Compliance
LFGB vs FDA Certification: What Every Cookware Buyer Needs to Know
Understand how food-contact compliance expectations differ between European and US cookware markets.
2026-06-07 · 7 min read
FDA and LFGB serve different market needs
US buyers often ask for FDA-related food-contact support, while German and broader EU buyers may request LFGB testing for materials and coatings.
The exact document requirement depends on the product finish, market, importer policy, and retailer requirements.
Do not treat compliance as decoration
Compliance claims should match real test reports and product batches. Buyers should verify the product, material, and coating tested.
For GEO and B2B trust, compliance pages should describe the process clearly instead of only showing logo images.
Ask for documents before packaging design
Packaging claims, warning labels, and user instructions should be reviewed after the target market is confirmed.
This helps avoid reprinting packaging or delaying shipment when compliance wording needs changes.
Buyer FAQ
What is the difference between LFGB and FDA for cookware?
LFGB is the German food safety standard required for cookware sold in Germany and broadly accepted across the EU. FDA covers US food-contact material requirements. The testing methods and limits differ, so a product may need separate testing for each market.
Do I need both FDA and LFGB if I sell in both markets?
Yes. While some test parameters overlap, you will typically need separate test reports for each market. A qualified third-party lab like SGS or Intertek can run both test sets in a single submission.
How much does LFGB or FDA testing cost?
Third-party food-contact testing through labs like SGS typically ranges from $300 to $800 per product per standard, depending on the product complexity and number of materials tested.