Card readers, like many other small electronics, are manufactured virtually entirely in China. The quality of these item vary greatly and it's important to develop a thorough QC inspection checklist and testing procedure before allowing manufactures to ship your goods.
At InTouch, some of the standards and procedures we take into account when creating these procedures include:
ASTM F2617 - 08
ASTM International formulated F2617 to meet the need for a standard which regulates the use of hazardous substances in card readers. The main use of this standard in testing card readers is its ability to quantify lead content in the solders of printed circuit boards found inside these devices. This standard may work in conjunction with RoHS which is used in many parts of the world especially European countries.
ASTM F2853 - 10
Lead is one of the hazardous substances being monitored by health organizations worldwide. This ASTM international standard deals with the detection and quantification of lead in the surface coatings and surface materials used in the components of a card reader.
ISO 179-1:2010 / ISO 179-2:1997
The ISO 179-1:2010 / ISO 179-2:1997 standard presents test methods to determine how different card readers react upon impact into hard surfaces. This is particularly useful to establish level of harm to consumers when the card reader is accidentally dropped or smashed.
UL 94
Plastics are naturally susceptible to burning because of their molecular structure especially when exposed to sufficient heat and oxygen. The UL 94 Standard provides manufacturers the necessary inspection tests to ensure that the card reader will not engulf in flames.
