Cookware standards serve as essential benchmarks for product quality and safety. Whether you’re a manufacturer, brand owner, retailer, or consumer, choosing products that meet European regulations or U.S. standards means you’re investing in cookware that has been rigorously tested for domestic use. While these standards share common ground, they’re not identical across markets.
Have you ever wondered how cookware is tested for safety and performance? Or why it matters if your pots and pans are compliant with regional standards?
Keep reading to uncover the key aspects of cookware safety and why it should matter to your business.
The main European standards for cookware is the EN12983, which set out the safety and performance of domestic cookware for use on top of a stove, cooker or hob.
The EN 12983:2023 has been lastly updated and released in 2023 and it introduces significant changes to the construction and performance requirements for household goods. Understanding these changes, as well as the tests involved, is crucial for manufacturers and retailers to ensure compliance, maintain product quality, and meet consumer expectations.
Here a summary of most crucial tests regarding handles for cookware in this EU standards:
These standards introduce significant changes to construction and performance requirements, emphasizing safety and durability.
Staying informed about the latest updates in European cookware standards is paramount for manufacturers and retailers alike.
In the U.S.A., The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance (CBA), is a trade organization that sets voluntary standards for the industry’s products. Companies who adhere to CBA standards are encouraged to state this fact in advertising and promotional materials, as well as on product tags and labels.
The list of tests required by the CBA Engineering Standards has been recently updated too, with important revisions and a further harmonization with respect with the European ones.
The standard also includes a specific section dedicated to Handles & Fitting with tests focusing on handle assembly, how to measure handles and knob temperature and a specific guide for plastic cookware handle.
Among the tests included in the Engineering Standards Assembly Strength Test is particularly challenging in its HOT procedure since it requires the cookware to be loaded and to resist in a heated oven at 350 °F. This challenging test puts stress on the mechanical properties of the pot during weightlifting phase. It can be considered the test that determines the main difference between the two regulations.
Knowing the physical and mechanical properties of your cookware isn’t just a technical necessity—it’s a powerful way to demonstrate the quality, safety, and durability of your products to end users.
Among all the components, the handle plays a particularly important role. It’s the main point of contact between the user and the cookware. The sense of safety, comfort, and reliability that a handle provides is crucial—not only during daily use, but also at the point of sale, where it can strongly influence the buying decision.
At F.B.M., our mission goes beyond simply producing cookware handles and pans. As a global manufacturer known for Italian design, product innovation, and certified quality, we are proud to set high benchmarks in the industry.
We’re also deeply engaged in the international dialogue around cookware safety. F.B.M. actively collaborates with major industry associations such as CBA (Cookware and Bakeware Alliance) in the U.S. and FEC (Fédération Européenne des Fabricants d’Articles de Cuisine) in Europe. Our involvement includes extensive work on PFAS-related topics, sustainability regulations, and continuous improvements in product safety.
Driven by our commitment to excellence, F.B.M. invests in ongoing research, testing, and evaluation—ensuring our products not only meet but exceed international safety standards.
If you're looking for an in-depth overview of the main cookware safety standards—from testing procedures to specific certifications and how F.B.M. ensures compliance—download our free white paper.
It’s an essential guide for any brand or buyer that wants to stay informed and make confident, quality-driven decisions.