French DGCCRF testing process for vacuum bag food packaging
Date：2026-05-20 09:27:17 Classification
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Vacuum Bag Food Packaging French DGCCRF Testing Process
I. Preliminary Consultation and Solution Confirmation
First, it is necessary to communicate with a third-party organization with DGCCRF testing qualifications (DEZEW Testing CNAS Registration No.: L8083). The core task at this stage is to clarify the specific specifications of the product, raw material composition, usage scenarios, and regulatory requirements of the target market. The testing organization will assess the applicable testing standards and item list based on the vacuum bag's material type (e.g., PA/PE, PET/PE multi-layer co-extruded structure), the type of food to be in contact (acidic, oily, alcoholic, etc.), and the actual usage conditions (room temperature, refrigeration, freezing, or heating). Simultaneously, the organization will provide a detailed quotation and sample requirements. After confirmation by both parties, a testing service contract will be signed. It is recommended to request a French regulatory compliance assessment plan from the organization at this stage, clearly specifying the specific items to be tested and the corresponding EU and French regulatory clauses.
II. Document Preparation and Sample Submission
Companies need to prepare complete technical documentation for the testing agency's review, mainly including: a raw material composition table for the vacuum bag (detailing the chemical names, CAS numbers, and additive lists of each layer of material), a production process description, product design drawings or specifications, previous test reports (if any), product instructions, and packaging labeling information. Regarding sample preparation, a sufficient number of representative samples are usually required to meet the needs of multiple migration tests. Different food simulant tests require independent samples, with the sample quantity typically ranging from 10 to 30 depending on the number of test items. Samples must be kept in their original packaging state and clearly labeled with product specifications, batch number, and submitter information. If the vacuum bag comes in multiple specifications or colors, it needs to be confirmed whether separate testing is required or if the most stringent conditions can be used for representative testing.
III. Laboratory Testing Implementation
This is the core of the entire process. The laboratory will conduct various tests according to the predetermined testing plan.
Step 1: Sample Pretreatment and Condition Setting. Laboratory staff set test parameters based on the product's expected usage conditions, including contact temperature, contact time, and the selection of food simulant types. EU No. 10/2011 specifies standard testing conditions; the most stringent conditions must be selected based on the actual usage scenario.
Step Two: Comprehensive Migration Test. The vacuum-packed sample is placed in a specific food simulant for a migration test, and the total migration amount is determined (expressed as mg/dm² or mg/kg). After the test, the simulant is evaporated and the residue is weighed to ensure it does not exceed the limit of 10 mg/dm². If the product is expected to come into contact with oily foods, supplementary testing using 95% ethanol or isooctane as a simulant is required.
Step Three: Specific Migration Test. Quantitative detection is performed on potentially hazardous substances present in the raw materials. The French DGCCRF focuses on the following: heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, barium, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, zinc, etc., totaling 13 metals), primary aromatic amines (from azo dyes or polyurethane adhesives, potentially exceeding the detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg), phthalate plasticizers, bisphenol A and its derivatives, nonylphenol, octylphenol, and other endocrine disruptors. The testing methods typically employ high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Step 4: Sensory Characteristic Evaluation. Sensory testing is conducted to evaluate the impact of the vacuum bag on the odor and taste of the food, ensuring that the packaging does not alter the original characteristics of the food. Some institutions use professional review panels for subjective evaluation, while others use instrumental analysis methods for objective determination.
IV. Report Preparation and Technical Review
After completing all testing items, the laboratory's technical staff prepares a test report based on the test data. The report must include: basic information and qualification certificates of the testing institution, client and sample information, the standards and methods used for testing, detailed testing conditions and result data, and explanations of result judgment and conclusions. DGCCRF test reports are usually in trilingual (Chinese, English, and French) or bilingual format for ease of use by companies in customs clearance and trade. After the report is prepared, it must be reviewed and confirmed by the technical manager to ensure the accuracy of the data and the reliability of the conclusions. For cases where the test results are non-compliant, the testing institution will communicate with the company in advance. The company can choose to adjust the product formula and resubmit for testing, or truthfully reflect the problems in the report and attach rectification suggestions.
V. Certificate Issuance and After-Sales Service
Products that pass the inspection will receive an official DGCCRF conformity test report or certificate. The report typically includes a template for a Declaration of Conformity, which the company can use to issue an official DOC document bearing the company seal, which will be provided to the French importer or distributor along with the product. The certificate is generally valid for 3 to 5 years, but if the product formula, manufacturing process, or regulatory requirements change, retesting is required promptly. It is recommended that companies establish a record management system to properly preserve test reports, original data, and production records for easy inspection by regulatory authorities or to address market feedback issues.
Important Notes
The French DGCCRF conducts frequent enforcement inspections of food contact materials. It is recommended to choose a testing organization with internationally accredited qualifications (such as CNAS, ISO 17025) (e.g., Dezewei Testing CNAS registration number: L8083).
The testing cycle is typically 5 to 7 working days. If complex multi-layered materials or multiple specific migration tests are involved, it may extend to 10 working days.
Some vacuum bag products may also need to meet EU REACH regulations regarding SVHC restrictions. It is recommended to consider all factors to avoid duplicate testing.
Before exporting, be sure to confirm the specific product specifications and compliance document list with the French buyer. Different customers may have additional requirements.
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