GB 4806 Report on Aluminum Food Containers (Food Contact Materials)
Date：2026-10-14 09:43:52 Classification
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For aluminum food containers—a common type of food-contact material—obtaining a compliance report under the GB 4806 standards is a statutory requirement for entering the Chinese market. Testing and evaluation for the report are primarily conducted in accordance with GB 4806.9-2016, *National Food Safety Standard – Metal Materials and Articles for Food Contact*, and its supporting standards. I. Scope of Applicable Products
The GB4806.9 standard applies to various aluminum and aluminum alloy materials and products intended for food contact, primarily including the following categories:
Household aluminum containers: Aluminum pots, basins, bowls, lunch boxes, steamers, and soup ladles
Catering utensils: Aluminum meal boxes, aluminum foil containers, aluminum foil sheets, and aluminum barbecue trays
Food packaging: Aluminum foil packaging bags, aluminum beverage cans, and aluminum food liners
Processing equipment: Aluminum mixing paddles, aluminum conveyor belt components, and food-grade aluminum foil containers
Infant and child products: Aluminum containers for complementary foods, aluminum foil baking trays, etc.
II. Core Testing Items
In accordance with the requirements of the GB4806.9 standard, testing items for aluminum food containers are categorized into physicochemical indicators and contaminant migration levels:
| Testing Category | Specific Item | Limit Requirement
| Sensory Requirements | Appearance, color, odor | Surface must be smooth and clean; no off-odors
| Heavy Metal Migration | Lead (Pb) | ≤0.2 mg/kg (in food simulant)
| | Cadmium (Cd) | ≤0.02 mg/kg
| | Arsenic (As) | ≤0.04 mg/kg
| | Nickel (Ni) (alloy) | Depends on specific material
| Migration of Other Elements | Zinc (Zn) | Depends on specific alloy grade
| | Copper (Cu) | Depends on specific alloy grade
| Additive Restrictions | Based on specific alloy composition | Must comply with the GB4806.1 basic standard
Important Note: If the aluminum container has a surface coating (e.g., non-stick coating), additional testing is required in accordance with GB4806.10, "Coatings and Coated Surfaces Intended for Food Contact." III. Compliance Process
1. Preliminary Assessment
Confirm the product alloy grade (e.g., 1050, 3003, 6061, etc.)
Analyze product structure and identify food-contact parts
Prepare 2–3 complete finished product samples
2. Laboratory Testing
Select a third-party testing agency with CMA and CNAS accreditation (Dezewei Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083)
Testing turnaround time is typically 7–10 working days
Issuance of the "Food Contact Material Test Report"
3. Report Validity and Renewal
Reports are generally valid for 1–2 years (depending on agency regulations)
Retesting is required if there are changes to raw materials, manufacturing processes, or suppliers
Establishing an annual re-inspection mechanism is recommended
IV. Key Compliance Points
Alloy Composition Limits: GB4806.9 specifies clear limits for trace elements (copper, zinc, nickel, etc.) in various alloy grades; not all aluminum alloys are suitable for food contact
Surface Treatment Processes: Processes such as anodizing, electropolishing, and sandblasting must meet relevant hygiene requirements
Labeling Requirements: Finished products must be marked with "For Food Contact Use," manufacturer information, material specifications, and usage warnings where necessary (e.g., "Not suitable for long-term storage of acidic foods")
Overall Material Identification: Different processing methods for aluminum foil, sheets, and profiles may affect test results
V. Coordination with Other Standards
A complete GB4806 compliance system typically requires the coordination of multiple standards:
GB4806.1: General safety requirements (General Principles)
GB4806.9: Metal materials (Aluminum container body)
GB4806.10: Coatings (Surface coatings)
GB4806.7/8/11: Plastics/Paper/Rubber (Packaging or accessory components)
GB 31604.1-2015: General rules for migration testing
GB 5009.156/GB/T 5009: Selection of food simulants and testing methods
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