FAQ

With growing global attention to environmental protection and human health, SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing has become increasingly critical across various industries. For many manufacturers, understanding the update cycle of the SVHC list and compliance requirements for relevant industries has become essential. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing shares insights on food contact material testing and the process for handling LFGB testing for dough mixer inner liners.

What is Food Contact Material Testing?

Food contact material testing involves safety assessments of materials and articles that may come into direct or indirect contact with food. These materials include packaging, containers, or transport materials made from paper, bamboo, wood, metal, enamel, ceramics, plastics, rubber, natural fibers, chemical fibers, glass, and coatings that directly contact food or food additives. The primary goal of testing is to ensure that these materials do not transfer harmful substances to food under normal use conditions, thereby safeguarding consumer health.

The scope of food contact material testing typically includes migration testing, composition analysis of packaging materials, heavy metal and hazardous substance testing, physical performance testing, and microbial and contaminant testing. These tests aim to ensure that:

• Chemical substances in food contact materials do not migrate into food.

• Packaging materials do not contain prohibited substances or exceed specified limits.

• Heavy metals and other hazardous substances do not enter the human body through food.

• The physical properties of materials, such as heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and scratch resistance, meet required standards.

When conducting food contact material testing, compliance with national and regional regulatory standards is essential. For example, Japan requires compliance with LWA 370 for food contact materials, while Germany adheres to LFGB (the German Food, Commodities, and Feed Code). Additionally, the European Union has relevant standards and regulations, such as EC 1935/2004.

How to Handle LFGB Testing for Dough Mixer Inner Liners?

1. Understand LFGB Certification Requirements

LFGB, the German Food, Tobacco Products, Cosmetics, and Other Commodities Management Act, imposes stringent safety requirements on products that come into contact with food. These requirements cover material composition, migration testing, and sensory testing (odor and taste).

2. Choose a Certification Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive LFGB testing solutions to help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products are competitive globally.

3. Submit Product Samples and Documentation

Submit samples of the dough mixer inner liner along with relevant technical documentation, such as product manuals and material composition lists, as required by the certification agency. These materials will be used for a comprehensive evaluation of the product.

4. Conduct Testing

The certification agency will test the submitted dough mixer inner liner samples, including material composition analysis, migration testing, and sensory testing. The testing process strictly adheres to LFGB regulations to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.

5. Obtain the Test Report

If the product passes the tests, the certification agency will issue an official LFGB test report. This report certifies that the dough mixer inner liner complies with LFGB regulations and is suitable for sale in the German and EU markets.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, offers comprehensive LFGB testing solutions. 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 global concerns about environmental protection and human health continue to grow, SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing has become increasingly critical across industries. For manufacturers, understanding the SVHC candidate list updates and compliance requirements is now essential. Today, Huabiao Testing explains what SVHC testing entails and how to conduct SVHC testing for ink.

SVHC Testing Overview

SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing is a key component of the EU REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), aimed at identifying and controlling chemicals that may pose significant risks to human health or the environment. For inks used in printing (e.g., packaging, textiles, or labels), SVHC testing assesses the chemical composition, toxicity, and safety to ensure no harmful substances are released during production or use. This certification is essential for ink manufacturers seeking access to international markets, particularly the EU, ensuring compliance and consumer safety.

SVHC Candidate List

• Maintained by: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

• Status: As of January 2025, the list includes 247 substances (updated January 21, 2025, with the 33rd batch adding 5 substances).

• Characteristics: Substances are listed due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, reproductive toxicity, persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic (PBT/vPvB) properties.

• Examples Relevant to Ink:

• Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP): Used as plasticizers in ink formulations.

• Heavy Metals (e.g., lead, cadmium): Found in pigments or additives.

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Present in carbon-based inks or solvents.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): In solvents or drying agents.

• Azo Dyes: May release carcinogenic amines in colored inks.

Regulatory Requirements

• Concentration Threshold: If any SVHC exceeds 0.1% w/w in an article or preparation (e.g., ink), suppliers must notify downstream users (e.g., printers, retailers). If annual exports exceed 1 ton, notification to ECHA is required.

• Information Disclosure: Companies must respond to consumer or client inquiries about SVHCs within 45 days (REACH Article 33).

