Disposable tableware French DGCCRF certification process matters
Date：2025-09-09 10:12:49 Classification
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A complete guide to the DGCCRF certification process and key considerations for disposable tableware exported to France. This guide integrates historical conversations and the latest search results (as of August 2025) to ensure compliance with the latest French regulations:
I. Core Certification Process (5 Steps)
1. Material Verification and Application Preparation
- Material Classification: Identify the tableware material (e.g., PP plastic, PS plastic, paper products, bamboo and wood products, etc.). Different materials require different testing items.
- Document Submission: Provide product specifications, material list, production process flow, sample photos, and application form.
2. Laboratory Sample Delivery and Pretreatment
- Sample Requirements: Provide three unused samples from the same batch, clean and free of contamination.
- Pretreatment Steps (Critical!):
- Wash six times with food-grade detergent;
- Boil three times in boiling water (to simulate actual use).
3. Material-Specific Testing Items
| Material Type | Mandatory Testing Items
| PP/PE Plastics | Comprehensive Migration Testing, Sensory Testing, Heavy Metal Leaching (Lead, Cadmium)
| PS/Foam Plastics | Comprehensive Migration Testing, Total Volatile Organic Compounds (VOM), Residual Styrene Monomer
| Paper Products | Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Testing, Heavy Metal Leaching, Formaldehyde Release, Sensory Testing
| Printed/Coated Products | Additional Testing for Ink Migration and Coating Chemical Stability (Phthalates, etc.)
4. Testing Cycle and Reporting
- Cycle: 5-7 working days for standard materials; 10-15 days for complex materials (e.g., composite coatings).
- Report Content: Must include migration data, sensory evaluation results, and material composition analysis.
5. Compliance Labeling and Market Access
- Labeling Requirements:
- Material type (e.g., "PP") and operating temperature limits must be marked in French;
- Manufacturer information and the "DGCCRF Compliant" logo;
- Coated products must be labeled with a "Avoid scratching due to high temperatures" warning.
- Traceability Documentation: Test reports must be retained for at least five years to facilitate random inspections in the French market.
II. Key Considerations
1. Mandatory Layer Testing
- If tableware contains multiple layers (e.g., plastic + printed layer), migration testing must be conducted for each layer separately.
- Example: Printed paper bowls must be tested separately for PCP migration from the paper substrate and heavy metal migration from the ink.
2. Commonly Overlooked Points in Sensory Testing
- After soaking in a 3% acetic acid solution to simulate acidic foods (e.g., tomato sauce), ensure that there is no unusual odor or taste change.
3. Updates to French Specific Regulations
- Starting in 2023, 21 new heavy metal migration tests (e.g., cobalt and molybdenum) will be added, particularly impacting tableware made from recycled materials.
- Must comply with both EU EC 1935/2004 and French local regulations (DGCCRF 2004-64 + Décret no. 92-631).
III. Optimization Recommendations
- Pre-verify raw materials: Prioritize food-grade ingredients certified by the DGCCRF (e.g., 304 stainless steel fittings, BPA-free plastics).
- Select an accredited laboratory: Confirm that the laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited and DGCCRF-authorized (e.g., Dezeway Testing).
- Avoid common failure causes:
- Exceeding migration limits for untreated samples;
- Customs detention due to missing bilingual labels.
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