You mentioned that validated methods are not required for raw material testing. Does this mean from Step I materials to the raw materials that enter the final API production step, even the API starting material? Are tests other than ID also required?

Yes. Often raw materials used in APIs are commercially available, technical grade commodity
items for which the test procedures are either in a compendium or provided by the supplier. You
are probably not going to find many companies that have those raw material tests validated, even
for raw materials that are going into the final step.