How to get LFGB Certification Report for Tableware

LFGB certification is a mandatory requirement for food contact materials in Germany and the core compliance document for Western-style tableware exported to the German and EU markets. As a laboratory with authoritative qualifications including CNAS and CMA, JJR LAB provides one-stop testing services for lfgb certification of Western-style tableware. Below are the standardized application procedures, core testing requirements, and key precautions, covering major Western-style tableware materials such as stainless steel, ceramics, plastics, and melamine:

Pre-Consultation and Document Submission

Enterprises shall provide JJR LAB with detailed product information of Western-style tableware, including material (e.g., 304 stainless steel, melamine, ceramic glaze, etc.), product structure (with/without coating/silicone accessories), specifications and models, production batches, etc.

Samples shall be submitted simultaneously:

3–5 intact finished products for single-material tableware;

For multi-material composite tableware (e.g., cutlery with silicone handles), samples shall be provided separately by material.

The sample surface area shall meet the testing requirement of 10 cm² contact area per 1 mL food simulant.

JJR LAB engineers confirm the testing standards, items, and pretreatment方案 based on product information (e.g., stainless steel tableware soaked in distilled water at 80°C for 24 h; ceramic tableware boiled in 4% acetic acid for 30 min).

Quotation and Contract Signing

The technical team of JJR LAB issues an accurate quotation based on tableware materials and complexity of testing items:

①　USD 687 per set for single-material testing of metal/ceramic Western-style tableware;

②　USD 1100 per set for plastic/melamine/coated items due to additional testing of plasticizers, migration levels, etc.

Package testing is available for multi-material products to optimize costs.

After confirming the quotation, the enterprise signs a formal testing contract with JJR LAB, completes the testing application form, and proceeds with payment.

Laboratory Standard Testing

In accordance with Sections 30 & 31 of the German LFGB (Food and Commodities Act) and the EU framework regulation 1935/2004/EC, JJR LAB conducts full-item testing on Western-style tableware. Core testing content is classified by material:

1. Metal Tableware (Stainless Steel Cutlery, Western-Style Spoons, etc.)

①　Component analysis

②　Heavy metal migration testing (chromium, nickel, lead, etc.)

③　Sensory evaluation (no odor, no taste transfer)

2. Ceramic/Glass Tableware (Western-Style Plates, Bowls, Goblets, etc.)

①　Glaze heavy metal release testing

②　Overall migration testing (OML ≤ 10 mg/dm²)

③　Sensory evaluation

3. Plastic/Melamine Tableware (Western-Style Salad Bowls, Dessert Spoons, etc.)

①　Overall migration testing, phthalate plasticizer testing

②　BISphenol A and melamine migration testing (melamine monomer ≤ 0.1% for melamine tableware)

③　Sensory evaluation for odor and taste transfer

4. Tableware with Coating/Silicone Accessories

①　Coating PFOA and chromium release testing

②　Volatile organic compound testing for silicone resins

③　Migration testing at the connection between accessories and main body

Testing Cycle:

①　Regular items: report issued within 5–7 working days

②　Coated/multi-material complex tableware or those requiring rectification: 10–15 working days

③　JJR LAB supports expedited service (results within 3 working days)

Issuance of Testing Report and Certificate

Upon passing the test, JJR LAB issues an official LFGB Test Report containing testing data, compliance judgment, and laboratory qualification proof. The report can be directly used for German customs clearance and e-commerce platform onboarding (Amazon, German local supermarkets, etc.).

An LFGB compliance certificate is issued simultaneously. Both the report and certificate are recognized by German Customs and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), with no need for re-testing.

If the test fails, JJR LAB engineers provide targeted rectification suggestions to help enterprises optimize product materials/processes, with re-sampling and testing available after improvement.

Report Delivery and Follow-Up Services

JJR LAB mails the hard copy of the test report, certificate, and invoice to the enterprise, and provides electronic copies for archiving and use.

Free regulatory consulting services:

①　Real-time updates on LFGB regulations (e.g., svhc list expanded to 247 items in 2025)

②　Assistance with batch management (retain samples for 2 years per batch for traceability)

Key Precautions for LFGB Certification of Western-Style Tableware

• Material Separation Principle:

Metal and non-metal accessories must be tested separately. Each additional material increases testing cost by 30%–50%.

Optimizing product material design in advance is recommended.

• Sensory Testing as Core:

A key distinction of LFGB from other food-grade certifications: tableware must not alter food odor or taste.

Sensory evaluation is performed by a professional expert panel.

• Report Validity:

No fixed validity period. Re-testing is required if product materials, manufacturing processes, or LFGB regulations change.

• Qualification Requirement:

Only laboratories with CNAS, CMA, A2LA, etc., (e.g., JJR LAB) are eligible. Reports from non-qualified institutions may be rejected by German Customs.