Start with the article and its use
Describe the surfaces that touch food or drink, the temperatures, the type of food, and whether the article is intended for repeated use. Include the material, glaze, print, rim and lid. A report for an undecorated white mug is not automatically evidence for a decorated version. Ask the manufacturer to identify the exact article and document any differences.
Identify the market in the test request
For an EU order, identify the member state and material so the applicable EU framework, material-specific rules and national requirements can be checked. For a US order, ask for the regulatory basis covering the substances and their intended conditions of use, alongside any applicable article-specific evidence. An agency name or a factory audit alone does not establish compliance of every finished SKU.
Read a report alongside the sample
Compare the photograph or drawing, sample ID, colour, date, method and conditions with the item quoted. For ceramicware ask specifically about lead and cadmium release where applicable. If the activity is outside a report’s scope, agree on fresh testing before approval. When reports from SGS, Intertek or another laboratory are available, request the relevant SKU reference and check the issuing laboratory and scope.
Include in your enquiry
- Destination and intended food, contact duration and temperature
- Final article, body, coatings, decoration and sample ID
- Reported result, method, limits and whether a changed SKU needs new testing