GB 4806 Food Contact Testing — China Food Contact Material Compliance
GB 4806 testing refers to compliance assessment under the GB 4806 series of national food safety standards of China. These standards regulate materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, ensuring that they are safe for consumers under normal or foreseeable conditions of use.
Compliance with GB 4806 is mandatory for food contact materials and products manufactured in or imported into China.
Regulatory Background
The GB 4806 series is issued under China’s Food Safety Law and administered by Chinese regulatory authorities responsible for food safety supervision.
GB 4806 standards define general safety principles, material-specific requirements, testing methods, and usage limitations for food contact materials.
GB 4806 plays a role comparable to FDA food contact regulations in the United States and LFGB / EU food contact requirements in Europe.
Applicable Product Scope
GB 4806 testing applies to a wide range of food contact materials and articles, including:
Food packaging materials and containers
Kitchenware and tableware
Food processing and handling equipment components
Plastic, rubber, silicone, paper, and coated materials
Metal, ceramic, glass, and composite products
Baby feeding and drinkware products
Both finished products and raw materials may require evaluation.
Structure of the GB 4806 Standard Series
The GB 4806 framework consists of a general standard, material-specific standards, and supporting test methods, including:
GB 4806.1 — General safety requirements for food contact materials and articles
Material-specific standards (e.g. plastics, rubber, coatings, paper, metals)
Supporting GB test methods for migration, chemical analysis, and sensory evaluation
The applicable standards depend on material type, intended use, and contact conditions.
Key Testing Requirements
Depending on the product and material, GB 4806 testing may include:
Overall migration testing
Specific migration testing
Sensory testing (odor and taste transfer)
Heavy metals and restricted substances
Additives and chemical composition control
Material-specific safety limits
Test conditions are selected based on food type, temperature, and contact duration defined in the standards.
Typical GB 4806 Testing Workflow
1) Product and Material Assessment
Technical review to determine applicable GB 4806 standards, test scope, and usage conditions.
2) Test Plan Development
Selection of food simulants, migration conditions, and analytical methods in accordance with GB requirements.
3) Laboratory Testing Execution
Testing is conducted in accredited laboratories using standardized GB test methods.
4) Data Evaluation and Compliance Determination
Results are evaluated against GB 4806 limits and material-specific requirements.
5) Reporting and Compliance Documentation
A professional GB 4806 test report is issued to support regulatory compliance and market access.
Deliverables
Typical GB 4806 testing deliverables include:
GB 4806 food contact test report
Migration and chemical analysis results
Sensory test conclusions (where applicable)
Compliance summary for customer and regulatory use
These documents support product registration, import clearance, and market distribution in China.
Why GB 4806 Compliance Matters
Non-compliant food contact products may result in:
Import rejection or regulatory action in China
Market withdrawal or product recall
Customer or distributor refusal
Reputational and commercial risk
GB 4806 testing is essential for safe and compliant access to the Chinese market.
Start Your GB 4806 Testing Project
Provide your product information, material composition, and intended use conditions to receive a tailored GB 4806 testing plan and quotation. Our team supports end-to-end GB 4806 compliance, from scope definition to final report delivery.