• Annex XVII Restrictions: Some ink-related substances (e.g., azo dyes ≤30 mg/kg, PAHs ≤1 mg/kg) are restricted under REACH Annex XVII.

• SCIP Database: Articles with SVHC >0.1% placed on the EU market must be reported to ECHA’s SCIP database.

How to Conduct SVHC Testing for Ink

1. Product Identification

• Determine SVHC Relevance: Identify if the ink may contain SVHC substances based on its composition. Common ink components at risk include:

• Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium in pigments or stabilizers.

• Phthalates: DEHP, DBP, BBP in flexible or UV-curable inks.

• PAHs: In carbon black or petroleum-based inks.

• VOCs: In solvent-based inks (e.g., toluene, xylene).

• Azo Compounds: In colored inks, potentially releasing carcinogenic amines.

• Ink Types: Assess water-based, solvent-based, UV-curable, or oil-based inks, as each may have different SVHC risks.

• Applications: Consider end-use (e.g., food packaging, children’s products, textiles), as food contact or children’s products require stricter testing (e.g., migration tests, EN 71-3).

2. Choose a Professional Testing Agency

• Consultation: Contact an accredited laboratory like Huabiao Testing to define the testing scope. Provide details on ink type, intended use (e.g., packaging, labels), and target markets (e.g., EU, U.S., Amazon).

• Accreditation: Ensure the lab is CMA/CNAS accredited for internationally recognized results, as offered by Huabiao Testing.

3. Submit Samples and Documentation

• Samples: Provide 2–3 ink samples (e.g., 100–200 mL per batch) or printed substrates (e.g., paper, plastic) if testing cured ink.

• Documentation: Submit:

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or composition list (pigments, solvents, additives).

• Manufacturing process details (e.g., curing method, drying agents).

• Intended use (e.g., food contact, children’s products) to determine additional tests (e.g., Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 for food contact).

4. Testing Analysis

• Testing Scope:

• Food Contact: Migration testing per EU No 1935/2004 or LFGB (e.g., ≤10 mg/dm²).

• Children’s Products: EN 71-3 (migration of 19 elements, e.g., lead ≤23.9 mg/kg) or CPSIA (lead ≤100 ppm, phthalates ≤0.1%).

• SVHC Screening: Test 20–50 high-risk substances (e.g., phthalates, heavy metals, PAHs) or all 247 SVHCs for strict clients or high-risk inks.

• Annex XVII: Test restricted substances relevant to inks (e.g., azo dyes ≤30 mg/kg, PAHs ≤1 mg/kg, DMF ≤0.1%).

• Additional Tests (if applicable):

• Methods:

• X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): Screens heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury).

• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS): Detects phthalates, PAHs, VOCs, and azo dyes.

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC): Analyzes formaldehyde, azo compounds, and polar SVHCs.

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Quantifies metals with high precision (detection limit 0.01 mg/kg).

• UV-Vis Spectrophotometry: Measures hexavalent chromium or specific dyes.

• Procedure:

• Liquid inks are tested directly; cured inks on substrates are extracted or scraped for analysis.

• Each component (e.g., pigment, solvent, additive) is assessed as a homogeneous material to ensure SVHC ≤0.1% w/w.

5. Report Issuance

• Report Content:

• Detailed results for each SVHC tested, including concentrations and compliance status (≤0.1% w/w).

• Annex XVII results (e.g., azo dyes, PAHs) with specific limits.

• Compliance statement for REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.

• Non-Compliance: If SVHC >0.1%, the lab provides reformulation guidance (e.g., substitute phthalates with safer plasticizers).

• Usage: The report supports:

• REACH Declaration of Conformity.

• SCIP database submission (if SVHC >0.1%).

• Buyer or platform requirements (e.g., Amazon EU).

6. Review and Submission

• Internal Review: Verify the report for accuracy and completeness.

• Submission: Provide the report to:

• EU regulators or notified bodies (if required).

• Downstream users (e.g., printers, retailers) to confirm compliance.

• E-commerce platforms like Amazon (for EU listings).

• SCIP Notification: If SVHC >0.1%, submit article details to ECHA’s SCIP database within 6 months of market placement.

