Luxembourg amended rules in food contact ceramics to tighten migration limits for lead and cadmium in May 2026. The published Grand-Ducal Regulation of May 19, 2026 is revising the amended Grand-Ducal Regulation of February 1985 concerning ceramic articles intended to come into contact with food (consolidated version applicable as of May 29, 2026).
Key Changes & Scope
Key amendments include the following:
- Stricter migration limits for lead and cadmium (see Table 1 below)
- Expanded provision allowing economic operators to consider specific factors when placing ceramic articles on the market, including:
- The composition of substances used in manufacturing
- The potential use of substances containing lead or cadmium in food contact ceramics, including the interior, underglaze or the exterior of the product
- Additional documentation or information from suppliers
- Test results conducted on similar materials or articles
- Quality control measures
| Ceramic article category | Lead | Cadmium |
| Category 1 Articles which cannot be filled and articles which can be filled, the internal depth of which, measured from the lowest point to the horizontal plane passing through the upper rim, does not exceed 25 mm |
6 µg/dm² | 4 µg/dm² |
| Category 2 All other articles which can be filled |
30 µg/L | 20 µg/L |
| Category 3 Cooking ware; packaging and storage vessels having a capacity of more than 3 litres |
10 µg/L | 7 µg/L |
Table 1
Implementation Timeline
The regulation became effective on May 29, 2026. This affects stakeholders across the food contact ceramic materials and articles supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in the Luxembourg market.
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Food Contact Ceramics FAQ
1. What are food contact ceramics?
Ceramic products intended to come into contact with food, such as plates, bowls, mugs, serving dishes, and some cooking/packaging vessels.
2. What ceramic substances are commonly regulated?
A common focus is lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), but requirements may also cover other chemicals depending on the jurisdiction and product type (e.g., glazes, pigments, coatings).
3. What should be on food contact ceramic product labelling/ documentation?
Labelling requirements vary by region, but often you must be able to demonstrate that the product is intended for food contact and provide required declarations/documentation upon request.
