CEN has published new version of the standard EN 12983-1:2023 and EN 12983-2:2023 for cookware. The European conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by August 2023.

The new cookware standards integrate the test requirements of previous two standards and add some new performance tests related to coatings. The details were as below：

The main changes in EN 12983-1:2023

• Add resistance to pull off handle assembly in previous standard CEN/TS 12983-2:2005.
• Add non-stick performance test.
• Add corrosion resistance in previous standard CEN/TS 12983-2:2005.
• Add heat distribution in previous standard CEN/TS 12983-2:2005.
• Add and modify the suitability for use with various heat sources in previous standard CEN/TS 12983-2:2005.

The main changes in EN 12983-2:2023

• The scope was only for domestic ceramic and glass ceramic cookware.
• Delete resistance to pull off handle assembly, non-stick coating endurance, corrosion resistance, heat distribution and suitability for use with various heat sources.
• Add impact resistance.
• Add Non-stick and easy clean coatings requirement.
• Modify thermal shock endurance for ceramics or glass ceramics or vitroceramic and glass lid.  

The Relationship between PFAS & Cookware

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom (i.e. at least one aliphatic -CF2- or -CF3- element). PFAS includes PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid), PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate) and many other chemicals.

PFAS can impart oil, water, stain, and soil repellency, chemical and temperature resistance, friction reduction, and surfactant properties to products, so that they have been widely used in the food contact materials, such as coatings of cookware, bread containers, takeaway boxes, etc. However, this chemical composition would move to our food or drink form food containers, which can lead to adverse health outcomes. Now, more and more countries and regions have published regulations and standards to limit the use of PFAS in products. In European countries or the U.S.A, several recall cases were notified that should be taken warning.

Intertek Cookware Testing Services

No mater how does the regulation change, Intertek will find the totally solution for cookware industries to match the market need. 

EN 12983-1:2023 Test standard

Test scope
All cookware, except pressure cookers, stove top water kettles and coffee makers

Test Items

• Selection of handles
• Handle position with respect to cookware
• Knob design
• Lid design
• Resistance to burning
• Heat resistance
• Torque resistance
• Bending strength
• Fatigue resistance
• Resistance to pull off handle assembly
• Thermal hazards
• Vitreous enamel and solgel on any substrate
• Hard anodized aluminium
• Organic external coatings
• Interior non-stick coatings
• Pouring
• Base stability under shock conditions
• Heat distribution
• Suitability for use with various heat sources
• Product information

Besides the cookware standard EN 12983, Intertek testing laboratory is eligible with abilities for CEN/TS 12983, EN 13834, BS 7069, CBA, Whitford test method, GB/T 32388, GB/T 40354, GB/T 29601, etc. We provide one-stop service for quality and safety of cookware under global standards.

PFAS Test
Intertek could also provide PFAS test for cookware as:

• Total F-screening test 
• PFAS Confirmation test
• Customized scheme - combining  Ingredient list checkin, chemical management and control to confirm the source of PFAS

Intertek's Product Performance Verification Certificates

Now, the high-end performance of the cookware products can be visually demonstrated via Intertek's product performance verification certificates rather than a traditional testing report, which provide companies with a "performance award that consumers can understand at a glance".

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers’ operations and supply chains. Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

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