What is the EN 12983-1 Testing Standard?

The European Standard EN 12983 Parts 1 and 2 address cookware intended for use on hobs, cookers, or stoves. These standards have recently been updated with new general requirements. The European Committee for Standardization has released updated versions of the cookware standards—EN 12983-1:2023and EN 12983-2:2023—which replace the previous versions EN 12983-1:2000 / AC:2008and CEN/TS 12983-2:2005. All corresponding national standards in EU member states must be withdrawn by August.

EN 12983-1:2023

This part specifies safety and performance requirements for cookware used on hobs, cookers, or stoves. It applies to all cookware regardless of material or method of manufacture, including cookware suitable for both stovetop and oven use.

Key Changes Compared to the Previous Version:

Added handle pull force test

Added non-stick coating performance tests, including corrosion resistance

Added heat distribution test

Expanded and revised tests for suitability across various heat sources

EN 12983-2:2023

This part specifies safety and performance requirements for domestic ceramic and glass-ceramic cookware used on hobs, cookers, or stoves.

Key Changes:

Removed: Handle pull test, heat resistance of furniture, durability and corrosion resistance tests for non-stick coatings, heat distribution test, and tests for suitability on various heat sources (these are now under EN 12983-1:2023)

Added: Impact resistance for rims and handle attachments

Added: Performance requirements for easy-to-clean coatings (if claimed)

Updated: Non-stick coating performance requirements

Updated: Thermal shock resistance for bodies and lids

How to Determine Whether Cookware Meets Safety and Performance Requirements

EN 12983-1 outlines general requirements for cookware safety and performance when used on stoves, cookers, or heating appliances. The updated standards—EN 12983-1:2023 and EN 12983-2:2023—have now been released and supersede all previous national versions across the EU.

The new standards consolidate previous test content and introduce numerous coating-related performance tests.

Main Differences Between EN 12983-1:2023 and EN 12983-1:2000

EN 12983-1:2023 Additions:

Handle pull force test (from CEN/TS 12983-2:2005)

Non-stick coating performance testing

Corrosion resistance testing for non-stick coatings

Heat distribution testing

Revised and expanded suitability tests for multiple heat sources

EN 12983-2:2023 Revisions:

Now only applies to ceramic cookware and glass lids

Removed multiple tests (e.g., handle pull force, non-stick durability, corrosion resistance)

Added impact resistance for ceramic components

Added requirements for ceramic non-stick and easy-clean coatings

Updated thermal shock resistance requirements

EN 12983-1:2023 Testing Overview

Applicable Product Range

All cookware except pressure cookers, kettles, and coffee makers.

Test Items:

Handle selection and placement

Handle and knob design

Lid design

Flammability

Heat resistance

Handle torque resistance

Handle bending resistance

Fatigue strength

Detailed Testing Clauses:

Clause 4: Materials

Clause 5: General testing conditions

Clause 6: Construction

6.1: General

Stability

Hygiene

Mechanical hazards

Handle positioning

Knob design

Lid design

Thermal shock resistance of brittle materials

Heat resistance

Leak resistance

6.2: Geometry

Capacity

Dimensions

Clause 7: Furniture (Handle and knob assemblies)

Materials

Heat resistance

Fatigue resistance

Clause 8: Coatings

Clause 9: Stability – Deformation test

Clause 10: Product information

Point of sale information

Care and use instructions

Sample Requirement:

5 full product sets including assembly instructions (if applicable)

Turnaround Time:

7–10 working days

PFAS and Cookware

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic organic compounds that contain at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom (i.e., a -CF₂- or -CF₃- aliphatic chain structure). PFAS include substances like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)and PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)among many others.

They are often used in non-stick coatings but are under increasing regulatory scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns.