Western tableware French DGCCRF certification report process
Date：2026-03-09 14:08:33 Classification
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Exporting Western style tableware (such as knives, forks, spoons, etc.) to France for DGCCRF certification is actually processing a test report that complies with French regulations on food contact materials. This process aims to demonstrate that the product will not release harmful substances that migrate into food when in contact with it.
1、 Certification Process Diagram
The entire process is usually divided into five steps:
1. Project consultation and application
The applicant submits an application to the testing agency to confirm the material, purpose, and export intention of the product (France).
Fill out the testing application form and provide detailed product information (such as material composition table, color, shape, etc.).
2. Quotation and Contract Signing
The testing agency determines the testing items (different testing items for different metal materials) based on the provided material information and provides a quotation.
After the applicant confirms the quotation, sign the service agreement and pay the fees.
3. Sample shipping
The applicant shall send samples according to the laboratory requirements.
Sample quantity: It is usually necessary to provide sufficient quantity for testing, and it is generally recommended to provide 3-5 complete finished products (if it is coated tableware, ensure that the coating is complete; if it is a combination of different materials, it may need to be split for testing).
4. Laboratory testing
Sample pretreatment: The laboratory cleans and prepares the samples.
Migration testing: Simulate actual usage conditions and soak the sample in food simulants (such as 3% acetic acid solution, simulating acidic food; or distilled water, simulating water-based food). Usually conducted at a specific temperature (such as 70 ° C or room temperature) and time (such as 24 hours).
Chemical analysis: detecting the migration of heavy metals and other specific substances in the soaking solution.
5. Report issuance
After passing the test, the laboratory will issue a DGCCRF compliance test report.
If the test fails, the process needs to be improved or the material needs to be replaced before retesting.
2、 Key testing items for Western tableware
Western tableware is mostly made of metal materials (stainless steel, silver plating, gold plating, alloys, etc.), and DGCCRF has stricter requirements for metal products than the EU general standards. The main testing items include:
1. Stainless steel tableware (common materials 18/10, 18/0, 13/0)
Specific element migration: detecting the precipitation amount of heavy metals such as chromium, nickel, and manganese.
Requirement: Must comply with the specific regulations of DGCCRF 2004-64 on stainless steel in France.
2. Plated tableware (silver plated, gold-plated knives and forks)
Coating integrity: Check whether the coating is dense and whether there are pores.
Substrate migration: If there are pores in the coating, it is necessary to detect the migration amount of heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, copper, zinc) in the substrate (usually copper zinc alloy or other metals).
3. Plastic handle tableware
In addition to the metal part, the plastic handle must comply with the requirements of plastic regulations, test the total migration amount and specific substance migration amount (such as formaldehyde, melamine, etc.).
3、 Required documents for processing
To ensure the accuracy and legal validity of the report, it is usually necessary to provide:
1. Product manual: including product name, model, and pictures.
2. Material Description: Detailed material composition table (such as stainless steel grades SUS304, SUS430, etc.). If it is a coated product, the coating material and thickness should be indicated.
3. Usage conditions: The expected usage environment of the product (such as whether it is used in a microwave oven, oven, type of food contact, etc.).
4、 Cycle and Validity Period
Testing cycle: usually 5-7 working days (calculated from the receipt of samples and confirmation of payment). If encountering special materials or testing failures that require retesting, the time may be extended.
Report validity period: The DGCCRF test report itself does not have strict validity period restrictions. As long as the material and production process of the product have not changed, and the regulations have not been updated, the report is usually valid for a long time. It is recommended to conduct annual or batch inspections to ensure continuous compliance.
5、 Special Reminder
1. Regulatory differences: The French DGCCRF has specific restrictions on the migration of manganese in metal tableware, which may have different levels of concern in other EU countries (such as Germany's LFGB), and therefore must be tested specifically for French standards.
2. Identification requirements: After obtaining the report, the product packaging or label usually needs to be printed with the "food contact symbol" (cup fork logo) and indicate "Conforme aux normales alimentaires" or similar statements.
Summary: The core of obtaining DGCCRF certification for Western tableware is to confirm the material and send it to a qualified laboratory for heavy metal migration testing. After passing the test and obtaining a report, it can be sold in the French market in compliance.
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