EU Food Contact Materials (FCM) Certification

Food Contact Materials Certification(abbreviated as FCM Certification) refers to the testing and certification of materials that come into contact with food during normal use.

As indirect food additives that do not themselves form part of the food or get consumed, these materials must be evaluated to ensure they will not contaminate or harm food.

These materials include food packaging, children's products, tableware, kitchenware, kitchen appliances, food processing machinery, and other items closely related to the safety and quality of food.

The FCM certification process ensures that these materials remain safe and hygienic throughout production, use, and storage.

Which Products Require FCM Certification?

1. Plastics– Examples: food storage boxes, water bottles, straws.

Applicable regions: EU, USA, China, Japan, etc.

2. Metals– Examples: stainless steel pots, cutlery, food processing equipment.

Applicable regions: EU, USA, China, Japan, etc.

3. Ceramics and Glass– Examples: tableware, baking molds, canning jars.

Applicable regions: EU, USA, China, Japan, etc.

4. Paper Packaging– Examples: paper cups, burger wrappers, baking paper.

Applicable regions: EU, USA, China, Japan, etc.

5. Silicone and Rubber– Examples: pacifiers, baking mats, sealing rings.

Applicable regions: EU, USA, China, Japan, etc.

6. Coatings– Examples: non-stick pan coatings, food can interior linings.

Applicable regions: EU, USA, China, Japan, etc.

> Note:Products exported to different countries must comply with local regulations (e.g., EU regulations, U.S. FDA, China GB standards, etc.).

Market Supervision in Europe and the U.S.

Market supervision authorities in Europe and the U.S. conduct random inspections of food contact materials and products.

If products fail to meet safety testing standards during inspections, they may face fines, seizure, or even recall.

Therefore, before exporting food-contact-related products, sellers must fully understand which tests are required for their specific products.

FCM Application Timeframe and Validity

1. Application time:Approximately 5–7 working days

2. Validity:EU FCM certification is valid for 1 year

This ensures the safety and compliance of food contact materials in the EU market.

Regulatory Requirements for Food Contact Materials

European Union

(EC) No 1935/2004– Framework regulation for all types of food contact materials.

Requires that, under normal use, components must not transfer to food in amounts that could:

1. Affect its composition, smell, or taste

2. Harm human health

(EU) No 10/2011– Specific regulation for plasticfood contact materials.

Specifies:

1. Permitted plastic types, monomers, and additives

2. Migration limits for these substances

Food-grade labeling:Certified food contact materials must display the “food contact” symbol (e.g., fork and glass) or a clear written statement.

United States(regulated mainly by the FDA)

21 CFR (Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations):

Covers requirements for food contact materials in Parts 170–199, including:

1. Approved chemical components and additives

2. Conditions and limitations for use in various materials

FCN (Food Contact Notification):

Required when introducing a new chemical substanceinto food contact materials, with safety data demonstrating safe use.

Common Testing Items for Food Contact Materials

Plastics

1. Residual toxic monomers (e.g., vinyl chloride, vinylidene chloride, caprolactam, styrene, bisphenol A, acrylonitrile)

2. Toxic additives (e.g., phthalate plasticizers)

3. Microbial contamination, dust, adhesive/solvent residues, printing inks

Metals

Heavy metal migration testing (4% acetic acid) for Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, As, Sb, Zn, etc.

Rubber

Hazardous amines (e.g., benzidine, naphthylamine, m-toluenediamine, chlorobenzidine, phenyl-β-naphthylamine, acrylonitrile, chloroprene)

Ceramics/Glass

1. Heavy metal migration (soluble Pb and Cd)

2. Freeze resistance, thermal shock resistance, annealing quality, density, hardness, oxidation resistance, solubility, crack resistance, impact resistance

3. Handle temperature tests, alkali cleaner resistance tests

JJR Laboratory in Chinaprovides FCM certification servicesfor food contact materials.

Samples are welcome for testing to obtain a compliant test report.

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