When ceramics are sold as food contact materials in the European market, they need to follow the relevant EU regulations and testing procedures to ensure product safety and compliance. The following is an overview of the EU food contact material testing process for ceramics:

1. Understand the relevant EU regulations

First of all, you need to understand the EU regulations on food contact materials, such as the EU's Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 and its subsequent revised regulations, as well as restrictions on specific substances, such as REACH regulations. These regulations specify requirements for chemical migration, physical properties, microbiology, etc. of food contact materials.

2. Determine testing items and standards

According to relevant EU regulations, testing items required for ceramic food contact materials include but are not limited to:

Heavy metal migration test: Migration test of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and other heavy metals to ensure that these heavy metals will not migrate into food under normal and foreseeable conditions of use.

Organic matter migration test: Conduct organic matter migration test on organic pigments, adhesives, etc. that may be used in ceramic surface coatings or decorations to ensure that the release of harmful substances is below the safety limit.

Physical performance tests: such as scratch and abrasion resistance tests, thermal shock resistance tests, etc., to evaluate the durability and stability of ceramic products.

Microbiology testing: Detection of pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella to ensure product hygiene and safety.

3. Select certification agency

Choose a qualified certification agency for testing. The certification body should have professional knowledge and laboratory facilities in the relevant fields and be able to conduct tests in accordance with relevant EU regulations and standards.

4. Submit application and prepare samples

Submit an application to the certification body and provide necessary product information, such as product description, instructions for use, etc. At the same time, prepare samples that meet the testing requirements to ensure that the samples can represent the actual products produced.

5. Conduct testing

The certification body will test the samples, including chemical migration testing, physical performance testing, microbiological testing, etc. During the testing process, the certification body will conduct tests in accordance with relevant regulations and standards and record the test results.

6. Evaluate test results and issue reports

The certification body will evaluate the test results and issue a test report if the test results meet the requirements of relevant EU regulations and standards. The test report should include product information, test items, test methods, test results, etc.

7. Apply for CE mark

For products that comply with relevant EU regulations and standards, you can apply for the CE mark. The CE mark is an important passport for products to enter the European market, indicating that the product meets the EU's safety requirements.

8. Precautions

Maintain communication with the certification body: During the testing process, maintain close communication with the certification body to keep abreast of the testing progress and test results.

Ensure sample authenticity: The samples provided should truly reflect the actual products produced to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.

Pay attention to regulatory updates: Relevant EU regulations and standards may be constantly updated and revised. You should pay attention to the updates of relevant regulations to ensure that products always meet the latest requirements.

Through the above process, ceramic food contact materials can complete the EU's testing requirements and obtain corresponding safety certifications, thereby being legally sold in the European market.