If you source ceramic tableware for retail, hospitality, or private label brands, you’ve probably seen the terms lead-safe, cadmium-safe, or food-safe countless times.
For buyers importing into the European Union, United States, or Australia, understanding the basics of lead and cadmium compliance can help avoid costly mistakes during product development and sourcing.
Why Lead and Cadmium Are Regulated
Lead and cadmium are naturally occurring metals that have historically been used in ceramic glazes and decorative pigments. Certain colors particularly bright reds, oranges, and yellows have traditionally relied on compounds containing these metals to achieve specific visual effects.
The concern is whether they can migrate or leak from the ceramic surface into food or beverages during normal use.
Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar, wine, or tomato-based products can increase the potential for migration, which is why food-contact regulations focus on testing what leaves the glaze rather than simply measuring what is present inside it.
Read more: Migration from food contact material – Finnish Food Authority
For this reason, modern regulations evaluate ceramic products through migration testing rather than ingredient declarations alone.
How Ceramic Tableware Is Tested
Although requirements vary by market, the principle is largely the same.
The testing method defined by ****ASTM C738-94(2020) evaluates how much lead and cadmium could potentially migrate from a ceramic glaze when it comes into contact with acidic foods or beverages. The test exposes a ceramic sample to an acetic acid solution under controlled conditions, simulating a worst-case food-contact scenario. The extraction solution is then analyzed using highly sensitive laboratory methods to determine the amount of lead and cadmium released from the glaze. These results are used to verify whether the product meets applicable food-safety standards.
Read more: ASTM C738-94 Explained: Test Methods & Compliance | QIMA
In Europe, ceramic food-contact articles are regulated under specific legislation that establishes migration limits and testing requirements for ceramic products intended to come into contact with food.
Similar migration-based approaches are used in other major markets, including the United States and Australia.
At Minh Tien Ceramic, our ceramic products have been tested by Bureau Veritas in accordance with ASTM F963-17 requirements for soluble heavy metals.
The test results showed that lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg),… were not detected within the laboratory’s reporting limits, and the tested sample passed all applicable requirements. These results form part of our commitment to product safety, quality control, and compliance for international markets.
What Buyers Should Ask Their Manufacturer
Before approving a production order, request documentation that clearly identifies:
| Questions | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Was this test performed on the same glaze used for my order? | Different glazes require separate validation |
| How old is the test report? | Older reports may not reflect current production conditions |
| Which laboratory issued the report? | Independent accredited labs provide stronger traceability |
| Does the report cover my product category? | A mug and a dinner plate may be subject to different requirements |
| Has the glaze formulation changed since testing? | Any formulation change may require retesting |
Compliance Starts During Sampling
At Minh Tien Ceramic, compliance is considered during product development rather than after production has already begun.
When new glazes or custom finishes are developed for a project, migration testing is recommended for the approval process before production moves forward.
This helps ensure that the glaze selected for aesthetics can also meet the requirements of the target market.
For brands selling into regulated markets, Minh Tien Ceramic works with designers and brand founders to guarantee product compliance and safety early in the development phase.
Download our test results for our signature Dark Green Translucent glaze on tableware