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

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

As global awareness of health and environmental concerns continues to rise, the European Union introduced the REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation in 2007 to enhance the safety management of chemicals and reduce their impact on human health and the environment. REACH testing ensures that chemicals in manufactured and sold products comply with these requirements. Today, Huabiao Testing addresses whether crawling mats require CPC certification or REACH testing.

Should Crawling Mats Undergo CPC Certification or REACH Testing?

Crawling mats, commonly used by infants and young children, are subject to different regulatory requirements depending on the target market. Below is a detailed breakdown:

1. U.S. Market: CPC Certification

• Requirement: Crawling mats are typically considered children’s products (intended for children ≤12 years) under U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulations, requiring a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC).

• Regulatory Basis:

• Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA): Mandates compliance with safety standards for children’s products.

• ASTM F963: Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety (applicable if the mat is marketed as a play mat).

• 16 CFR Part 1303: Lead content in surface coatings (≤90 ppm).

• 16 CFR Part 1307: Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIBP, DnHP) ≤0.1% in accessible parts.

• Testing Scope:

• Lead: ≤100 ppm in substrates, ≤90 ppm in coatings.

• Phthalates (6P or 8P): ≤0.1% in plastics, foams, or coatings.

• Physical and Mechanical: No small parts, sharp edges, or choking hazards (ASTM F963).

• Chemical Safety:

• Flammability: Per 16 CFR 1500.3(c)(6)(vi) or ASTM F963, ensuring mats resist ignition.

• Sensory: No off-odors or harmful residues.

• CPC Process:

• Conduct third-party testing at a CPSC-accredited lab.

• Draft the CPC, including product details, test results, and lab information.

• Provide the CPC to distributors, retailers, or Amazon (for FBA compliance).

• Notes:

• Required for Amazon U.S. listings under the Children’s Product Policy.

• Testing focuses on infant safety (e.g., no toxic migration during mouthing).

2. EU Market: REACH Testing

• Requirement: Crawling mats must comply with the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006), requiring testing for SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) and Annex XVII restricted substances. If marketed as a toy, EN 71 testing may also apply.

• Regulatory Basis:

• EN 71-3: Migration of 19 elements (e.g., lead ≤23.9 mg/kg, cadmium ≤17 mg/kg).

• EN 71-9: Organic chemical compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, phthalates).

• Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP): ≤0.1% in toys/childcare articles.

• Azo dyes: ≤30 mg/kg in textiles (releases carcinogenic amines).

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): ≤0.5 mg/kg in plastics/rubber for children’s products.

• Formaldehyde: ≤30 mg/kg in textiles, ≤80 mg/kg in wood-based mats.

• Concentration >0.1% w/w requires notification to downstream users; >1 ton/year requires ECHA reporting.

• SVHC Candidate List: 247 substances (as of January 21, 2025, per ECHA’s 33rd batch update).

• Annex XVII: Restricts substances like:

• EN 71 (if toy):

• Testing Scope:

• SVHC Testing: Screen 20–50 high-risk substances (e.g., phthalates, formaldehyde, PAHs) or all 247 for strict clients.

• Annex XVII Testing: Test relevant restricted substances (e.g., 6P, azo dyes, PAHs).

• Physical (EN 71-1): No small parts or sharp edges (if toy).

• Chemical Migration: Ensure no harmful substances migrate during use (e.g., mouthing by infants).

• REACH Process:

• Test at an accredited lab for SVHC and Annex XVII compliance.

• Compile a technical file with test reports and material declarations.

• Notify downstream users if SVHC >0.1% and submit to ECHA’s SCIP database if applicable.

• Notes:

• CE marking may be required if classified as a toy, combining REACH and EN 71 results.

• Testing prioritizes infant safety due to prolonged skin contact and potential mouthing.

3. Multi-Market Compliance (U.S. and EU)

• Recommendation: Conduct both CPC certification and REACH testing to cover U.S. and EU markets, streamlining compliance for global sales, including platforms like Amazon and eBay.

• Overlap:

• Phthalates: Both CPSIA (6P/8P) and REACH Annex XVII (4P) limit phthalates to ≤0.1%, allowing shared testing.

• Lead: CPSIA (≤100 ppm) and EN 71-3 (≤23.9 mg/kg migration) can be tested concurrently.

• Formaldehyde: Tested under REACH (Annex XVII) and may align with CPSIA for sensory safety.

