What Is a Declaration of Compliance for Ceramics?
It is a written statement confirming that a ceramic article meets Directive 84/500/EEC and Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004. Directive 84/500/EEC limits how much lead and cadmium may migrate from ceramics into food. The declaration must identify the producer and any EU importer, the article itself, and the date. Article 2a requires it at every marketing stage up to and including retail.
Which Products Need This Declaration?
Any ceramic article intended to come into contact with food needs one, such as mugs, cups, plates, bowls, teapots and serving dishes. Purely decorative ceramics do not. The declaration must be renewed when a change in production, such as a new glaze or decoration, affects lead or cadmium migration.
What Are the Lead and Cadmium Limits?
Directive 84/500/EEC sets maximum quantities of lead and cadmium that may migrate from a ceramic article. The limits depend on the shape and use of the article, which is why the Directive divides articles into three categories. A standard mug, for example, falls into category 2:
- Category 1: flat articles and articles with an internal depth of 25 mm or less. Lead 0.8 mg/dm², cadmium 0.07 mg/dm².
- Category 2: all other articles that can be filled, such as mugs and bowls. Lead 4.0 mg/l, cadmium 0.3 mg/l.
- Category 3: cooking ware, and packaging and storage vessels over 3 litres. Lead 1.5 mg/l, cadmium 0.1 mg/l.
Since 29 May 2026, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg apply much lower national limits. For category 2 these are 30 µg/l for lead and 20 µg/l for cadmium. If you sell in these countries, check that your test report’s detection limits are low enough to show compliance with these limits.
How Do I Fill In the Template?
Enter the producer, meaning the company that actually manufactures the finished article. Add the EU importer if there is one. Identify the article by product name, model number and batch, and describe its glaze and decoration, because a test result only applies to that combination. The declaration is then dated and signed by the manufacturer or an EU-based seller.
Do I Need Test Reports as Well?
Yes. A signed declaration alone does not prove compliance. The manufacturer or EU importer must be able to show authorities a lead and cadmium migration test report for the exact article. That report must include the test conditions and the laboratory’s name and address. Not sure your documents are sufficient? Have your product compliance checked.
Download
The Word version lets you fill in the declaration digitally. Prefer to complete it by hand? Print the PDF, fill it in and sign it. For related documents, see all food contact templates and symbols.
Declaration_of_Compliance_Ceramics.docxDeclaration_of_Compliance_Ceramics.pdf
