When sourcing kitchenware or other food-contact products, many buyers require specific certifications to comply with regulations in their target markets. However, determining the right certification for a product can be challenging. This blog will guide you through the key factors in identifying certification needs, how to match products with the correct standards, and how suppliers can support the certification process.
1. How to Determine if a Product Needs Certification?
Before requesting a quote with certification requirements, buyers should consider the following factors:
- Material Composition: Different materials have different regulations. For example:
- Plastics & Silicone → EU No 10/2011, FDA 21 CFR 177, LFGB (Germany)
- Metal (Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Zinc Alloy, etc.) → EU 1935/2004, FDA 21 CFR
- Wood & Bamboo → Specific national regulations or general food safety guidelines
- Coatings & Paints → FDA 21 CFR 175.300 (for coatings), EN 1186 (for migration tests in the EU)
- Intended Use: Will the product be in direct contact with food? Items like spatulas, ladles, or food storage containers must comply with food contact safety regulations, whereas decorative kitchen accessories may not require strict certification.
- Target Market: Different regions have different certification requirements:
- United States → FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance
- European Union → EU 1935/2004 for general food contact materials, EU 10/2011 for plastics, LFGB for Germany
- China → GB standards for food contact safety
- Other Countries → May follow EU, US, or local regulations
2. How to Find the Right Certification Standard?
Once you identify that certification is needed, the next step is to determine the correct standard. Here are some ways to find out:
- Official Regulatory Websites:
- US FDA: www.fda.gov
- European Commission for Food Safety: ec.europa.eu
- German BfR (For LFGB compliance): www.bfr.bund.de
- Industry Associations & Testing Labs:
- Many third-party testing labs, such as SGS, TÜV, Intertek, provide certification services and can advise on required standards.
- Checking Existing Certifications:
- Some suppliers may already have certifications for similar products. Ask them if they have an existing test report that matches your needs.
3. How Suppliers Can Support the Certification Process?
Once a buyer confirms the certification requirements, suppliers need to work closely to ensure compliance. Here’s how suppliers can help:
- Providing Material Documentation: Suppliers should have MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets), RoHS compliance, and previous test reports ready to share.
- Performing Pre-Testing: Before committing to expensive certification tests, suppliers can conduct internal checks using migration tests or heavy metal analysis to ensure the product is likely to pass.
- Arranging Third-Party Testing: If certification is required, suppliers can coordinate with certified labs like SGS, TÜV, or Bureau Veritas for official testing.
- Customizing Certification Based on Buyer Needs: If a buyer requires EU No 10/2011 certification but the supplier only has FDA testing, they may need to submit samples for additional testing. Buyers and suppliers should clarify who bears the cost of new tests.
4. Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
- “The certification requested does not match the product’s material.”
- Solution: Double-check the material and suggest an alternative certification that is applicable.
- “The supplier does not have existing certification.”
- Solution: Request a quote for testing and negotiate cost-sharing if required.
- “The testing process is too long and delays production.”
- Solution: Plan ahead and verify certifications early in the sourcing process.
Conclusion
Understanding certification requirements is crucial in international trade, especially for food-contact products. Buyers should determine certification needs based on material, market regulations, and intended use. Suppliers should proactively provide documentation, conduct pre-tests, and collaborate with third-party labs to obtain the necessary certification. With proper planning, both buyers and suppliers can ensure compliance while streamlining the sourcing process.
If you have any questions about product certification or need help sourcing certified kitchenware, feel free to reach out to us!