• Strategy:

• Perform comprehensive testing for phthalates, lead, formaldehyde, and PAHs to cover CPSIA, REACH, and EN 71 requirements.

• Include flammability (ASTM F963 for U.S., EN 71-2 for EU) and physical safety tests.

• Use a lab like Huabiao Testing to consolidate testing, reducing costs and time.

• Benefits:

• Meets Amazon’s U.S. (CPC) and EU (REACH, CE) listing requirements.

• Simplifies compliance for cross-border e-commerce.

How to Conduct CPC Certification and REACH Testing for Crawling Mats

1. Determine Testing Scope

• Material: Common crawling mat materials include EVA foam, PVC, polyester textiles, or polyethylene (PE).

• Use Case:

• U.S.: Children’s play mat (≤12 years) → CPC (CPSIA, ASTM F963, 16 CFR 1303/130

• EU: Play mat or toy → REACH (SVHC, Annex XVII) + EN 71 (if toy).

• Age Group: Infants (0–3 years) require mouthing tests (e.g., EN 71-3, CPSIA phthalates).

• Market:

• U.S.: CPSIA (lead, phthalates, flammability).

• EU: REACH (SVHC, Annex XVII), EN 71 (if toy).

• Multi-market: Combine CPSIA, REACH, and EN 71 for efficiency.

• Testing Items:

• CPC (U.S.): Lead, phthalates (6P/8P), flammability, physical safety.

• REACH (EU): 20–50 SVHCs (e.g., phthalates, formaldehyde, PAHs) or full 247, Annex XVII (e.g., 6P, azo dyes).

• EN 71 (EU, if toy): EN 71-1 (physical), EN 71-2 (flammability), EN 71-3 (chemical migration).

2. Choose a Professional Testing Agency

• Consultation: Contact an accredited lab like Huabiao Testing to define the testing scope based on material, use, and markets. Provide a bill of materials (BOM) detailing foam, textile, or coating components.

• Sample Submission: Submit 2–3 crawling mat samples (or material swatches) with documentation on additives, dyes, or manufacturing processes.

• Testing Execution:

• EN 71-3: Migration of 19 elements (e.g., lead ≤23.9 mg/kg) via ICP-MS.

• EN 71-2: Flammability (burn rate).

• EN 71-9: Organic compounds (e.g., formaldehyde ≤30 mg/kg).

• SVHC: Test 20–50 high-risk substances (e.g., DEHP, formaldehyde, PAHs) or all 247 using XRF (metals), GC-MS (organics), HPLC (azo dyes, formaldehyde), or ICP-MS (metals).

• Annex XVII: Test phthalates (≤0.1%), azo dyes (≤30 mg/kg), PAHs (≤0.5 mg/kg) using GC-MS or HPLC.

• Limit: SVHC ≤0.1% w/w; Annex XVII per substance-specific limits.

• Physical/Mechanical: ASTM F963 for small parts, sharp edges (drop tests, torque tests).

• Chemical:

• Flammability: Burn rate test per ASTM F963 or 16 CFR 1500.3.

• Methods: ICP-MS, GC-MS, flammability chambers.

• Lead: XRF or ICP-MS (≤100 ppm substrates, ≤90 ppm coatings).

• Phthalates: GC-MS (≤0.1% for 6P/8P).

• CPC Testing (U.S.):

• REACH Testing (EU):

• EN 71 Testing (if toy):

• Report Issuance:

• CPC: Receive a test report from a CPSC-accredited lab, draft the CPC, and provide it to distributors or Amazon.

• REACH: Receive a report confirming SVHC and Annex XVII compliance. If SVHC >0.1%, include SCIP database submission guidance.

• EN 71: Receive a report for CE marking (if toy).

• Compliance Documentation:

• U.S.: Issue CPC, retain test reports for 5 years.

• EU: Compile a technical file (REACH reports, EN 71 if applicable), issue a Declaration of Conformity for CE marking, and notify downstream users if SVHC >0.1%.

• Multi-Market: Combine CPC, REACH, and EN 71 reports for global compliance, ensuring Amazon/eBay requirements are met.

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive CPC certification and REACH testing solutions. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our testing data is accurate and reliable, and our reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products can be successfully sold globally.

Introduction

With rising global focus on health and environmental safety, crawling mats for infants must comply with strict regulations. This guide clarifies whether crawling mats require CPC certification or REACH testing, detailing requirements and processes for U.S. and EU markets.

