When are DTI test results published?

DTI publishes results only if the respective module reaches at least 80 percent. Results below this threshold remain confidential and serve exclusively as internal feedback for the manufacturer or retailer.

Is the DTI testing procedure a laboratory test?

No. The DTI testing procedure is a practical use and everyday application test. It does not replace legally required laboratory tests, safety tests or conformity assessments.

How long is a DTI result valid?

The product test result remains valid as long as there is no relevant technical or product-related change. The service check result is valid for 12 months and is then updated through a service refresh.

What does tested on behalf mean?

Tested on behalf means that the test was commissioned and financed by the manufacturer or retailer. The testing and evaluation are carried out strictly according to the DTI standard, without influence on the process or result.

Wissenschaftlerin mit Handschuhen überprüft einen Teststreifen im Labor mit Milchflasche und Eiern im Hintergrund.

We test independently — and make quality visible.

DTI Test Protocol

Deutsches Test Institut evaluates products and services using a standardized, modular procedure. With our new test protocol, we offer maximum comparability, consumer-oriented evaluations and the highest level of test depth.

Version: 3.0

Stand: 01.08.2025

Request a product test

TO THE TEST RESULTS

Overview of test categories

Product test

Service check

Test category*

Weight

P1 – Product packaging & sustainability

10%

P1-1 – Consumer information

10%

P1-2 – Information transparency

15%

P1-3 – Opening convenience (–)**

10%

P1-4 – Odor

10%

P1-5 – Protective effect – drop test

20%

P1-6 – Volume efficiency – empty-space ratio

10%

P1-7 – Material ecology – paper share (–)

15%

P1-8 – Sortability

10%

P2 – Scope of delivery & accessories

10%

P2-1 – Completeness

20%

P2-2 – Intact condition

20%

P2-3 – Commissioning

15%

P2-4 – User/assembly manual (–)

15%

P2-5 – Safety & warning notices (–)

10%

P2-6 – Ergonomics/handling (–)

10%

P2-7 – Compatibility (–)

10%

P3 – Material quality & visible safety

15%

P3-1 – Look & feel

10%

P3-2 – Stability & strength

15%

P3-3 – Surfaces & edges

15%

P3-4 – Mechanics (–)

15%

P3-5 – Electrical aspects (–)

15%

P3-6 – Heat (–)

10%

P3-7 – Gaps (–)

10%

P3-8 – Odor

10%

P4 – Ease of use & ergonomics

15%

P4-1 – Physical handling

25%

P4-2 – Basic operation (–)

15%

P4-3 – Displays & readability (–)

15%

P4-4 – Settings (–)

15%

P4-5 – Body Posture/load(–)

15%

P4-6 – Noise/vibration (–)

10%

P4-7 – Accessibility quick-check (–)

P5 – Performance & efficiency

20%

P5-1 – Core performance

30%

P5-2 – Efficiency

20%

P5-3 – Reliability

15%

P5-4 – Continuous load (–)

15%

P5-5 – Operating limits (–)

20%

P6 – Durability & resistance to stress

10%

P6-1 – Short load

30%

P6-2 – Repetitive load (–)

25%

P6-3 – Environmental influences (–)

25%

P6-4 – Surface resistance

20%

P7 – Product-specific features

20%

Evaluation of product-specific characteristics not covered by the generic categories — depending on product group, e.g., core performance parameters, certified extra functions, safety/comfort equipment, maintainability/repairability and origin-related information.

10%

Servicecheck

Produkttest

Servicecheck

Test Category

Weight

S1 – Transparency & pricing

20%

S1-1 – Product & price info

30%

S1-2 – Web presence

20%

S1-3 – Mandatory information

30%

S1-4 – Legal form & registered office

20%

S2 – Contact channels

20%

S2-1 – contact routes

20%

S2-2 – Reachability

30%

S2-3 – Expertise

30%

S2-4 – Friendliness

20%

S3 – Ordering & checkout

20%

S3-1 – Basket

35%

S3-2 – Payment options

25%

S3-3 – Checkout security

25%

S3-4 – Account & order management

15%

S4 – Delivery & logistics

20%

S4-1 – Delivery time

25%

S4-2 – Tracking

25%

S4-3 – Shipping materials

25%

S4-4 – Shipping protection

15%

S5 – Returns management

20%

S5-1 – Process/transparency

30%

S5-2 – Refund

25%

S5-3 – Costs

20%

S5-4 – Return address

25%

* The test categories represent the focal topics of the product test or service check. The percentage weight shows how strongly the respective category influences the overall result.
** A “(–)” indicates a checkpoint that is not relevant for the tested product and therefore remains neutral — it does not affect the rating.

