quality Testing Standards

When importing custom synthetic leather from China, you should be aware of the following key tests:

• Abrasion resistance (Martindale test): Measures surface wear during repeated friction.

• Flex resistance (Ross test): Evaluates crack resistance after thousands of bending cycles.

• Peeling strength: Tests how well the coating layer adheres to the base fabric.

• Tear strength: Determines resistance to tearing under tension.

• Color fastness: Ensures color won’t fade under light, washing, or rubbing.

• Flame resistance: Tests whether the material meets fire-retardant standards.

• Adhesion and coating uniformity: Checks the bond between the surface layer and backing cloth.

Each of these helps verify whether your product is suitable for sofas, car interiors, bags, or shoes — different uses require different test thresholds.

Environmental and Safety Compliance

Today’s buyers increasingly focus on eco-friendly sourcing. Reliable suppliers in China now produce both PU and PVC leather with compliant, non-toxic raw materials.

Common international environmental standards include:

• REACH – Restricts hazardous substances in products sold in the EU.

• RoHS – Limits harmful chemicals such as lead and cadmium.

• California Proposition 65 – Ensures safety for the U.S. market.

At ZD Leather, all materials can be tested and verified by third-party labs upon request.

Why Clear Communication with Your Supplier Is Crucial

Before placing an order, you must communicate your exact requirements — this is the foundation of consistent quality.
At ZD Leather, we always follow this process:

1. You provide detailed requirements (application, thickness, texture, performance needs).

2. We produce samples based on those specifications.

3. Once you confirm the samples, we proceed with mass production.

This ensures that the final batch meets your expected standards — no surprises, no quality mismatches.

💡 Pro tip: If you don’t specify testing standards early, suppliers may use default factory parameters, which might differ from your market’s requirements.

How to Verify a Supplier’s Testing Capabilities

Before choosing a supplier, always ask:

• Can they provide recent testing reports (SGS, Intertek, or BV)?

• Do they have an in-house quality control team?

• Are they familiar with export standards for your market (EU, US, Middle East, or Africa)?

If possible, request to see testing equipment during a factory video call or visit. 

Tips for Buyers to Ensure Consistent Quality

• Always request samples before bulk production.

• Confirm that your supplier uses the same raw materials and coating process as your approved sample.

• Ask for batch testing reports before shipment.

• Keep open communication to track any updates in formulation or production.

If you need help defining testing standards, our experienced technical team at ZD Leather can provide professional guidance based on your product use.

Conclusion

Ensuring the right quality testing standards protects both your brand and your bottom line.
When importing from China, work with a supplier who provides transparent testing data and understands your market requirements.

If you need help defining testing methods or verifying sample performance, contact ZD Leather — with over 16 years of experience, we’ll make sure your custom synthetic leather meets every standard you need.