Why material evidence is the starting point
(‘Cookware is made from materials that touch food, so the base material has to be identified before anything else can be checked. A stainless steel pan should come with a mill certificate or material certificate naming the grade, such as 304 or 201, with the composition. The grade determines corrosion behavior, appearance and suitability for food contact.’, ‘The useful check is to compare the certificate with the product specification. If the order says 304 stainless steel and the certificate says a different grade, the certificate and the product disagree, and that is a question for the supplier, not a detail to skip.’)
Food-contact test reports
(‘Food-contact test reports measure migration: how much of the material moves into food or food simulants under test conditions. The test standards differ by market, so the report should be issued against the standard your destination requires, such as the EU food-contact framework or the US FDA regulations for food contact substances.’, ‘Ask for the test report that matches your product construction. A coating, a gasket or a handle material can each have its own migration behavior, so the report should cover the parts that touch food.’)
Market-specific documents
| Market | Documents commonly requested | What they cover |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | Declaration of compliance, test reports under EU food-contact framework | Migration limits for the materials used |
| United States | FDA compliance statements or test data for food contact substances | Compliance of materials with FDA regulations |
| Other markets | Local food-contact or consumer safety certificates | Market-specific requirements |
What to ask the supplier for
- Material certificate for the grade stated in the order
- Food-contact test report against the destination standard
- Declaration of compliance where the market requires it
- Test reports for coatings, gaskets and handles that touch food
- The product model and production date covered by the reports
The documents need to trace to the product. A generic certificate for the factory is not the same as a report for your SKU.
How to check the documents
(‘Check three things: the product description on the report matches your product, the standard named is the one your market requires, and the issuing laboratory or body is identifiable. If a document looks generic, ask the supplier to explain which product and production batch it covers.’, ‘Keep the documents in the order file. They are what customs, retailers and brand owners ask for when the goods arrive.’)
Related reading: cookware products · cookware material compliance.
FAQ
Is a material certificate the same as a food-safety certificate?
No. The material certificate identifies the grade and composition. The food-contact test report shows the migration behavior. You usually need both for cookware.
Which standard should my cookware test report follow?
It depends on the destination market. EU markets commonly follow the EU food-contact framework; the US market looks at FDA regulations for food contact substances. Confirm the requirement with your buyer or importer.
What if the supplier cannot provide the test report?
Treat it as a risk, not a detail. Food-contact compliance is difficult to fix after production. Ask for the report before the order, or for a clear written plan of how it will be provided for your batch.
Talk to Kitchenware Sourcing about requesting and checking the right material and compliance documents for your cookware order.