Should Crawling Mats Undergo CPC Certification or REACH Testing?

1. U.S. Market: CPC Certification

• Requirement: Crawling mats, as children’s products (≤12 years), require a Children’s Product Certificate (CPC) per U.S. CPSC regulations.

• Regulations:

• CPSIA: Lead, phthalates, safety standards.

• ASTM F963: Toy safety (if play mat).

• 16 CFR 1303: Lead in coatings (≤90 ppm).

• 16 CFR 1307: Phthalates (6P/8P ≤0.1%).

• Testing:

• Physical: No small parts, sharp edges (ASTM F963).

• Chemical: Lead (≤100 ppm), phthalates (≤0.1%).

• Flammability: Per 16 CFR 1500.3 or ASTM F963.

• Process: Third-party testing, draft CPC, provide to retailers/Amazon.

2. EU Market: REACH Testing

• Requirement: Crawling mats need REACH (EC No 1907/2006) testing for SVHC (247 substances, January 2025) and Annex XVII restricted substances. Toys require EN 71.

• Regulations:

• SVHC: >0.1% w/w triggers notification; >1 ton/year requires ECHA reporting.

• Annex XVII: Phthalates (≤0.1%), azo dyes (≤30 mg/kg), PAHs (≤0.5 mg/kg), formaldehyde (≤30 mg/kg textiles).

• EN 71: Physical (EN 71-1), flammability (EN 71-2), chemical (EN 71-3).

• Testing:

• SVHC: 20–50 or 247 substances.

• Annex XVII: Phthalates, azo dyes, PAHs.

• EN 71-3: Lead (≤23.9 mg/kg), cadmium (≤17 mg/kg).

• Process: Test, compile technical file, submit to SCIP if needed, issue CE mark (if toy).

3. Multi-Market Compliance

• Strategy: Combine CPC and REACH testing, leveraging overlaps (phthalates, lead, formaldehyde).

• Benefits: Meets Amazon U.S. (CPC) and EU (REACH/CE) requirements, simplifies global sales.

How to Conduct Testing

1. Determine Scope:

• Materials: EVA foam, PVC, textiles.

• Markets: U.S. (CPC), EU (REACH, EN 71).

• Tests: Lead, phthalates, flammability, SVHC, Annex XVII.

2. Consult: Contact Huabiao Testing with material details.

3. Submit Samples: Provide 2–3 mats.

4. Testing:

• CPC: ICP-MS (lead), GC-MS (phthalates), flammability tests.

• REACH: XRF, GC-MS, HPLC for SVHC/Annex XVII.

• EN 71: ICP-MS, burn rate tests.

5. Report/Documentation: Issue CPC, REACH reports, CE mark (if toy).

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

Huabiao Testing offers comprehensive CPC and REACH solutions with an experienced team and advanced equipment. Accredited with CMA/CNAS, our reliable data and internationally recognized reports help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and succeed globally.

Introduction

With increasing global focus on health and environmental safety, the EU’s REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) ensures chemical safety in products. REACH testing verifies compliance, particularly for non-metal components prone to containing hazardous substances. This guide explains REACH testing and how to conduct it for non-metal components.

What is REACH Testing?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation to manage chemical safety, reducing risks to health and the environment. REACH testing assesses products for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and Annex XVII restricted substances.

Non-Metal Components

Non-metal components (e.g., plastics, textiles, foam, wood, rubber) in products like toys, bags, or gloves may contain:

• Phthalates: In PVC.

• Formaldehyde: In textiles, wood.

• Azo Dyes: In fabrics.

• PAHs: In rubber/plastics.

Testing Focus: 247 SVHCs (January 2025) and Annex XVII substances, ensuring concentrations ≤0.1% w/w for SVHCs.

Regulations

• SVHC: 247 substances (ECHA, January 21, 2025).

• 0.1% w/w requires downstream notification; >1 ton/year requires ECHA reporting.

• Annex XVII: Restricts substances like:

• Phthalates (DEHP, DBP): ≤0.1% in toys.

• Azo Dyes: ≤30 mg/kg in textiles.

• DMF: ≤0.1% in foam.

• PAHs: ≤1 mg/kg in plastics.

