FAQ

With growing global emphasis on environmental protection and human health, SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing has become increasingly critical across industries. For many manufacturers, understanding the update cycle of the SVHC list and compliance requirements for relevant industries is essential. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains what SVHC entails and how to handle SVHC testing for synthetic leather.

What is SVHC?

SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) refers to a category of chemical substances defined under the EU’s REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), which are subject to strict regulation due to their potential severe impacts on human health or the environment. These substances may be carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative, or otherwise harmful. The SVHC list, maintained and periodically updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), contained 247 substances as of May 2025.

How to Handle SVHC Testing for Synthetic Leather?

SVHC testing ensures that synthetic leather products comply with REACH regulations by verifying that they do not contain SVHCs above the threshold of 0.1% (w/w). Below is the detailed process for conducting SVHC testing for synthetic leather:

1. Confirm Applicability

• If any SVHC exceeds 0.1% (w/w), notification to ECHA and disclosure to customers are mandatory.

• If the total SVHC content exceeds 0.1% (w/w) and the annual export to the EU exceeds 1 ton, registration with ECHA is required.

• Product Scope:
  Synthetic leather (e.g., PU leather, PVC leather) used in clothing, footwear, bags, furniture, or other applications must undergo SVHC testing if intended for the EU market.
  For products aimed at children (aged 12 and under), additional compliance with CPSIA (lead and phthalate limits) and LHAMA (for art materials, if applicable) is required.

• Compliance Requirements:

2. Select an Accredited Laboratory
   Choose a reputable testing agency, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., which offers:

• Expertise in SVHC testing for synthetic leather.

• Advanced equipment, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), for detecting SVHCs like phthalates, azo dyes, or heavy metals.

• Compliance with EU REACH requirements and international standards.

3. Sample Preparation
   Submit representative samples of the synthetic leather, including all components (e.g., base material, coatings, additives), along with technical documentation:

• Product specifications (e.g., material composition, intended use).

• Bill of Materials (BOM) detailing all substances used.

• Production batch information.

4. Laboratory Testing
   The laboratory conducts tests to identify and quantify the presence of SVHCs listed by ECHA. Common tests include:

• Chemical Analysis: Screening for substances like phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP), azo dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead).

• Migration Testing: Assessing whether SVHCs leach out under simulated use conditions.

• Testing typically takes 5–15 working days, depending on the complexity of the material and the number of substances tested.

5. Results Review
   The laboratory issues a test report indicating whether SVHCs are present and their concentrations.

• If SVHCs are below 0.1% (w/w), the product is compliant, and a compliance report is issued.

• If SVHCs exceed 0.1% (w/w), the manufacturer must reformulate the material (e.g., replace hazardous substances) and retest.

6. Compliance Documentation

• Prepare a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) confirming compliance with REACH regulations.

• If required, notify ECHA and provide supply chain disclosures for SVHCs exceeding the threshold.

• Maintain records of test reports and technical documentation for at least 10 years, as required by REACH.

7. Ongoing Compliance
   Regularly monitor updates to the SVHC list (updated biannually by ECHA) and retest products if materials or regulations change to ensure continued compliance.

Recommended Testing Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. is a leading third-party testing agency with extensive experience in SVHC testing for synthetic leather. Key advantages include:

• Accreditation: CMA/CNAS qualifications, ensuring compliance with EU standards.

• Expertise: Familiarity with REACH requirements for synthetic leather used in various applications.

• Comprehensive Services: From sample testing to compliance documentation and regulatory guidance.

• Global Credibility: Test reports recognized internationally, supporting market access.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive SVHC testing solutions for synthetic leather. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

In modern catering and household settings, food contact materials, as items that directly interact with food, significantly impact consumer health due to their material safety. According to international food safety standards, all materials that may come into contact with food must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances. Professional testing evaluates the chemical stability of utensils, such as cutlery, under various conditions (e.g., high temperatures or acidic environments) to prevent the migration of hazardous substances like heavy metals or plasticizers into food. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing addresses whether coatings require LFGB food-grade testing.

