Buyers ask for "FDA and SGS" without knowing what either one proves. Here is what each certificate actually covers, what it costs, and what to ask a supplier for.

FDA — a material standard, not a certificate

The FDA does not certify or approve glass packaging. What it does is publish regulations (21 CFR 175-178 for food contact, cosmetics are covered by FD&C Act MoCRA provisions) that define which substances may contact food, cosmetics or drugs. In practice, "FDA compliant" on a supplier quote means: the raw materials and coatings we use are on the FDA inventory lists, and we can issue a declaration of composition (DoC) on request. Ask for the DoC document, not a sticker.

LFGB — the European equivalent, with real testing

Germany's LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch) governs food-contact articles in the EU. Unlike the FDA declaration route, LFGB compliance is demonstrated by an actual laboratory test report — typically migration tests and sensory evaluation. If you sell into Germany, Austria or Switzerland, ask for an LFGB test report from an accredited lab, and check that it names the exact article (your bottle, not a similar one).

SGS — a testing house, not a standard

SGS is one of the world's largest inspection, verification, testing and certification companies. "SGS certified" is a category error — SGS issues reports against standards. The reports that matter for glass packaging are:

  • Heavy metals — lead and cadmium migration (the classic worry for decorated glass; lead-free decoration is now standard).
  • Migration tests — for food-contact use.
  • Drop test / thermal shock — physical performance, useful evidence when a batch arrives broken.
  • Loading inspection — an inspector at the factory before shipment, checking quantity, workmanship and packaging against AQL.

An SGS loading inspection costs a few hundred dollars and is the best insurance a first-time buyer can buy.

ISO 9001 — about the factory, not the bottle

ISO 9001 certifies that the factory has a documented quality management system. It says nothing about whether your specific bottle passes inspection, but a certified factory is far more likely to batch-test and keep records. Treat it as a positive signal about process, not a substitute for AQL sampling.

Other marks you may be asked for

California Proposition 65 requires warning labels for listed substances — relevant if you sell into California; lead-free decoration declarations usually suffice. REACH covers EU chemical compliance for substances in articles. FSC matters only if you add paperboard outer packaging.

What to ask every supplier, in one email

  • Declaration of composition (FDA) — yes or no?
  • LFGB test report for this exact article — can you provide?
  • Lead / cadmium migration results for the decoration — latest batch?
  • ISO 9001 certificate — valid until when?
  • Will you accept third-party loading inspection (SGS / TÜV / Intertek)?

A supplier who answers all five with documents within a week is a supplier you can scale with. Vague answers at this stage predict vague quality later.

Where to go next