Metal corrosion testing: reduce costs and save time with Corrositex
Avoid metal corrosion testing and optimise transport classification with Corrositex
Metal corrosion testing is often required to classify chemicals in accordance with transport regulations, such as ADR. However, with the Corrositex® method, this test can be avoided, thereby streamlining processes and reducing costs and time.
Corrositex® is an in vitro test method adopted by OECD TG 435, ideal for determining the corrosiveness of a chemical substance on the skin. As well as being an ethical and sustainable alternative, Corrositex® offers a unique advantage for the classification of substances for transport.
According to the Manual of Tests and Criteria (UN-MTC):
- Corrosion testing on metals may be waived if the substance has already been classified as skin-corrosive following OECD Test 435 or 404.
- This helps to reduce the costs, time and resources required for classification.
What is the Metal Corrosion Test?
It assess the potential of a chemical to corrode metallic materials during transport or storage.
- Objective: To determine whether a substance belongs to Class 8 (corrosive substances) and to assign the correct packing group (PG).
- Traditional method: Tests carried out on standardised metals to measure mass loss or integrity.
How Corrositex Simplifies the Process
Cost savings in metal corrosion testing thanks to Corrositex
According to the UN-MTC Manual of Tests and Criteria, if a substance is classified as skin-corrosive (OECD Test 435 or 404), the metal corrosion test may be omitted for the purposes of ADR classification.
Avoid duplicating tests
The Manual of Tests and Criteria (UN-MTC) states:
‘If a substance is corrosive to the skin (OECD Test 435 or 404), it is not necessary to carry out the metal corrosion test for the purposes of transport classification.’
This rule enables companies to comply with regulations whilst maintaining a scientific and ethical approach.
Why choose Corrositex®?
Because it will save you time and money:
- Unlike animal testing, which can take between 2 and 4 weeks, Corrositex® tests can determine the packaging group in as little as 3 minutes and no more than 4 hours.
- Many in vitro skin corrosivity tests, such as OECD 431, are only able to discriminate between sub-category 1A and sub-categories 1B and 1C. Corrositex® is able to identifyto which sub-category the sample belongs.
- Users of the Corrositex® method save in shipping, testing and running costs for each individual sample tested.
Case Studies and Real Benefits
Scenario: A chemical company
A manufacturer of industrial cleaning products uses Corrositex to classify its products. With Corrositex he:
- Avoids the costs of corrosion testing for metals.
- Reduces sorting times by 30%.
- Optimises the time-to-market for its products.