Core Requirements for LFGB Food-Grade Testing

LFGB certification ensures that food contact materials do not pose health risks during use. The core requirements include:

• Product Information: Details such as product name, material composition, and production batch.

• Applicable Regulations: Compliance with LFGB standards and EU food contact material regulations (e.g., (EC) No 1935/2004).

• Manufacturer or Importer Information: Identification of the responsible party.

• Test Report: Compliance results issued by an LFGB-accredited laboratory.

• Declaration of Compliance: A statement confirming the product meets food safety requirements.

Do Coatings Require LFGB Food-Grade Testing?

LFGB, the German abbreviation for the Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics, and Other Commodities Management Act, governs the testing and certification of food and food contact materials. Its scope includes all materials that directly or potentially contact food, which explicitly encompasses coatings. For example, coatings such as chromium plating on barbecue grills or Teflon coatings on cooking pans must undergo LFGB testing to ensure they do not release harmful substances into food under normal use conditions.

Detailed Process for Applying for LFGB Food-Grade Testing

1. Product Classification:
   Identify the material composition of the coating (e.g., Teflon, ceramic, or metallic) and the applicable LFGB regulations and standards.

2. Sample Preparation:
   Submit samples identical to the final product for sale, including any packaging or accessories.

3. Laboratory Testing:
   An LFGB-accredited third-party laboratory conducts targeted tests, including:

• Chemical Migration Testing: Evaluates the migration of substances like heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), plasticizers (e.g., phthalates), or other harmful compounds under simulated conditions (e.g., high temperatures, acidic environments).

• Sensory Testing: Assesses odor and taste to ensure no adverse effects on food.

• Material Composition Analysis: Verifies that the coating complies with food-grade standards.

4. Report Review:
   Confirm that test results meet LFGB and EU regulatory requirements.

5. Declaration of Compliance:
   Issue an LFGB compliance declaration based on the test results.

6. Ongoing Compliance:
   Regularly update testing to address regulatory changes or product modifications.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LFGB food-grade testing solutions for coatings. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

Introduction

Food contact materials, such as pizza knives, must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances into food, complying with international food safety standards like LFGB and EU regulations (e.g., (EC) No 1935/2004). This guide outlines the process for LFGB food-grade testing for pizza knives and recommends Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. as a professional testing agency.

Core Requirements

• Product Information: Name, model, materials (e.g., stainless steel blade, plastic handle), and batch details.

• Regulations: Compliance with LFGB and EU (EC) No 1935/2004.

• Responsible Party: Manufacturer or importer details.

• Test Report: Results from an LFGB-accredited laboratory.

• Compliance Declaration: Confirms food safety compliance.

Testing Process

1. Product Classification: Identify material composition and applicable LFGB regulations.

2. Sample Preparation: Submit samples identical to the final product, including blade, handle, and packaging.

3. Laboratory Testing:

• Chemical migration testing (e.g., heavy metals, phthalates).

• Sensory testing (odor and taste).

• Material composition analysis (e.g., food-safe stainless steel, BPA-free plastics).

4. Report Review: Verify compliance with LFGB and EU standards.

5. Compliance Declaration: Issue a declaration based on test results.

6. Ongoing Compliance: Update testing for regulatory or product changes.

Recommended Testing Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd.:

• LFGB-accredited laboratory.

• Expertise in EU export compliance for kitchen tools.

• Comprehensive services from testing to compliance declarations.

• Efficient, cost-effective localized support.

Conclusion

Huabiao Testing provides reliable LFGB testing solutions for pizza knives, with CMA/CNAS-accredited data and internationally recognized reports, ensuring global market success.

