FCM Food Contact Materials Compliance Certification Test

Definition and Product Scope of FCM

What are Food Contact Materials (FCM)?

Definition: Simply put, they refer to all materials or products that may come into contact with food. This includes both direct contact (e.g., tableware, packaging) and indirect contact (e.g., production equipment, transportation tools).

Common Types of FCM Products

①　Packaging Materials: Plastic bags, glass bottles, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, etc.

②　Tableware and Kitchenware: Knives, forks, bowls, plates, cups, cookware, cutting boards, oven trays, etc.

③　Kitchen Appliance Components: Coffee machine inner liners, juicer filters, electric kettle inner walls, etc.

④　Children’s Products: Baby bottles, pacifiers, children’s tableware, complementary food storage containers, etc.

⑤　Others: Food processing machinery, conveyor belts, food container sealing rings, etc.

Key Testing Items for FCM Testing

Testing items are determined according to material types and target regulations, with common items including:

1. Migration Test (Core Item!)

Simulant Test: Samples are soaked in different "simulated food" solutions – water, 3% acetic acid (acidic), 10% ethanol (alcoholic), and olive oil (oily) – to detect migrated substances.

2. Key Tested Substances

①　Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, etc.

②　Organic Compounds: Phthalates (plasticizers), BISphenol A (BPA), formaldehyde, etc.

③　Material-Specific Contaminants: Lead/cadmium leaching in ceramics, fluorescent brighteners in paper products, etc.

3. Sensory and Physical Properties

①　Sensory Test: Check for peculiar odors and whether it causes flavor changes in food.

②　Physical Properties: Durability, high-temperature resistance, and sealing performance.

4. Hygiene and Microbiological Indicators

Tableware and baby products need to be tested for:

Total bacterial count, coliforms, and pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Salmonella).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is FCM testing a certification?

A: No, it is not a certification. It is a testing report issued in accordance with national regulations (valid for customs clearance).

Q: Are there special requirements for FCM testing of children’s products?

A: Yes! Baby bottles and similar products require additional testing for phthalates (e.g., DEHP restrictions under eu reach).

Q: What is the validity period of the testing report?

A: Usually 1 year. However, if there are changes in materials/processes or updates to regulations, re-testing is required.

Q: What is the relationship between CE certification and FCM?

A: CE is a mandatory certification for industrial products in the EU, while FCM must separately comply with regulations such as EC 1935/2004. For electronic devices (e.g., coffee machine inner liners), both CE and FCM requirements must be met simultaneously.

Q: What are the testing cost and cycle?

A:

①　Cost: $498 for simple products (e.g., plastic cups).

②　Cycle: 5–7 working days for regular testing; the cycle may be extended if rectification is needed.

Tips: Testing requirements vary significantly across export destinations. It is recommended to confirm the regulations of the target market in advance to avoid compliance risks.