French DGCCRF certification and testing process for non-stick cookware
Date：2025-10-27 11:05:51 Classification
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French food safety regulations are referred to as DGCCRF. Products sold in France must comply not only with EU Regulation EC 1935/2004 but also with local French regulations. The complete process and key requirements for French DGCCRF certification testing for non-stick cookware are organized based on French regulations (DGCCRF 2004-64, Décret no. 92-631) and EU Framework Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. The process is divided into five stages:
I. Preliminary Preparation
1. Confirm the scope of testing
- Coating and substrate layer testing:
- Non-stick coatings (e.g., Teflon) require separate testing for migration and PFOA (perfluorooctanoate) content;
- Metal substrates (aluminum/stainless steel) require testing for heavy metal leachability (lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel).
- Sample requirements:
- Provide one or two complete cookware pieces, separated coating fragments (≥ 10g), and a metal substrate sheet.
2. Document Preparation
- Product Technical Documentation (including coating composition list and substrate metal grade);
- Application Form (specify operating temperature and food contact type).
II. Laboratory Testing Phase
Core Test Items
| Test Area | Test Items
| Non-stick Coating | 5-item Comprehensive Migration Test (Water/3% Acetic Acid/10% Ethanol/Olive Oil/Isooctane)
| PFOA (Perfluorooctanoate), Formaldehyde, Phenol, and Aromatic Amine Release
| Metal Substrate | Heavy Metal Release (Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel)
| Overall Assessment | Sensory Testing (Odor, Color Migration)
Note: Testing simulates actual use conditions (e.g., high-temperature frying) and must cover the product's declared maximum operating temperature.
III. Testing Process and Cycle
A [Sample Preparation + Technical Documentation] --> B [Submission to Certification Body]
B --> C [Laboratory Testing]
C --> D1 [Coating Migration/PFOA Testing]
C --> D2 [Substrate Heavy Metal Testing]
C --> D3 [Sensory Evaluation]
D1 & D2 & D3 --> E [Compliant?]
E --> Yes | F [Issue Draft Report]
E --> No | G [Retest After Correction]
F --> H [Customer Confirmation Report]
H --> I [Issue of Formal DGCCRF Report]
- Cycle: Typically 5-7 business days.
- Fee: Approximately ¥1,000-3,000 (Coating + Substrate are charged as two materials).
IV. Certification Marking and Compliance Management
1. Report Application:
- After passing the test, the product can be affixed with the "Food Grade Compliant" mark and the DGCCRF report number.
2. Market Supervision:
- The French DGCCRF conducts random inspections of products on sale. Violations can lead to product removal or fines (for example, a product that failed to test for PFOA was fined €80,000).
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