HOME TEXTILES TESTING PROGRAM
JANUARY 2015
The objective of the testing program is to ensure that NPG products meet or exceed our performance
standards. Testing is also required by Nordstrom to ensure all products meet Canadian & US Federal
and State Regulations. Below are links to some of the regulations, note: this list does not include all
regulations.
USA
CPSIA- Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html
CANADA
Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-1.68/index.html
Hazardous Products Act
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/H-3/
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NPG TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Development Testing
Agents, Mills and Manufacturers are responsible for providing raw materials which meet applicable
Nordstrom Performance Specifications (NPS). Any exception must be documented in the Quality
Assurance Information section at the bottom of the Raw Material SmartForm.
The Product Developer (PD) may request verification for specific performance requirements during
development. Test report to substantiate the request must be submitted from an NPG Certified Lab.
Since sample yardage is tested during development, the test result is only an indication and does not
guarantee production/bulk fabric will meet the performance requirement.
Production Testing
Mandatory “Critical Testing” is required to verify that materials and workmanship used in
production meet or exceed NPG Quality Standards and Regulatory Requirements. Refer to the chart
on page 4 Production Testing & Sample Requirements for additional details.
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The cost of all Production Testing and re-tests are the responsibility of the supplier. The cost
should be factored into the cost of goods and noted in our quotation worksheet (see section
entitled Testing Labs, Contacts and Price Lists for testing costs).
All testing is performed at Nordstrom designated testing labs (see section entitled Testing
Labs, Contacts and Price Lists).
A Pre-production sample for testing must be in the exact fabric, trims, construction,
workmanship and finish (i.e. garment wash); manufactured by the factory that will be
producing the bulk production.
All information must be completed on the test request form. Incomplete, missing or incorrect
information will result in retesting at the suppliers expense.
Production fabric and samples must be submitted for testing in a timely manner in order to
allow sufficient time to correct any problems that may arise during the testing procedures.
There are three pre-production testing options based on manufacturing or program type:
Vertical Suppliers
Fabric and samples are submitted together
 Test Fabric and sample - A pre-production sample using the correct fabric, seams,
construction, embellishments, trims and findings in medium or dark colors are submitted
along with fabric in each color. (If the fabric is cut before a passing test result is obtained, the
supplier assumes all responsibility for the cost of the fabric.)
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2015 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents contain
proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents and their
contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 1 of 4
HOME TEXTILES TESTING PROGRAM
JANUARY 2015
Cut & Sew Suppliers
Fabric and samples are submitted separately
 Test Fabric – Pre-production fabric in all colors, plaids or prints must be tested in the country of
origin so that the mill is responsible for making corrections prior to shipping. A passing test
report must be obtained before shipment. (If the fabric is cut before a passing test result is
obtained, the supplier assumes responsibility for the cost of the fabric.)
 Test Sample - A pre-production sample in the correct fabric, embellishments, trims and
findings is tested.
Reserve Stock and Replenishment Programs
 Fabric and samples are tested every 6 months to verify consistency of the product.
 If a new fabric quality is selected, it must be submitted for testing.
 New colors, plaids or prints of existing fabric must be tested for dimensional stability and
colorfastness.
PRODUCTION TESTING PROCESS
1. Production fabric in all colors, plaids or prints, and a fully constructed sample with trims, findings
and embellishments is submitted to Nordstrom designated lab with a completed Test Request
Form.
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The same fabric used for multiple styles may be tested together if all styles are referenced
on the Test Request Form. However, a full sample must each be tested for appearance after
laundering and dimensional stability, and the fabric test report number must be referenced
on the Test Request Form.
Additional color ways can be submitted separately. If they are submitted separately, the full
package test report number needs to be referenced on the Test Request Form.
2. Initial results will be sent from the lab to the Supplier and NPG within five working days from
the date of receipt by the laboratory.
There are three ratings on test reports:
o PASS - Production can proceed
o ACCEPTABLE - Does not meet standard but within acceptable tolerance,
production can proceed
o FAIL - Resolution required
3. The NPG Product Developer (PD) will review all failed test results & make recommendations
to the supplier/agent and appropriate NPG associates upon receipt of report.
4. If fabric or garment fails, the lab will send the sample to the supplier. The NPG PD may
request the supplier to send the sample for review.
A retest may be requested - fabric or samples submitted for a retest must reference the failed
report number on the Test Request Form. Production Fabric should not be cut before receiving
a passing test result (If the fabric is cut before a passing test result is obtained, the supplier
assumes responsibility for the cost of the fabric.)
