Children's tableware French DGCCRF certification testing process
Date：2025-08-05 10:02:17 Classification
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The complete process and key considerations for children's tableware certification testing in France, compiled based on regulatory requirements and practical experience:
I. Core Testing Items
Testing focuses vary depending on the material type of children's tableware:
1. Plastic/Silicone Components (e.g., plates, bibs)
- Comprehensive migration testing (three simulants: water/3% acetic acid/10% ethanol)
- Phthalates (≤0.1%) and Bisphenol A migration testing (applicable to baby bottles)
- Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOM) and sensory evaluation (no unusual odor)
2. Metal Components (e.g., stainless steel spoons and forks)
- Heavy Metal Extraction: Lead (≤0.01mg/dm²), Cadmium (≤0.002mg/dm²), Chromium/Nickel Migration
- French Special Requirements: Stainless steel chromium content ≥13%, the coating and base material must be tested separately
3. Wooden/Bamboo Components (e.g., chopsticks, cutting boards)
- Pentachlorophenol (PCP) residues, formaldehyde release, heavy metal migration
4. Coated or printed parts
- Azo dye testing (banned 24 carcinogenic dyes), lead and cadmium content testing
II. Certification Testing Process
Phase 1: Preparation and Application
1. Laboratory Selection
- Must be an institution accredited by the French DGCCRF or ISO 17025-certified (e.g., [CPSC official website, laboratory ID 1552](https://www.cpsc.gov/))
2. Submitted Materials
- Samples (complete product + spare components)
- Material List (specify component materials and food contact types)
- Production Process Description (including additives and coating ingredients)
Phase 2: Laboratory Testing
1. Disassembly Testing
- Disassemble the children's tableware into individual material units (e.g., silicone suction cups, PP plastic bowls) and test each separately.
2. Key Test Items
| Materials | Mandatory Test Items
| Plastic/Silicone | Global Migration, Phthalates, Bisphenol A (if applicable)
| Metal | Heavy Metal Leaching (Lead/Cadmium/Chromium/Nickel), Chromium Content Verification
| Wood | Formaldehyde Release, PCP Residue, Antimicrobial Migration
3. Turnaround Time: Typically 5-7 working days, extended to 10 days for complex structures (e.g., coated)
Phase 3: Report Review and Certification
1. Obtaining the Test Report
- The report must include: product model, test standard (e.g., EN 14372), and limit comparison results.
2. Issuing the CPC Certificate
- Issued by the French importer or local manufacturer, including the production batch and laboratory qualification number.
3. Labeling Compliance
- Permanent Labeling: Material, applicable temperature, and age warning (e.g., "≥3 years") in French.
III. Key Risks and Mitigation Strategies
1. Common Causes of Failure
- ❌ Stainless steel chromium content less than 13% (material certification required)
- ❌ Silicone components with excessive VOC content (use food-grade platinum-cured silicone)
- ❌ Coating printing contains azo dyes (avoid using aniline-containing inks)
2. Special Scenario Handling
- Removable components (e.g., anti-slip suction cups): require separate testing and indicate the installation method.
- Electroplated decoration: additionally test for hexavalent chromium migration (limit ≤ 0.1 mg/kg).
IV. Cost and Time Reference
| Project | Cost Range (RMB) | Timeframe
| Single Material Testing | 500-800 RMB/item | 5-7 Business Days
| Composite Structure (3 Materials) | 1500-3000 RMB | 10-15 Business Days
| Expedited Service | +30%-50% Fee | 30%-50% Time Reduction
Operational Recommendations
1. Verify Materials in Advance
- Prioritize raw materials with food-grade certification (e.g., FDA/USP Class VI silicone).
2. Avoiding Design Risks
- Prevent small parts from falling off (to prevent swallowing risks) and round off sharp edges.
3. Certificate Maintenance
- Annually update testing (material/process changes require retesting), and retain reports for at least 5 years.
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