Skip to content 
Bag Testing Standards Explained
Durability • Safety • Material Performance • Retail Compliance • Global Certifications
Bags are used daily, often under heavy load, humidity, friction, and repeated stress. Every zipper pull, every strap tension, every seam, every pocket, and every fabric layer must withstand real-world use.
This is why international bag testing standards exist. These standards ensure:
- The fabric doesn’t tear
- The zippers don’t break
- The handles don’t detach
- The straps don’t snap
- The color doesn’t transfer
- The bag doesn’t leak
- The hardware doesn’t corrode
- The materials comply with safety laws
- The product performs exactly as expected
Lovrix follows full global testing, helping brands meet retail requirements from USA, Europe, UK, Australia, Japan, UAE, and worldwide.
Why Bag Testing Standards Are Essential
Bags fail most often at:
- Weak seams
- Low-quality zippers
- Poor reinforcement
- Weak strap attachment
- Thin or low-density fabric
- Non-durable hardware
- Water leakage
- Color bleeding
- Chemical compliance failures
These failures lead to:
- Customer complaints
- Amazon/retail returns
- Brand reputation damage
- Safety hazards
- Fines for non-compliance
- Retail rejection
- Higher warranty cost
Testing ensures safe, durable, and legally compliant bags.
Global Bag Testing Standards
Below is the world’s most complete listing, organized by region and testing purpose.
1. ASTM Standards (United States)
ASTM is the most widely used standard in North America, Amazon, and American retailers.
Common ASTM tests for bags:
| ASTM Standard | Purpose |
| ASTM D5034 | Tensile strength (fabric pull test) |
| ASTM D5035 | Strip method tensile test |
| ASTM D1424 | Tearing strength |
| ASTM D2261 | Elmendorf tear test |
| ASTM D4966 | Martindale abrasion |
| ASTM D3884 | Taber abrasion |
| ASTM D2054 | Seam strength |
| ASTM F963 | Strap/handle pull force (adapted) |
| ASTM D2061 | Zipper performance |
| ASTM D6413 | Flame resistance (for fireproof bags) |
2. ISO Standards (International)
ISO standards are globally recognized and used by international brands.
Key ISO tests used for bag fabrics & performance:
| ISO Standard | Purpose |
| ISO 13934-1 | Tensile strength |
| ISO 13937-2 | Tear resistance |
| ISO 12947 | Abrasion (Martindale) |
| ISO 105-X12 | Rubbing colorfastness |
| ISO 105-B02 | Lightfastness |
| ISO 105-E04 | Perspiration colorfastness |
| ISO 811 | Hydrostatic pressure (waterproof) |
| ISO 4920 | Water repellency |
| ISO 9227 | Corrosion (hardware) |
3. EN Standards (Europe)
Used for EU compliance and retail chains.
| EN Standard | Purpose |
| EN 14362 | Azo dye testing |
| EN 17141 | Microbial quality |
| EN 12127 | Seam slippage |
| EN 14389 | Colorfastness |
4. AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists)
Especially important for fabric bags.
| AATCC Test | Purpose |
| AATCC 8 | Colorfastness to rubbing |
| AATCC 15 | Perspiration |
| AATCC 22 | Water repellency (spray test) |
| AATCC 61 | Wash durability |
| AATCC 127 | Waterproof hydrostatic pressure |
| AATCC 135 | Shrinkage |
5. GB Standards (China National Standards)
Used for Chinese domestic regulations & export QC.
| GB Standard | Purpose |
| GB/T 3923 | Fabric tearing |
| GB/T 2912 | Formaldehyde |
| GB 31701 | Child product safety |
| GB 18401 | Textile safety category A/B/C |
| GB/T 39364 | Schoolbag safety requirements |
6. REACH (Europe)
Mandatory for entering the EU market.
Tests include:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Phthalates
- Heavy metals
- Azo dyes
- PAHs
- Organotin compounds
- Nickel release
- Allergen content
7. CPSIA (U.S. Child Product Safety)
Required for:
- School backpacks
- Kids’ lunch bags
- Pencil cases
Tests include:
- Lead
- Phthalates
- Sharp points
- Small parts
- Flammability
Bag Physical Performance Tests
(Ultra Detailed)
Here we break down every major test, including purpose, method, typical results, and reasons for failure.
1. Tensile Strength Test (Fabric Strength Under Pulling Force)
Purpose:
Ensures the fabric can withstand stretching forces.
Standards:
- ASTM D5034
- ISO 13934-1
Application:
- Backpacks
- Travel bags
- Tactical bags
- Tool bags
Failure reasons:
- Low-denier yarn
- Loose weaving
- Poor coating
2. Tear Strength Test (Resistance to Tearing Under Stress)
Purpose:
Simulates sharp pulls or fast tearing forces.
