IMO Foam Concentrate Testing

Why is IMO foam concentrate testing necessary?

IMO foam concentrate testing evaluates whether your stored foam is in a satisfactory condition and whether it remains within the manufacturer’s performance parameters.

Many maritime administrations and classification bodies require testing to be done periodically on Foam Concentrates stored on board ships in international waters. Additionally, this is a requirement of international standard IMO MSC.1/Circ.1312, 2009.

Quality foam concentrates are stable and can be confidently stored long-term, provided they remain unopened in their original containers with the manufacturer’s seal intact and are not compromised by:

Your foam concentrate will be evaluated for compliance to the specification in place at the time of manufacture.
We test all major foam types including, but not limited to:  

Please contact us if you’re unsure of your foam type or need any help with shipping.

How to get your IMO Foam tested

Step 1: Choose your testing

Contact us to tell us your testing requirements.

Step 2: Collect your sample

For each IMO foam concentrate test sample, we require 1 Litre of concentrate.

Samples should be sent in clean, sealed, clearly labelled plastic bottles.

Step 3: Label your sample

We need certain information to be included on your sample, for example foam type, sample location and foam concentration (%). This ensures the sample is tested against the correct parameters.

An example can be seen here:

A blank template can be downloaded from here.

Step 4: Complete a Foam Testing Request Form

To make sure we are carrying out the testing you need, a completed Foam Testing Request Form is required.

A blank template can be downloaded from here and a completed example from here.

Step 5: Print a Safety Data Sheet

Include a copy of the manufacturer’s safety data sheet along with your sample.

This is a required document for both shipping and testing.

Step 6: Package & Send

Package your labelled sample, Foam Testing Request Form and Safety Data Sheet, if available, in a suitable box or container and send it to us.

An address label template can be downloaded from here.

Need help with shipping? Contact us for more information.

Step 7: Testing & Report

On receipt of your samples, we’ll get to work.

IMO foam concentrate testing has a standard 10-working day turnaround. Your report will be emailed to you.

A copy of these steps including a checklist to help make sure nothing has been missed can be downloaded from here.

Other Test Services Available

Foam Concentrate Testing

Evaluates whether your stored foam is in a satisfactory condition and remains compliant with international standards.

Produced Foam Testing

Determine whether a foam system’s proportioning and induction equipment is accurate and fit for purpose.

PFAS Top Assay Testing

Determines PFAS levels of foam stock and detects any residual PFAS contamination in tanks and equipment.