How to apply for French DGCCRF ceramic testing and certification
Date:2025-10-10 09:49:21 Classification
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French food safety regulations are referred to as the French DGCCRF. For products sold in France, in addition to complying with EU Regulation EC1935/2004, the following key points are covered in the French DGCCRF ceramic testing and certification process:
I. Core Testing Items (Required)
1. Heavy Metal Release Test
- Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) Release: Must comply with French limits (e.g., ≤ 0.8 mg/dm² for the ceramic body; separate testing is required for the rim).
- Hexavalent Chromium (Cr⁶⁺) Test: Applicable to ceramic products with glaze or coatings.
2. Sensory Performance Evaluation
- Ensures that the product does not change its taste, odor, or color after contact with food.
II. Certification Process
1. Choosing a Certification Body
- Must be certified by a third-party laboratory accredited by the French DGCCRF (e.g., Dezewei CNAS Registration No.: L8083) to ensure compliance.
2. Submit Documents and Samples
- Documents: Product datasheet, material composition table, production process documentation, and usage scenarios.
- Samples: Provide 5-6 representative products, including the complete shape (e.g., a cup with a spout requires a separate rim sample).
3. Laboratory Testing
- Based on the following standards:
- DGCCRF 2004-64 (General Requirements)
- Décret no. 92-631 (Specific Specifications for Ceramics and Glass).
- Testing Turnaround: Typically 5-7 working days, but may take longer for complex products.
4. Obtaining Report and Certificate
- Upon successful testing, the laboratory will issue a DGCCRF compliance report and a certificate.
5. Labeling and Traceability Requirements
- Products must be labeled with the material, batch number, and instructions for use (e.g., "Avoid storing acidic foods").
III. Key Considerations
1. Special Area Testing:
- The rims of containers such as cups and bowls require separate lead and cadmium release testing, with stricter limits.
2. Material Compliance:
- Glazes must not contain prohibited substances (e.g., excessive lead compounds), and painted coatings must provide an ingredient safety declaration.
3. Subsequent Supervision:
- The French market will conduct random inspections, and non-compliant products will be subject to recall or fines.
IV. Recommended Procedures
A [Select an Accredited Laboratory] --> B [Prepare Samples and Materials]
B --> C [Submit Samples for Testing]
C --> D [Laboratory Evaluation]
D --> E {Passed?}
E --> |Yes | F [Obtain Certificate]
E --> |No | G [Retest After Correction]
F --> H [Apply Compliance Label]