In modern catering and household settings, food contact materials (FCMs), such as utensils that directly interact with food, play a critical role in consumer health due to their material safety. International food safety standards mandate rigorous testing of all materials that may come into direct or indirect contact with food to ensure they do not transfer harmful substances. Professional testing assesses the chemical stability of items like cutlery under various conditions (e.g., high temperatures or acidic environments) to prevent the migration of hazardous substances, such as heavy metals or plasticizers, into food. This article explains the meaning of FCM testing and the process for conducting VOM testing for food contact materials.

What is FCM Testing?

Food Contact Material (FCM) Testing refers to a comprehensive set of chemical and physical tests performed on materials that may directly or indirectly contact food, including plastics, metals, paper, ceramics, glass, rubber, and coatings. The primary objective is to ensure that these materials do not release harmful substances into food under normal use conditions, thereby safeguarding food safety and consumer health.

FCM testing typically encompasses the following areas:

1. Physical Performance Testing: Evaluates mechanical strength, heat resistance, and cold resistance to ensure material stability during food storage and use.

2. Chemical Performance Testing: Detects potential migratory substances, including heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury), plasticizers (e.g., phthalates), flame retardants, bisphenols (e.g., BPA), residual monomers, solvent residues, and antibacterial agents.

3. Microbiological Testing: Assesses potential microbial contamination during production, storage, and use.

4. Specific Substance Testing: Conducts targeted tests for specific materials or applications, such as migration tests for food-grade silicone.

How to Handle VOM Testing for Food Contact Materials?

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOM) Testing is a subset of FCM testing that focuses on detecting volatile organic compounds released from food contact materials under normal use conditions. These compounds can pose risks to food safety and human health, necessitating strict control.

The process for conducting VOM testing for food contact materials includes the following steps:

1. Sample Preparation: Prepare representative samples as required by the testing protocol.

2. Selection of Testing Methods: Choose appropriate testing methods and standards based on the material type and intended use. Common standards include U.S. FDA regulations, EU regulations (e.g., EC 1935/2004), and Chinese GB standards.

3. Laboratory Testing: Submit samples to an accredited third-party testing agency. Testing may involve simulated food extraction, heat treatment, or aging procedures, typically conducted using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

4. Results Analysis: Evaluate test results to determine compliance with relevant regulatory standards.

5. Report Issuance: Upon successful testing, the agency issues a formal test report confirming compliance.

6. Follow-Up Actions: If results indicate non-compliance, modify the material (e.g., reformulate or change suppliers) and retest until standards are met.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and state-of-the-art equipment, provides comprehensive VOM testing solutions for food contact materials. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our reports carry international credibility. We assist clients in managing risks, meeting market requirements, and ensuring their products succeed globally.

As the world’s largest market for children’s consumer products, the United States enforces stringent safety regulations for children’s products. According to statistics, in 2023, over 60% of product recalls by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involved Chinese products, with many cases attributed to missing certifications. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing outlines the CPC certification testing standards for Amazon bibs.

CPC Certification Testing Standards for Amazon Bibs

Bibs, as children’s products intended for children aged 12 and under, must comply with the following CPC (Children’s Product Certificate) testing standards to ensure safety and market compliance in the U.S.:

1. CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act):
   The CPSIA sets safety requirements for all children’s products, including bibs. Specific requirements for bibs include restrictions on lead content and phthalate content to prevent health risks to children.

2. 16 CFR 1610/1611 (Flammability Testing Regulations):
   These regulations ensure bibs do not ignite rapidly when exposed to flames, reducing fire-related risks to children.

• For textile bibs: Compliance with 16 CFR 1610 (flammability requirements for clothing textiles).

• For vinyl film bibs: Compliance with 16 CFR 1611 (flammability requirements for vinyl plastic film).

3. Surface Coating Limits:
   Bib materials must not use paint or coatings with lead content exceeding 90 ppm (0.009%) to prevent lead poisoning from children’s exposure to coated surfaces.

4. Total Lead Content Limit:
   All accessible components of bibs must have a total lead content not exceeding 100 ppm (0.01%), further ensuring protection against lead-related hazards.