Standards:
- ASTM D1424
- ISO 13937-2
Typical values:
- Nylon 1680D: Extremely high tear resistance
- Polyester 600D: Medium tear resistance
3. Abrasion Resistance Test (Martindale or Taber)
Purpose:
Measures how fabric wears down with friction.
Standards:
- ISO 12947
- ASTM D3884
Needed for:
- Daily-use bags
- School bags
- Travel bags
Good performance:
- 10,000+ cycles = durable
- 20,000–50,000 cycles = premium durability
4. Seam Strength Test
Purpose:
Ensures stitches do not break when loaded.
Standards:
- ASTM D1683
- ISO 13935
Critical areas:
- Shoulder straps
- Handle attachment
- Corner seams
5. Handle Pull & Strap Pull Test
Purpose:
Protects customers from handle snapping in use.
Standards:
- Adapted ASTM F963
- ISO 13944 (webbing)
Typical requirements:
- Tote bag = 10–15 kg
- Backpack = 20–35 kg
- Travel bag = 40–60 kg
6. Load-Bearing Test (Static & Dynamic)
Static load test:
Weight is placed and left for X hours.
Dynamic load test:
Bag is shaken, swung, or dropped repeatedly.
Failures include:
- Seam burst
- Strap tearing
- Bottom panel deformation
7. Zipper Life Cycle Test
Purpose:
Simulates repeated opening and closing.
Cycles:
- Basic bags: 500 cycles
- Mid-tier bags: 2,500 cycles
- Premium bags: 5,000–10,000 cycles
Failure reasons:
- Weak slider
- Tooth mismatch
- Tape tearing
8. Buckle, Snap, and Hardware Strength Test
Purpose:
Ensures buckles and hooks do not break under force.
Testing includes:
- Shear force
- Tensile force
- Impact
- Corrosion (ISO 9227 salt spray)
9. Waterproof / Water Resistance Tests
A. Spray Test (AATCC 22)
Measures water beading.
B. Hydrostatic Pressure Test (AATCC 127 / ISO 811)
Water column height is measured:
- 1,000 mm = basic rain
- 3,000 mm = waterproof
- 10,000 mm = heavy storm level
C. Seam Leak Test
Checks seam sealing in dry bags.
10. Colorfastness Testing
Types:
- Rubbing (dry/wet)
- Perspiration
- Washing
- UV light
- Water soaking
Ratings:
- Grade 5 = perfect
- Grade 4 = good
- Grade 3 = acceptable
- Grade 1–2 = fail
11. Dimensional Stability / Shrinkage
Standards:
- AATCC 135
- ISO 5077
Critical for:
- Cotton bags
- Canvas tote bags
12. Odor & Chemical Safety
Tested for:
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- Azo dyes
- PAHs
- VOC emissions
Standards:
- REACH
- CPSIA
- OEKO-TEX
Testing Requirements by Bag Category
A full breakdown by industry:
Backpacks
- Tensile
- Seam strength
- Zipper cycles
- Abrasion
- Strap pull
- Load test
- Chemical safety
School Bags
- CPSIA child safety
- Anti-sharp edge test
- Load test
- Handle pull
- Odor/VOC
Travel Bags
- Trolley cycle test
- Corner drop
- Rolling test
- Zipper endurance
Tactical/Military Bags
- Tear strength
- Abrasion (very high requirement)
- High load test
- Hardware strength
Leather Bags
- Rub test
- Adhesion test
- Seam slippage
- Corrosion test
Waterproof Dry Bags
- Hydrostatic pressure
- Immersion test
- Seam sealing
- IPX rating
How Lovrix Ensures All Bags Pass Testing Standards
Lovrix uses a 7-layer quality system:
- Layer 1: Material inspection
- Layer 2: Pre-production testing
- Layer 3: Cutting QC
- Layer 4: In-line QC
- Layer 5: Final QC
- Layer 6: Packaging QC
- Layer 7: 3rd party lab validation (SGS, TÜV, Intertek)
This ensures compliance with:
- North American standards
- European regulations
- Japanese quality expectations
- Middle Eastern import requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do all bags require testing?
Yes, especially for retail or Amazon.
2. Can Lovrix arrange third-party labs?
Yes — SGS, Intertek, TUV, Bureau Veritas.
3. What is the most important test?
Handle pull + zipper cycle + seam strength.
4. How long does testing take?
3–14 days depending on tests.
5. Do eco-friendly bags require extra tests?
Yes — chemical tests are stricter.
6. Can test requirements differ by country?
Yes — EU, US, UAE, Australia all differ.
Ready To Elevate Your Business Line?
Lovrix helps brands ensure that every bag meets international testing standards, retail compliance, durability expectations and safety regulations.
- Full Testing Documentation
- Complete Physical + Chemical Tests
- 3rd Party Certification Support
- OEM/ODM Production + Quality Guarantee
If you have any questions or need a quote, please leave us a message. Our experts will respond within 12 hours to assist you in selecting the ideal product solutions tailored to your needs.
- (+86) 13823134897
- info@lovrix.com
