Glassware German LFGB certification testing compliance process
Date：2025-08-22 10:13:41 Classification
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LFGB testing applies to all materials, including products manufactured using the latest technologies. Examples include testing the chrome plating on barbecue grills, the heat resistance of Teflon coatings on cooking pans, and testing silicone seals in kettles. The LFGB certification (Food, Commodity and Feed Act) compliance testing process and key requirements for glassware exported to Germany are as follows:
I. Applicable Product Scope
1. Conventional glassware: Containers for liquids, such as drinking glasses, wine glasses, mugs, and beverage jugs.
2. Special Types:
- Pitchers with a capacity of 1.1L or more require separate testing;
- Smart heating cups with electronic functions require additional electrical safety testing (e.g., protection against electric shock and battery safety).
Exemptions:
- Unglazed, plain glassware (no painting or coating);
- Purely decorative items (marked with a permanent warning and without a container).
II. Core Testing Process
Step 1: Material Pre-screening and Sample Preparation
- Bill of Materials (BOM): Provide information on glass type (e.g., borosilicate glass), glaze composition, and paint pigments;
- Sample Requirements: Samples submitted for testing must be identical to mass-produced products (including complete packaging).
Step 2: Mandatory Testing Items
1. Chemical Migration Testing:
- Heavy Metal Leaching: Lead and cadmium migration testing (limits: lead ≤ 0.2 mg/L, cadmium ≤ 0.02 mg/L);
- Special Coatings: Painted glass requires additional testing for azo dyes (banned carcinogenic aromatic amines) and total lead content.
2. Sensory Testing (LFGB-Specific Requirements):
- Assessment of odor or taste migration (detecting odor/taste changes after immersion in water).
3. Physical Performance Testing:
- Thermal Stability (Resistance to Temperature Swings): Inspect for cracks after high-temperature water exposure;
- Durability: Simulates structural integrity after daily use.
Step 3: Additional Testing for Special Scenarios
- Smart Drinkware: Must comply with the RoHS Directive (testing for 10 hazardous substances, including lead and cadmium);
- Glass for Food Packaging: Testing for ink migration (e.g., bottle labels).
III. Certification Process and Cycle
1. Process Steps:
- ① Consultation and Assessment → ② Contract Signing → ③ Sample Submission to an ISO 17025-accredited Laboratory (e.g., Dezewei Testing) → ④ Testing Completion → ⑤ Issuance of LFGB Test Report (not a certificate).
2. Cycle and Cost:
- Basic Testing: 5-7 working days;
- Cost Range:
- Plain Glass: Approximately 1,000 RMB per item;
Key Compliance Points
1. Labeling Requirements:
- Products must be labeled with the knife and fork mark (LFGB certification mark) and German instructions;
- E-commerce sales (e.g., Amazon Germany) require a complete test report.
2. Qualification Validity:
- The report must be issued by an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory (otherwise, it will be invalid).
3. Dynamic Updates:
- The LFGB test standard is updated synchronously with EU EC 1935/2004, so please check the official website regularly.
IV. Optimization Suggestions
- Cost Control:
- Prioritize lead-free glazes and environmentally friendly inks to avoid duplicate testing;
- Combine products of the same material for testing (e.g., multiple plain mugs can be tested together).
- Risk Mitigation:
- For painted pigments, provide an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) in advance to pre-screen for heavy metal risks.
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