• Others: EN 71-3 (toys), EU No 1935/2004 (food contact).

How to Conduct REACH Testing for Non-Metal Components

1. Determine Testing Scope

• Materials: Plastics (PVC, PP), textiles (polyester), foam (EVA), wood (MDF), rubber.

• Uses:

• Children’s products: Stricter testing (e.g., phthalates, formaldehyde).

• Food contact: Migration tests.

• Consumer goods: High-risk SVHCs.

• Age Groups: 0–3 years (bite tests) or adults.

• Testing:

• Screening: 20–50 SVHCs + 5–10 Annex XVII substances.

• Comprehensive: 247 SVHCs + Annex XVII.

• Markets:

• EU: REACH (SVHC + Annex XVII).

• US: CPSIA, California Proposition 65 (some overlap, e.g., phthalates).

2. Testing Process

• Consult: Contact an accredited lab (e.g., Huabiao Testing) with material details.

• Submit Samples: Provide 2–3 samples with documentation.

• Testing:

• SVHC: XRF (metals), GC-MS (phthalates, PAHs), HPLC (azo dyes, formaldehyde), ICP-MS (metals).

• Annex XVII: GC-MS, HPLC, UV-Vis for restricted substances.

• Others: EN 71-3, food contact tests if needed.

• Report: Receive compliance report; reformulate if non-compliant.

• Documentation: Compile technical file, notify downstream users if SVHC >0.1%, submit to ECHA’s SCIP database if required.

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

Huabiao Testing offers comprehensive REACH testing solutions with an experienced team and advanced equipment. Accredited with CMA/CNAS, our reliable data and internationally recognized reports help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and succeed globally.

Introduction

Cutlery, such as knives and forks, directly contacts food, making material safety critical for consumer health. International food safety standards require rigorous testing to prevent harmful substance migration. This guide outlines the testing requirements for food contact materials in cutlery and the process to conduct such tests.

Testing Requirements for Cutlery Food Contact Materials

Testing ensures cutlery (e.g., stainless steel, plastic-handled, or coated) is safe under various conditions. Key components include:

1. Physical Performance Testing

• Abrasion Resistance:

• Uses Taber Abrasion Tester to simulate wear.

• Ensures coatings remain intact, preventing exposure of unsafe materials.

• Temperature Resistance:

• Tests at -20°C to 120°C to confirm structural stability.

• Verifies no cracking or substance release in hot/cold conditions.

• Edge Sharpness:

• Measures blade angle with laser goniometers.

• Ensures safety and functionality.

2. Chemical Migration Testing

• Overall Migration:

• Simulants (EU No 10/2011): 3% acetic acid (acidic), 10%–50% ethanol (alcoholic), olive oil (fatty).

• Conditions: 40°C for 10 days or 70°C for 2 hours.

• Limit: ≤10 mg/dm².

• Specific Migration:

• Heavy Metals (ICP-MS): Lead ≤0.01 mg/kg, Nickel ≤0.14 mg/kg.

• Formaldehyde (Spectrophotometry): ≤0.1 mg/kg.

• Primary Aromatic Amines (GC-MS): ≤0.01 mg/kg.

3. Residual Substance Analysis

• Solvent Residues: Headspace GC-MS for VOCs.

• Disinfectant Residues: Quantifies sodium hypochlorite.

4. Microbial Testing

• Total Bacterial Count: Per GB 4789.2 or ISO 4833-1.

• Mold/Yeast: Selective media cultivation.

• Pathogens: Screens for Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus.

Regulations

• EU: (EC) No 1935/2004, (EU) No 10/2011, (EC) No 2023/2006.

• Germany: LFGB Sections 30/31, DIN 51032.

• Standards: EN 1186, ISO 8442-2.

How to Conduct Food Contact Material Testing

Huabiao Testing offers a “5-Day Express Certification” service:

1. Day 1: Receive 2–3 samples; confirm testing scope.

2. Days 2–3: Conduct physical, chemical, and microbial tests.

3. Day 4: Validate results; retest anomalies.

4. Day 5: Issue accredited report.

Why Choose Huabiao（GIG） Testing?

Huabiao（GIG） Testing provides comprehensive testing solutions with an experienced team and advanced equipment. Accredited with CMA/CNAS, our reliable data and internationally recognized reports help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and succeed globally.