Developing technical specifications for a new product: why they are needed and how to draw them up correctly

The launch of a new product is almost always accompanied by the question of regulatory compliance. If there is no applicable standard for the product or the business deliberately deviates from typical requirements, there is a need for its own regulatory document. It is in such situations that the development of technical specifications comes to the fore. Technical specifications allow you to record product characteristics, quality, safety, and control requirements, and also become the basis for legal production, certification, and further business scaling.

 

What are technical specifications (TS) in simple terms?

Technical specifications are a regulatory document that describes what a product should be like, what materials it should be made of, what indicators it should be tested for, and under what conditions it can be used. In effect, these are individual rules for a specific product or group of products.

Technical specifications for products are developed when the application of the current DSTU is impossible or impractical.

 

In what cases is the development of technical specifications required?

The development of technical specifications is necessary in the following situations:

• the new product does not have a corresponding national standard;
• the formula, design, or composition differ from the requirements of DSTU;
• products are manufactured using unique technology;
• the manufacturer plans to operate according to its own quality parameters;
• The product is being prepared for certification or participation in tenders.

Most often, production according to technical specifications is used in the food, chemical, machine-building, furniture, and construction industries.

TS vs DSTU: what is the difference and which one to choose

DSTU is a national standard with fixed requirements.
Technical specifications are an individual document that takes into account the specific characteristics of a particular manufacturer.

If flexibility, custom parameters, or unique product specifications are important for your business, it is advisable to choose technical specifications for your products.

 

What should be included in the technical specifications: mandatory sections

Classic technical specifications contain:

• area of application of products;
• technical specifications and quality indicators;
• requirements for raw materials and supplies;
• acceptance and control rules;
• test methods;
• transportation and storage conditions;
• safety and environmental protection requirements.

This document is a comprehensive technical manual used by both manufacturers and regulatory authorities.

 

Step-by-step procedure for developing technical specifications

The process of developing technical specifications usually includes:

1. analysis of the product and production technology;
2. determination of the regulatory framework and standards for products;
3. document structure formation;
4. preparation of technical specifications;
5. internal review and refinement.

At this stage, it is important to avoid contradictions and inaccuracies that could subsequently complicate the registration of technical specifications or certification.

 

Approval and registration of technical specifications

After preparation, the document undergoes an approval procedure. Registration of the technical specifications confirms that the document exists in the official records and can be used in production and certification activities.

For certain types of products, approval is a mandatory step before entering the market.

 

Terms and cost of technical specifications development

As of 2026, the tentative deadlines are:

• development — 5 to 15 business days;
• approval and registration — 1 to 3 weeks.

The cost of developing technical specifications depends on the complexity of the product, the volume of documentation, and the area of application.

Common mistakes when developing technical specifications

The most common mistakes:

• copying requirements from outdated standards;
• vague or ambiguous wording;
• lack of logic between sections;
• failure to take certification requirements into account;
• conflict between technical specifications for products and actual production.

 

How technical specifications help in product certification

When assessing conformity, technical specifications often serve as the basis. They define the parameters by which products are tested and simplify the process of confirming compliance with regulations and standards for products.

Properly prepared technical specifications reduce the risk of certification refusal and accelerate the product’s entry into the market.

 

The development of technical specifications is not a formality, but a tool for managing quality and business processes. Properly drafted technical specifications ensure legal production in accordance with technical specifications, simplify certification, and give businesses regulatory freedom without violating the law.