One of the most persistent misconceptions in the glass packaging industry is that CE certification is mandatory for all products exported to Europe. This belief has led countless Southeast Asian manufacturers to invest in unnecessary certification processes, while overlooking the actual compliance requirements that European buyers prioritize.
The reality is straightforward: CE marking is NOT required for glass jars. According to the European Commission's official guidance, CE marking is compulsory only for products covered by specific EU directives (known as the New Approach Directives), including toys, electronics, medical devices, pressure equipment, machinery, and personal protective equipment [1]. Glass packaging for food, candles, cosmetics, or general storage does not fall under any of these categories.
The European Commission explicitly states: "Not all products must have CE marking. It is compulsory only for most of the products covered by the New Approach Directives. It is forbidden to affix CE marking to other products." [1] This means that placing a CE mark on glass jars when it's not required could actually create compliance issues, as it misrepresents the product's regulatory status.
So what certifications and documentation do glass jar exporters actually need for European market access? The answer depends on the intended use of the glass jar:
For Food Contact Applications (the most common use case):
- EC 1935/2004 Framework Regulation: Applies to all materials intended to come into contact with food. Glass is generally considered inert and safe, but the regulation requires that materials must not release substances that could endanger human health or alter the taste, smell, or appearance of food.
- EC 2023/2006 Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP): Glass is explicitly listed in Annex I of this regulation, meaning manufacturers must implement documented GMP systems.
- Declaration of Compliance (DoC): Suppliers must provide a written declaration stating that the product complies with applicable FCM regulations.
- Traceability Information: Documentation enabling identification of the product through all stages of production, processing, and distribution.
For the German Market (Europe's largest economy):
- LFGB (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch): Germany's Food and Feed Code is stricter than EU-wide requirements. LFGB requires migration testing to ensure no harmful substances transfer from packaging to food. Products meeting LFGB standards can display the knife-and-fork symbol.
For All Packaging (Effective August 2026):
- PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): This new regulation becomes effective on August 12, 2026, and introduces comprehensive requirements including recyclability standards, recycled content mandates for plastic components, and harmonized labeling obligations [3].
"LFGB tests must be done on the final product form to see whether it transfers something harmful to food. So when brands say their product is LFGB-grade or LFGB certified and they are referring to only raw material, not the final product, it's misleading." [5]
This insight from a Reddit discussion highlights a critical issue: some suppliers claim LFGB certification based on raw material testing alone, but the finished product (including closures, coatings, and decorations) must be tested as a complete unit. This is especially relevant for glass jars with metal lids, plastic seals, or printed labels—each component must meet food contact safety standards.

