How to apply for German LFGB food contact material testing for wood products
Date：2025-10-20 10:32:03 Classification
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German LFGB testing applies to all materials, including those produced using the latest technologies. The complete process and core requirements for German LFGB testing of wood products as food contact materials are as follows:
I. Core Testing Items and Limits
1. Formaldehyde Emission Test
- Limit: Wood products ≤ 0.1 mg/m³ (climate chamber method), paper/coating ≤ 0.1 mg/kg (3% acetic acid simulant).
- Test Method:
- Wood: EN 717-1 climate chamber method (23°C/50% humidity, 28 days).
- Coating/Paper: EN 1541 water extraction method (immersion in 40°C distilled water for 2 hours).
2. Heavy Metal Migration Test
- Key Substances: Lead (Pb) ≤ 0.1 mg/kg, Cadmium (Cd) ≤ 0.01 mg/kg, Nickel (Ni) ≤ 0.5 μg/cm²/24 hours (skin contact scenario).
- Method: ICP-MS or atomic absorption spectroscopy (3% acetic acid simulant, 60°C/2 hours).
3. Other Mandatory Inspection Items
- Sensory Testing: Assess odor/taste migration (unique to LFGB requirements; foreign odor will result in a failure).
- Pentachlorophenol (PCP) Residue: Prohibited wood preservative.
- Phthalates: Limit ≤ 0.1% (e.g., DEHP, DBP).
II. Detailed Inspection Process
Step 1: Confirm Inspection Scope and Material Classification
- Applicable Products: Direct food contact utensils such as wooden bowls, cutting boards, chopsticks, baking molds, and wooden tableware.
- Material Classification:
- Natural Wood: FSC certification or proof of origin is required.
- Composite Wood (Plywood): Focus on testing for adhesive formaldehyde and phthalate residues.
Step 2: Prepare Samples and Documents
- Sample Quantity: 2-3 complete products (including all components).
- Key Documents:
- Product Technical Specification (Material, Coating, Production Process)
- Wood Origin Certificate and Adhesive Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).
Step 3: Submit Samples to a Certified Laboratory
- Institution Selection: A laboratory with CMA/CNAS accreditation (e.g., Dezewei CNAS Registration Number: L8083).
- Testing Turnaround: Normally 5-7 working days, plus additional fees for urgent needs.
Step 4: Report Review and Corrective Actions
- Compliance Assessment: Receive LFGB test report and Knife and Fork Mark authorization after all items meet the standards.
- Response to Exceeding Standards:
- Adjust process (e.g., switching to formaldehyde-free adhesives, switching to soy ink);
- Add warning labeling (e.g., "Contains carcinogens" if formaldehyde exceeds the standard).
III. Non-Compliance Risks and Optimization Suggestions
Risks
- Customs Detention: German ports will directly reject wooden products without the knife and fork mark.
- Legal Action: Face fines up to 200% of the product's value and market bans.
Optimization Suggestions
1. Raw Material Control:
- Prioritize FSC-certified natural wood to avoid materials containing arsenic and chromium preservatives.
2. Process Improvement:
- Drying temperature ≤ 80°C to reduce formaldehyde emissions, and laser engraving instead of chemical dyeing.
3. Regular Testing Updates:
- Monitor REACH regulatory updates (e.g., the phthalate limit may be lowered to 0.05% in 2025).
IV. FAQs
- Q: Do wooden spoons require full testing?
→ Yes! Formaldehyde, heavy metal migration, and sensory testing are required.
- Q: Are bamboo products eligible?
→ Yes! Bamboo-wood composite materials are tested according to similar standards.
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