Grading key

The weighted results of all test categories are aggregated to a total score at module level (product test or service check). This is converted into a percentage (0–100%) and assigned a verbal quality grade. Important: the two modules are evaluated independently. A single overall grade is only formed within a module.

Percent

Grade

≥ 90 %

Very Good

80–89 %

Good

< 80 %

Not passed

The percentage is calculated as (points achieved / points possible) × 100. For details, please refer to the document “DTI Test Protocol” in the download area.

Download

Test protocol of the Deutschen Test Institut

Our test protocol is the entirety of the chapters contained in this document. It sets out general guidelines and is intended to be broadly applicable; it therefore does not include step-by-step instructions. The level of detail and the concrete checkpoints differ by product category. (Version 3.0)

DTI Test Protocol

Version 3.0

DOC

Häufige Fragen

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What exactly does DTI test?

Product test (Module P):
assesses the physical product under real-world conditions (e.g., function, safety, workmanship, usability).

Service check (Module S):
evaluates the provider’s services around the product (e.g., ordering process, customer service, delivery and returns). Both modules are independent in content and method, are tested and graded separately, and each is awarded its own DTI seal.

Both modules are independent in content and method, are tested and graded separately, and each is awarded its own DTI seal.

Entstehen durch das Prüfverfahren Kosten?

Ja – allerdings nur für die Hauptprüfung. Der Pre-Check (erste Eignung sprüfung) ist kostenfrei und unverbindlich.
Für den anschließenden Produkttest und Servicecheck gelten klare Festpreise, die Sie der nachfolgenden Preistabelle entnehmen können:

Werden alle Testergebnisse veröffentlicht?

Nein – das DTI veröffentlicht nur Ergebnisse, die mindestens die Note "Gut" (80 % oder mehr) erreichen. Produkte mit der Bewertung "Befriedigend" oder "Ausreichend" werden nicht öffentlich gezeigt und erhalten kein Siegel. Diese Bewertungen dienen ausschließlich der internen Rückmeldung für Hersteller – zur Qualitätssicherung und Produktverbesserung. So stellen wir sicher: Ein DTI-Siegel steht immer für überdurchschnittliche Qualität und schafft echtes Vertrauen – nicht für Mittelmaß.

Was kostet es, wenn mein Produkt vom DTI getestet werden soll?

Die Kosten für einen Produkttest hängen von der Art des Produkts und dem Umfang des Testverfahrens ab. Für genauere Informationen über die Kosten und den Ablauf können Sie uns direkt kontaktieren.

Do costs arise from the test protocol?

Yes – but only for the main test.
‍
The Pre-check (initial suitability check) is completely free and non-binding. This lets you find out without any risk whether your product or service is suitable for certification. Only when you decide to proceed with the main test after a successful Pre-check do transparent fixed prices apply:

‍Testing fee (billed once) – for the complete product test and service check.
License fee (billed annually) – for the use of our quality seals.

Thanks to our volume tiers, you benefit from significant price advantages when commissioning multiple tests.

Are all test results published?

No. DTI publishes only results that achieve at least the grade “Good” (80% or more). Products with the grades “Satisfactory” and lower are not published and do not receive a seal. These ratings serve exclusively as confidential feedback to manufacturers – for internal quality assurance and product improvement.

This ensures: a DTI seal always stands for above-average quality and genuine trust – not for mediocrity.

How long is the result valid?

Product test (P): The test result is generally valid for 3 years. The license is automatically renewed each year for a further 12 months unless it is cancelled. After 36 months at the latest – or in the event of technical changes to the product – a full new product test is required.
‍
Service check (S): The service check is valid for 12 months in each case and is automatically renewed as part of the annual license renewal of the product test – at no additional cost (only the regular license renewal applies).