What information is needed for the German LFGB certification test of cutting boa
Date：2025-09-08 10:50:01 Classification
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According to the German LFGB regulations ("Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics and Other Commodities Control Act"), cutting boards, as kitchenware intended for direct food contact, must be LFGB certified for export to Germany. The following are the required documents and key steps for certification, compiled from the latest search results and industry practices:
I. Basic Application Documents
1. Application Form
- This form must include basic information such as product name, model, material (e.g., bamboo, plastic, wood), and intended use (home/commercial).
2. Company Qualification Documents
- Business License and Production License (with official seal).
3. Technical Documents
- Product Specification: Specify operating temperature range, cleaning instructions, etc.
- Bill of Materials (BOM): Detailed list of all component materials (e.g., handle coating, anti-slip pad composition);
- Production Process Flowchart: Includes information on heat treatment and coating processes.
II. Test Sample Requirements
| Sample Type | Quantity and Specifications
| Complete Sample | 2-3 complete cutting boards (including packaging)
| Split Material Samples | Provided by uniform material: - Wood/Bamboo: 10×10cm block sample - Plastic components: 20g or more
| High-Risk Components | Coatings provided separately (e.g., anti-mold coating)
> Note: Bamboo cutting boards require additional information on the composition of the anti-mold treatment.
III. Test Items and Standards
Select the appropriate test based on the material type (in accordance with LFGB §30 & §31):
1. General Test
- Sensory Test: Evaluate the odor/taste transfer of cutting boards when exposed to water, vinegar, or oil;
- Heavy Metal Leaching: Lead, Cadmium, Chromium (Limits: Lead ≤ 0.01mg/dm², Cadmium ≤ 0.005mg/dm²).
2. Material-Specific Testing
| Material | Test Items
| Wood/Bamboo | Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Content, Formaldehyde Emission, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
| Plastic | Comprehensive Migration Test (Simulator: 3% Acetic Acid), Phthalates (DEHP/DBP ≤ 0.1%)
| Metal Accessories | Nickel Release (e.g., stainless steel edging)
IV. Certification Process and Cycle
1. Process Steps
A [Submission of Documents and Samples] --> B [Laboratory Evaluation of Material Classification]
B --> C [Targeted Testing]
C --> D [Is the Product Qualified?] }
D -->|Yes| E[Issue LFGB Report]
D -->|No| F[Retest after Correction]
E --> G[Upload Report to German Sales Platform]
2. Turnaround: 5-7 working days (samples must be qualified and documentation is complete);
3. Cost: 1,000-4,000 RMB, fluctuating depending on material complexity (e.g., bamboo-wood composite materials require additional testing).
V. Key Considerations
1. Common Causes of Failure
- Excessive formaldehyde content in bamboo cutting boards (excessive use of mildew inhibitors);
- Excessive phthalate migration in plastic cutting boards;
- Failure to provide a chemical safety declaration for the coating material.
2. Labeling Requirements
- Products must be labeled "LFGB compliant," along with a material symbol (e.g., a leaf symbol for wood), and a batch number.
3. Certificate Validity
- Changes in material formulation or supplier require retesting.
Optimization Suggestions
- Pre-inspection Service: Choose a laboratory that offers "pre-inspection + corrective action plan" (such as Dezewei) to screen for high-risk items in advance;
- Supply Chain Management: Require wood suppliers to provide PCP test reports to reduce the risk of whole-unit testing.
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