Key of LFGB Testing for Different Food Contact Materials

Sellers exporting food contact products to the EU, please note! LFGB (German Food Contact Materials RegULation) is the core threshold for compliant access to the EU market. Products without a compliance report cannot be cleaRED through customs or sold. As EU supervision tightens, non-compliant products will be returned or destroyed, and may also face claims and market entry bans.

Important Reminder: LFGB testing is not a unified standard. Testing items vary greatly for food contact products of different materials. This article takes three common materials—plastics, metals, and glass—as examples to break down all key testing points, helping you clear customs smoothly and avoid risks.

Core LFGB Testing Items for Different Materials (Latest)

1. Plastic Materials (Tableware, Containers)

Heavy metal migration (Pb ≤ 0.01 mg/dm², Cd ≤ 0.005 mg/dm²), overall migration (≤ 10 mg/dm²), restrictions on specific substances (ban on BPA, phthalates, etc.), and labeling specifications;

2. Metal Materials (Stainless Steel Kitchenware, Aluminum Tableware)

Heavy metal release (Pb, Cd, Cr, etc.), corrosion resistance, material purity testing; overall migration testing is not required;

3. Glass Materials (Glass Cups, Glass Tableware)

Heavy metal release (for Pb, Cd), heat resistance, impact resistance. There are no restrictions on specific substances, and the testing items are relatively simple.

Testing Process and Institution Cooperation

1. Sample Preparation: Prepare 3–5 samples consistent with mass production, covering all specifications, with product materials clearly labeled;

2. Timeline Planning: Normally 7–10 working days; expedited service can be applied for according to order delivery schedules;

3. Institution Cooperation: Select JJR LAB, a compliant institution with EU-recognized qualifications plus CNAS or CMA accreditation, ensuring the institution provides specialized testing services for corresponding materials, and that reports are acceptable for customs clearance and recognized by distributors.