5a. If the test report is rated PASS, the manufacturer must complete the General Conformity
Certificate (GCC) for any applicable regulations. A copy can be found on our website at
https://www.nordstromsupplier.com/NPG/productintegrity.html
 A GCC needs to be filled out for each style number for flammability even if the fabric
is exempt from flammability testing. All colorways must be included.
 The GCC must be available to Nordstrom within 24hours of request
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2015 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents contain
proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents and their
contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 2 of 4
HOME TEXTILES TESTING PROGRAM
JANUARY 2015
5b. If the product FAILS regulatory requirement(s) PRODUCT SHIPMENT CANNOT OCCUR.
The manufacturer/agent will work with Nordstrom to determine next steps and resolution of
the issue. This may include cancellation of the order.
Failed components need to be resourced or re-worked (painted or coated surfaces) and retested. Fabrics that do not meet flammability cannot be accepted.
 It is not acceptable to re-test the same fabric or component without making a change.
 The re-test request form/report must include the following
o The original test report number
o A statement in the Additional Information Section documenting the
change made from the previous test.
If the above information is not included on the test report it will not be accepted. A re-test will
be required at the manufacturer’s expense.
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2015 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents contain
proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents and their
contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 3 of 4
HOME TEXTILES TESTING PROGRAM
JANUARY 2015
PRODUCTIION TESTING & SAMPLE REQUIREMENTS
The following chart lists the critical testing required for Home textiles. Although NPG may not require
testing for all the performance expectations listed on the Nordstrom Performance Specification (NPS),
the supplier is responsible for meeting all performance expectations.
Performance
Specification
NPS-G1
PILLOWS
NPG -G1
PILLOWS
Product
Type
Pillows
Chair Pads
Poufs
( Indoor)
Decorative
Pillow Covers
Only
Critical testing
Number of Samples
Needed
 Test complete NPS- G1 Specification
3 samples
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2 samples + 1 yard in each
additional color
Crocking
Flammability CAN/CGSB 4.2 No 27.5 (all
fabrics)
If labeled for care also test
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Appearance after laundering/Dry Clean
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Dimensional stability
 Test complete NPS- G2 Specification
NPS- G2
THROWS
NPS- G3
TABLE
CLOTHS
PLACEMATS
RUGS
 Test complete NPS- G3 Specification
Sheet sets
Duvets
Blankets
Quilts
Mattress pads
TOWELS,
Toweling Bath
Mats
Comforters
Pillows
 Test complete NPS -G20 Specification
 Test complete NPS G37 Specification
2 Twin size
3 Down Pillows
Pot Holders
Oven Mitts
 Flammability CAN/CGSB 4.2 No 27.5 (all
fabrics)
 Thermal Insulation
 Material performance- Safe Iron temp
If labeled for care also test
 Appearance after laundering/Dry Clean
 Dimensional stability
 Flammability CAN/CGSB 4.2 No 27.5 (all
fabrics)
 Crocking
 Appearance after laundering/Dry Clean
 Dimensional stability
 Crocking
If labeled for care also test
 Appearance after laundering/Dry Clean
 Test complete NPS- G45 Specification
6 Pot holders or 6 Oven
Mitts + 1 yard fabric
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1 Yard fabric each color
or
1 Rug in each color for rug
testing
NPS- G5
NPS- G20
BEDDING
NPS -G35
NPS-G37
DOWN/DOWN
ALTERNATIVE
NPS-G44
NPS-G44
Aprons
NPS- G44
Canvas Totes
NPS- G45
PILLOWS,
Chair Pads
(OUT DOOR)
Additional
Colors
NPS-G1
NPS-G2
NPS-G3
NPS-G5
NPS-G20
NPS-G35
NPS-G45
 Test complete NPS- G5 Specification
 Test complete NPS G35 Specification
Dimensional Stability
Colorfastness to Laundering/Dry clean
Colorfastness to Crocking (dry/wet)
Colorfastness to Non-chlorine Bleach
Lightfastness (colored sheets only)
Colorfastness to water (colored rugs only)
Rug back staining (colored rugs only)
2 samples in a dark or
medium color
2 tablecloths or 3
placemats in a dark or
medium color
2 samples in a dark or
medium color
1 set of sheets + 2 cases
1 Duvet cover + 2 shams
2 Blankets
2 Quilts
3 Mattress pads
3 Large towels or bath
mats
2 Aprons + 1 yard fabric in
each color
2 Totes + 1 yard fabric in
each color
3 samples + 2 yards fabric
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2015 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents contain
proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents and their
contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 4 of 4