Regulatory Checkpoint
Government inspection of imported textile shipments protects domestic markets and enforces trade agreements by confirming the declared fiber composition. This administrative audit, known as customs verification, relies on laboratory testing to confirm whether an incoming shipment contains the declared percentage of cashmere or wool. Port authorities use these results to assess tariffs.
When a shipment fails to match its declarations, the cargo is detained.
Inspection Protocol
Physical sampling of the textile cargo occurs at the port of entry before any customs clearance is granted. Inspectors select random bales from the shipment and extract specimen swatches or raw fibers for analysis. These samples go directly to certified testing laboratories that specialize in forensic textile identification.
Secure chain of custody prevents tampering during transit from the dock to the test bench.
Analytic Method
Laboratory analysis uses proteomic profiling of keratin to identify animal species with high precision. While scanning electron microscopy evaluates fiber diameter and scales, protein sequencing distinguishes wool from cashmere or yak fiber by their distinct amino acid markers. This molecular test resolves ambiguous morphological features.
It provides an objective standard that withstands legal challenges from importers.
Commercial Risk
Failure to pass the regulatory audit triggers severe financial penalties. Shipments are returned to the sender, causing disruptions for manufacturers. This documentation protects the buyer from the high costs of rejected shipments.
