Function of National Test House (NTH)
The National Test House (NTH), under the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is a premier scientific institution specializing in testing, calibration, evaluation, and quality assurance of engineering materials and finished products.
Established in 1912 under the Railway Board, NTH has grown into a vital national laboratory, issuing test certificates compliant with national, international, and client-specific standards. It supports industry, trade, and standardization while aiding domestic manufacturing through research-backed quality testing.
NTH is modernizing via digital processes and state-of-the-art labs aligned with global standards. It supports the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative by boosting product quality and national self-reliance.
Regional labs are located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, and Guwahati, with satellite centers in Pindra and Bangalore. All labs are NABL accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) and BIS-recognized.
Main Functions of NTH
1. Testing & Calibration Services
For industrial and consumer products (excluding drugs, arms, and ammunition):
- Testing Services: Chemical, Microbiological, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, NDT, RPPT, On-site Testing
- Calibration Services: Electro-technical, Mechanical, Thermal, On-site Calibration, Traceability to SI Units
2. Failure Analysis
Detailed investigations of material/product failures with corrective recommendations.
3. Welder Certification
Authorized under IBR Act 1950 for certifying welders.
4. Product Development Support
Helps industries develop innovative, competitive products.
5. R&D in Testing Technology
Innovating new testing methods to meet industry needs.
6. Training Programs
- Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Product Testing
- NDT, RPPT, Metrology, ISO 17025:2017 Audits
7. Consultancy Services
- Lab setup, import substitution, failure analysis
- Quality enhancement, SSI development, test method development
- Radiographic grading, structural upgrade for heritage/industrial buildings
8. Standardization
Collaboration with BIS for developing Indian Standards and contributing to global standards.
9. Laboratory Accreditation
Participation in NABL accreditation programs ensuring adherence to international norms.
Major Testing Facilities at NTH
Chemical & Microbiological Lab
- Testing of water, metals, cement, fertilizers, food items, petroleum, and chemicals
Electrical Lab
- Lighting products, conductors, cables, batteries, appliances, high-voltage testing
Mechanical Lab
- Testing of bars, sheets, wires, structural materials, fasteners, pipes, household items
Civil Lab
- Cementitious materials, timber, concrete, NDT, bricks, doors, coatings
RPPT Lab
- Rubber, plastics, paper, textiles, footwear, membranes, sanitary items
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Lab
- Radiography, ultrasonography, magnetic, dye penetration, failure analysis, welding tests
Electro-Technical & Thermal Calibration
- Voltage, current, resistance, frequency, power, temperature calibration
Mechanical Calibration
- Length, angle, force, hardness, pressure, torque, and mass measurement
