LFGB Certification Process for Glass Food Storage Containers in Germany
Date：2025-11-24 09:54:50 Classification
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The German LFGB testing covers all materials, including products manufactured using the latest processes. This guide outlines the complete LFGB certification process and key points for glass food storage containers, summarized in a structured format based on the characteristics of glass:
I. Core Certification Requirements (Focusing on Glass Products)
1. Material Specificity
- Glass Body: Must pass heavy metal leaching tests (lead, cadmium migration), complying with EN 1388-1/2 standards.
- Lid and Sealing Ring (usually PP/silicone): Independent testing for chemical migration (phthalates, primary aromatic amines, etc.).
- Printing Inks: Outer surface printing must pass abrasion resistance and solvent residue tests (if applicable).
2. Testing Items
| Components | Testing Standards | Key Indicators
| Glass Box | DIN EN 1388-1/2 | Pb/Cd Migration (≤0.1mg/dm²)
| Plastic Lid | LFGB §30 & 31 | Total Migration (TML), Sensory Testing
| Silicone Sealing Ring | LFGB §30 & 31 + FDA 21CFR | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOM)
II. Complete Application Process (6 Steps Explained)
Step 1: Preliminary Preparation
- Material List Review: Determine the glass type (soda-lime glass/borosilicate) and lid material (provide supplier's declaration of conformity).
- Technical Drawing Annotation: Mark all food contact areas (e.g., sealing ring contact surface).
- Selection of Certification Body: Accredited laboratory (e.g., Dezeway Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083).
Step 2: Sample Submission and Testing
- Sample Quantity: Glass box × 3 + lid/sealing ring × 5 sets (including spare parts).
- Test Items:
- Migration Test: Simulated acidic (4% acetic acid), alcohol (10% ethanol), and oily (olive oil) environments, 70℃ × 2h.
- Sensory Test: Assess odor migration (artificial olfaction after boiling in water).
Glass-Specific Requirements: Additional thermal shock test (-20℃→100℃ sudden change) to verify crack resistance.
Step 3: Document Review
Submit the following bilingual (Chinese and English) documents:
- Product Specification Sheet (including material composition percentage)
- Manufacturing Process Description (especially glass annealing process)
- Draft Self-Declaration of Conformity
- Raw Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
Step 4: Laboratory Testing (Cycle and Cost)
- Cycle: Standard 5-7 working days (additional charges apply for urgent cases).
- Cost Reference:
Basic Testing Fee: ¥800-2000 (Glass box + plastic lid)
Step 5: Obtain Certificate and Report
- Upon Passing:
- LFGB Test Report (German/English bilingual)
- Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
- Certificate Validity: No fixed time limit, but retesting is required if materials/processes change.
Step 6: Labeling and Market Surveillance
- Mandatory Labeling Content:
- Knife and fork symbols (food contact symbols)
- Material composition (e.g., "Glass, PP Lid")
- Declaration of Conformity: "Complies with LFGB"
- Market Inspection: German customs will randomly test for heavy metal migration levels (focusing on imported products).
III. Specific Risks and Mitigation Strategies for Glass Products
| Risk Points | Solutions
| Lead and Cadmium Exceeding Standards at Glass Edges | Use Lead-Free Glass Enamel (RoHS Report Required)
| Plasticizer Leakage from Silicone Sealing Rings | Replace with Platinum-cured Silicone (Avoid Peroxide Curing)
| Printing Ink Migration | Use UV-cured Ink and Apply a Protective Film
IV. Typical Failure Cases and Improvement Suggestions
- Case 1: Cadmium Leakage (0.15 mg/dm²) in Olive Oil Migration Test of Glass Food Storage Container
Cause: Impurities in Recycled Glass Flakes.
Improvement: Use Food-Grade Virgin Glass (Provide Raw Material Traceability Certificate).
- Case 2: Total Migration Exceeds Standard for PP Lids (22 mg/dm²)
Cause: Excessive Recycled Material Ratio.
Improvement: Control Recycled Material Addition to ≤10% and Provide a Mixing Ratio Declaration.
Appendix: Flowchart
A [Material Formula Confirmation] --> B [Sample Submission to Accredited Laboratory]
B --> C {Test Passed?}
C -- Yes --> D [Obtain LFGB Report + CoC]
C -- No --> E [Formula Adjustment/Process Improvement]
E --> B
D --> F [Affixing Food Contact Labels]
F --> G [German Customs Clearance and Sales]
G --> H [Annual Compliance Spot Check]
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