5. Phthalate Content Limit:
   The content of the following eight specified phthalates must not exceed 0.1% (1000 ppm) individually:

• Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)

• Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)

• Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)

• Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)

• Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)

• Dipentyl phthalate (DPENP)

• Dihexyl phthalate (DHEXP)

• Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
  These substances pose potential risks to children’s reproductive and immune systems.

6. ASTM Standards (American Society for Testing and Materials):
   ASTM standards, particularly ASTM F963, address the physical and mechanical safety of children’s products. For bibs, this includes:

• Ensuring edges are smooth and free of burrs to prevent scratches.

• Verifying the secure attachment of components to avoid choking hazards from swallowing detached parts.

• Assessing overall structural integrity to prevent injuries during use.

Additional Considerations

• Testing Scope: Bibs may also require FDA 21 CFR testing for food contact safety if they come into contact with food or liquids, ensuring materials (e.g., silicone, plastic) are free of harmful substances like BPA.

• Labeling Requirements: Bibs must include permanent tracking labels (e.g., manufacturer, batch number, production date) and appropriate warnings (e.g., “Not suitable for children under 3 without adult supervision”).

• Third-Party Testing: Tests must be conducted by a CPSC-accredited or ISO 17025-certified laboratory to ensure credibility.

• Amazon Compliance: Amazon requires sellers to provide CPC certificates and test reports to verify compliance before listing bibs on the platform.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive CPC certification solutions for Amazon bibs. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.

As the world’s largest market for children’s consumer products, the United States enforces stringent safety regulations for children’s products. According to statistics, in 2023, over 60% of product recalls by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) involved Chinese products, with many cases attributed to missing certifications. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains what CPC certification entails and whether children’s water bottles require CPC testing.

What is CPC Certification?

CPC Certification (Children’s Product Certificate) is a mandatory safety certification in the United States for products intended for children aged 12 and under. It ensures compliance with CPSC safety standards, including the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), ASTM F963 (American Society for Testing and Materials standards), and other relevant regulations. As children’s water bottles and wash items come into direct contact with children, they must undergo CPC certification to demonstrate compliance with chemical, physical, and labeling safety requirements.

Is CPC Testing Required for Children’s Water Bottles?

Yes, children’s water bottles require CPC testing to verify compliance with CPSIA, ASTM F963 (if applicable), and FDA 21 CFR (for food contact materials). This ensures the absence of physical, chemical, or mechanical safety risks. As food contact products, children’s water bottles must prioritize material safety (e.g., BPA-free) and chemical migration limits (e.g., lead, phthalates).

CPC Testing Process for Children’s Water Bottles

1. Consultation and Preparation:
   Contact a CPSC-accredited third-party testing agency, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., and submit the product specifications, Bill of Materials (e.g., plastic, stainless steel, silicone), samples, and target market information (primarily the U.S.).

2. Sample Testing:
   A CPSC-accredited or ISO 17025-certified laboratory conducts chemical, physical, and food contact tests per CPSIA, ASTM F963, and FDA 21 CFR using equipment like XRF (X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer) and GC/MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry). Testing typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on material types and test scope.

3. Results Review:
   After testing, the company receives a test report. If non-compliance is identified, adjustments to materials (e.g., switching to BPA-free plastic) or design (e.g., reinforcing spouts) are required, followed by retesting.

4. CPC Certificate Preparation:
   The manufacturer or importer prepares the CPC certificate based on the test report, including:

• Product name and description (e.g., “Children’s Water Bottle, 350ml”).

• Manufacturer or importer information.

• Applicable test standards (e.g., CPSIA, ASTM F963, FDA 21 CFR 177).

• Test date, report number, and laboratory information.

• Tracking label information (e.g., batch number).

5. Market Access:
   Submit the CPC certificate and test report to meet U.S. market requirements, satisfying customs, retailers, or e-commerce platforms (e.g., Amazon).

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive CPC certification solutions for children’s water bottles. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.