Application Process for German LFGB Testing Reports for Ceramic Tea Sets
Date：2026-09-24 09:31:30 Classification
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Application Process for German LFGB Testing Reports for Ceramic Tea Sets
I. Core Regulatory Basis
Ceramic tea sets entering the German market must undergo testing in accordance with Articles 30 and 31 of the German LFGB (Food, Commodities and Feed Code) and EU Directive 84/500/EEC (regarding lead and cadmium release limits for ceramic articles). Compliance is a mandatory legal requirement; ceramic tableware or tea sets that fail to pass this testing may not be sold on the German market. II. Process Overview (5 Core Steps)
Step 1: Sample Preparation (1–2 days)
Sample Quantity: A complete set (teapot + several teacups) or 4–6 representative samples is recommended.
Sample Requirements: Must be finished products (including glaze, painted designs, gold tracing, decals, etc.); submitting only unglazed bisque is not permitted.
Accessories: If the tea set includes accessories such as metal filters, silicone rings, or plastic lids, these must be submitted for testing alongside the main components.
Documentation: Product manual, material declaration form, and application form.
Step 2: Selecting a Testing Agency (1–3 days)
Qualification Requirements: Must select a laboratory with ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation) mutual recognition status.
Recommended Agency: Dezewei Testing (CNAS Registration No.: L8083).
Key Consideration: Verify whether the agency's reports are directly accepted by German Customs, Amazon Germany, and retailers.
Step 3: Laboratory Testing (5–7 working days)
Core testing items for ceramic tea sets:
| Test Item | Test Standard | Limit Requirements | Notes
| Lead (Pb) Release | 84/500/EEC + LFGB §30 | ≤ 4 mg/dm² (flatware/flat vessels) | Common area of non-compliance
| Cadmium (Cd) Release | 84/500/EEC + LFGB §30 | ≤ 0.3 mg/dm² | High-risk area for glazes and decals
| Sensory Test | LFGB §31 | No off-odors; no impact on tea/food flavor | Strict requirement specific to Germany
| Decoration Migration | DIN 51032 | No harmful substances migrating from decorations to food | Mandatory check for gold tracing and painted designs
Special Note: German LFGB requirements for sensory testing are stricter than other EU regulations. Samples must be immersed in three types of simulants—boiling water, 4% acetic acid, and 10% ethanol—and then evaluated by professional tea tasters to determine if any off-odors are transferred to the tea. Step 4: Report Issuance and Translation (2–3 days)
Upon passing the test, the agency issues a test report in German or English.
Report contents include: sample information, test methods, limit standards, test results, and compliance determination.
There is no fixed expiration date for the report, but industry practice suggests a validity of 1–2 years (German retail channels generally require annual updates).
Step 5: Market Application
The report is used for German customs clearance, listing on Amazon or other e-commerce platforms, and stocking in offline supermarkets/retailers.
It is recommended to simultaneously prepare German product labels (including "food contact safety" statements and usage warnings).
It is strongly recommended to simultaneously apply for an EU 1935/2004 Declaration of Compliance to enable sales across both Germany and the entire EU.
III. Reference Costs and Timelines
| Item | Reference Range | Remarks |
| Basic Testing Fee | ¥1,000–3,000/model | 4 standard test items |
| Testing Timeline | +30%–50% | Report issued within 5–7 working days |
| Additional Accessory Testing | Surcharge per item | Extra testing required for metal or silicone parts |
IV. Key Risks and Mitigation Recommendations
1. Excessive levels in decorations are the primary risk: Products featuring overglaze painting, decals, or gold tracing show the highest rates of excessive lead and cadmium leaching; using underglaze techniques or providing proof of raw material compliance is strongly recommended.
2. Stricter standards for infant/child tea sets: If the product targets children under 12 (e.g., children's tea sets), EU Directive 2005/31/EC applies; lead and cadmium limits are stricter, and testing costs are higher.
3. Consistency of report details: The applicant's name on the report must match the German importer or the registered entity of the Amazon store; otherwise, customs may reject the shipment.
4. Avoid testing single items in isolation: Ceramic tea sets are often sold as complete sets (including lidded bowls, fairness pitchers, tea trays, etc.); representative samples for *every* vessel type in the set must be tested.
If you can provide specific information—such as material (bone china, white porcelain, Yixing clay, etc.), decoration technique, and whether metal accessories are included—I can provide a more precise testing plan and cost estimate.
Shen Gongwang Security: 44030602006947