How to apply for international GB4806 testing of stainless steel products
Date：2025-10-14 10:33:49 Classification
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Food contact materials (FCMs) refer to materials that come into contact with food under normal or foreseeable conditions of use but do not themselves constitute part of the food. Stainless steel products undergoing GB4806 testing in China (National Food Safety Standard for Food Contact Materials and Articles) must follow the following process:
I. Pre-Testing Preparation
1. Confirm Testing Requirements
- All stainless steel products that come into direct contact with food (such as tableware, kitchenware, and containers) must comply with GB4806.9-2016, "Food Contact Metal Materials and Articles."
- If a product contains multiple materials (such as plastic components), additional testing is required according to the corresponding standards (e.g., GB4806.6 for plastics and GB4806.10 for coatings).
2. Selecting a Certification Body
- Preferentially select a third-party testing body with CNAS/CMA accreditation (such as Dezewei Testing, Dezewei CNAS registration number: L8083).
II. Testing process and requirements
1. Sample preparation
- Quantity: ≥8 pieces for products made of the same material; ≥50 pieces for products with complex structures or multiple components.
- Requirements: Samples must represent mass production batches and be marked with material models (e.g., 304/316 stainless steel).
2. Submit for testing
- Core testing items:
- Sensory testing: odor, discoloration, etc. [[12]()];
- Heavy metal migration: lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As);
- Physical and chemical indicators: total migration, potassium permanganate consumption.
- Special requirements: If the product comes into contact with acidic/alkaline foods, the migration must be tested under simulated conditions.
3. Document preparation
- Product specifications, material descriptions, and production process flow charts must be provided.
III. Obtaining reports and certification
1. Testing cycle: Usually 5-7 working days (may be extended if additional testing is required).
2. Certificate Issuance:
- After passing the test, a GB4806.9-2016 compliance report will be issued, with the "Food Contact" label and the spoon and chopstick logo.
3. E-commerce/Market Access: The report must include the brand, model, and test items, and comply with the requirements of platforms such as JD.com and Tmall.
IV. Notes
1. Standard Updates:
- GB4806.9-2023 will be released in 2023 (implemented in September 2024), adding new restrictions on the migration of alloying elements. It is recommended to pay attention to this in advance.
2. Cost and Compliance:
- Fees are charged based on the material and number of components. Multi-material products require separate testing.
- Avoid the use of non-food-grade coatings (such as those containing PFAS).
V. Recommended Steps
A [Confirm product materials and intended use] --> B [Select a CNAS/CMA agency]
B --> C [Prepare samples and technical documentation]
C --> D [Laboratory testing for heavy metals, migration, etc.]
D --> E [Is it qualified?]
E --> Yes | F [Obtain test report]
E --> No | G [Resubmit for remediation]
F --> H [Apply food contact marking]
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