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Cosmetic Packaging Heavy Metals Test

Testing of packaging materials for lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium against the limits in U.S. state toxics-in-packaging laws, so non-compliant packaging does not block your launch.

BasisU.S. state packaging laws
ScopeLead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium
TimelineA few weeks
DeliverablePackaging test report
On this page

What this service is

Packaging heavy metals testing measures lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium in packaging and packaging components. Many U.S. states have adopted model toxics-in-packaging legislation that sets an explicit combined limit for these four heavy metals in packaging.

This test targets the packaging itself, not the contents — a different project from heavy metals testing of the cosmetic product. Non-compliant packaging can itself create compliance problems for products on the U.S. market.

Model Toxics in Packaging LegislationTPCH Model Legislation (2021)

Who needs it

Cosmetic companies exporting to the U.S. that need to confirm packaging compliance
Brands asked by platforms or buyers for packaging compliance evidence
Products re-verifying packaging after a supplier change

Prerequisites and sequence

  • Provide physical samples of each packaging material (bottles, caps, tubes, cartons, etc., sampled separately).
  • Identify the states where the product will be sold so the applicable rules can be confirmed.

Who holds regulatory responsibility

Packaging compliance rests with the company placing the product on the market. We coordinate laboratory testing and interpret results; packaging supplier selection remains with you.

Materials we need from you

Samples of each packaging material (provided separately by material)
Packaging material and supplier specifications
Description of the markets where the product will be sold

Process

  1. 01

    Inventory the packaging types and materials to be tested

  2. 02

    Ship samples to the partner laboratory

  3. 03

    The laboratory measures lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium

  4. 04

    Evaluate results against the applicable limits

  5. 05

    Deliver the report and interpret the conclusions

Deliverables

Packaging heavy metals test report
Limit comparison and compliance conclusion

Timeline

Instrumental analysis is relatively quick; the overall turnaround is typically within a few weeks, subject to laboratory scheduling.

Scope

What we provide

  • Packaging inventory and shipping guidance
  • Laboratory coordination
  • Report delivery and result interpretation

What is not included

  • Replacement of non-compliant packaging and supplier remediation
  • Other packaging performance tests (barrier, seal integrity, etc.)
  • International sample shipping costs

Common pitfalls

Confusing this with product heavy metals testingPackaging heavy metals testing covers the packaging itself; product testing covers the contents, under different rules. The two require separate samples, and one report cannot replace the other.
Testing only one packaging componentBottles, caps, tubes, cartons, and other materials must be sampled separately. Testing only the main material still leaves the whole package non-compliant if an accessory component exceeds the limit.
Relying solely on the supplier's reportA supplier report is a useful reference but covers only the batches they submitted. An independent confirmation test before export verifies the actual procured batches.

Pricing

Pricing depends on your product, quantity, and target market. Submit your product details and we will come back with a defined scope and quote.

Request a quote

FAQ

Is this the same test as product heavy metals?

No. Product heavy metals testing measures the contents; packaging heavy metals testing measures the packaging material itself, under different rules. They require separate sampling.

Which U.S. states regulate heavy metals in packaging?

Many states have adopted model toxics-in-packaging legislation limiting the combined total of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium. The applicable scope is confirmed against the states where you actually sell.

If the packaging supplier provides a report, do we still retest?

A supplier report is a useful reference, but independent testing of the finished packaging covers the actual procured batches. A confirmation test is recommended before export.

Related services

Packaging Compatibility TestEvaluates the interaction between formula and packaging over the storage period — whether the packaging deforms or leaks and whether the formula is affected by packaging constituents — providing the basis for packaging selection and shelf-life setting.Heavy Metals TestInstrumental analysis of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy-metal impurities in finished cosmetics, assessed against FDA's points of attention on heavy-metal impurities to support safety substantiation and platform compliance.Cosmetic Label ReviewA clause-by-clause review of your existing label against FDA cosmetic labeling rules: claims wording, ingredient declaration, mandatory statements, type size and layout. You receive an action-point list and a suggested corrected draft, reducing misbranding risk.

Disclaimer

Testing is performed by a third-party laboratory; report conclusions apply only to the submitted samples. This page is general information.