Yannick.L (asker) Aug 8, 2011:

In the rest of the text this term is used quite often, that's why I used it. I mean, in a part which was already translated. I think I'll keep it. Thanks for the help you brought on this

Tony M Aug 8, 2011:

essais Whether or not you need to / should add 'essais' really depends on the rest of your context — what is this mystery substance / equipment, and is it the actual thing that is going to be tested, or simply used for testing other things? I think I'd tend to steer clear and stick to something more non-committal like 'utilisation'.

Yannick.L (asker) Aug 8, 2011:

I will rely on the "natives" then... since you two seem to agree on that point. Do you think something like "Pour essais en laboratoire uniquement" would fit here?

Alison MacG Aug 8, 2011:

@ Yves I believe that the English is poorly written and that the adjective "non-consumer" applies to the noun "purposes" rather than the noun "laboratory", as Tony also says. The addition of a comma might help:
For non-consumer, laboratory purposes only
[i.e. For non-consumer purposes only and for laboratory purposes only]

Tony M Aug 8, 2011:

I agree with Alison's take on this Yes, absolutely, it is 'for laboratory purposes only' instead of 'for consumer use' — parsing it as 'non-consumer laboratory' seems to be leading to confusion.

Yannick.L (asker) Aug 8, 2011:

I rather agree with you Yves... and I find your formulation really interesting. It fits well in the context. Many thanks

Yves Antoine Aug 8, 2011:

non commercial so, in my understanding, if this is not commercial, it is intended to professional laboratories only, doesn't it ?

Alison MacG Aug 8, 2011:

English native understanding of this phrase I do not understand this to refer to some sort of distinction between a private and a public laboratory, but to products that are not for commercial use, i.e. "for non-consumer laboratory purposes only" = not for consumer [or commercial] purposes/use/sale, but for laboratory [testing] purposes only. Something along the lines of "Non destiné à la vente ou à l’utilisation par le public. À l'usage du/pour utilisation en laboratoire seulement". See here, e.g.: Packaging - It is essential that the monitor test piece be clearly distinguishable from commercial cigarettes.
FOR NON-CONSUMER LABORATORY TESTING PURPOSES ONLY
NON-COMMERCIAL PRODUCT
DATE OF PRODUCTION: XXXXX
http://www.coresta.fr/Guides/Guide-No8-Monitor-Production_Ap...