Process for Obtaining German LFGB Certification for Toasters
Date：2026-10-19 09:56:02 Classification
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Process for Obtaining a German LFGB Test Report for Toasters
LFGB is not a formal certificate, but rather a test report for food-contact materials issued by a third-party laboratory, in accordance with the German LFGB regulations (Sections 30 and 31). For toasters, testing is required only for components that come into direct contact with bread. Non-contact parts—such as circuit boards and the outer housing—are excluded from LFGB testing; electronic components are instead subject to separate requirements, including CE (LVD + EMC) and RoHS compliance.
I. Initial Documentation and Testing Strategy
Contact the laboratory (e.g., Dezewei, CNAS L8083) and complete the testing application form. You will need to provide the following: product model, Bill of Materials (BOM), product structural diagrams, product photographs, material specifications for all food-contact components, and information regarding the product's operating temperature.
Engineers will identify the specific components requiring testing. For a standard toaster, this typically includes: stainless steel baking cavities, metal racks/grids, internal high-temperature-resistant plastic parts, and silicone insulation or sealing components. Each material is tested separately, and the quotation is calculated based on the number of distinct materials. Once the testing plan is confirmed, a contract is signed, and payment is arranged.
II. Sample Submission
Submit either two complete units or, alternatively, the individual food-contact components (provided in sufficient quantity). Samples must be identical to the mass-produced versions.
The laboratory will establish a simulated testing environment based on the toaster’s actual operating (baking) temperature.
III. Laboratory Testing (Core LFGB Requirements)
1. Sensory Test: A specific LFGB requirement. The samples are immersed in food simulants and checked for any off-odors, changes in taste, or discoloration. Failure in this sensory evaluation results in an immediate overall test failure.
2. Migration Test: The components are immersed in food simulants—such as water, 3% acetic acid, 10% ethanol, and olive oil—at the product’s actual operating temperature to measure the total migration of substances.
3. Material-Specific Heavy Metal/Substance Migration: Stainless steel components are tested for the release of lead, cadmium, nickel, and chromium; plastic components are tested for the migration of specific monomers and additives; and silicone components undergo additional testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
4. Other chemical substance testing relevant to the specific materials, in accordance with BfR (German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) recommendations.
The standard turnaround time is 5–7 business days; expedited testing options are also available. IV. Report Review and Issuance
Once all test items have passed, the laboratory reviews the data and issues an LFGB test report in both Chinese and English, bearing the CNAS accreditation mark. The report includes sample information, tested materials, test conditions, regulatory limits, actual test results, compliance conclusions, and the signature of an authorized signatory.
This report is used for audits by German importers, entry into retail chains, and as documentation for market surveillance inspections.
V. Preparation of Supporting Compliance Documentation
Since an LFGB report covers only the components that come into contact with food, exporting a complete toaster to Germany requires additional documentation: CE test reports (LVD, EMC, and RoHS 2.0), a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for the entire unit, and a technical file (which must be retained for at least 10 years). The product packaging may also feature the "knife and fork" symbol, which denotes suitability for food contact.
Practical Considerations
1. Risks of Material Changes: Any change to the raw materials or formulations of metal cavities, internal plastic components, or silicone parts necessitates a re-evaluation and, if required, re-testing under LFGB standards.
2. Regulatory Distinction: The general EU regulation for food-contact materials is EC 1935/2004; however, German clients typically require an additional LFGB sensory test. A report based solely on EU 10/2011 is not a substitute for an LFGB report.
3. Scope of Testing: Testing is limited to components that come into direct contact with bread during the toasting process. External housings, buttons, PCB boards, and power cords are not considered food-contact components and are therefore excluded from LFGB testing.
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