Which Certifications Do I Need?
Pick your target market and whether you make eco claims — we'll list the certifications to request.
Certification Matrix
| Certification / Standard | What it covers | Who needs it | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| FDA food-contact (21 CFR) | Safe for contact with food; supplier compliance statement | All foodservice napkins sold in the US | USA |
| EU (EC) 1935/2004 & (EU) 10/2011 | General food-contact safety; materials & substances | Napkins sold in the EU | EU |
| LFGB | German food-contact law, stricter than EU baseline | Suppliers to German retailers | Germany / EU |
| FSC® / PEFC | Responsibly sourced fiber with chain of custody | Eco & tender buyers | Global |
| Compostable: BPI (ASTM D6400) / EN 13432 | Industrially compostable certification | Compostable product claims | US / EU |
| PFAS-free | No "forever chemicals" for grease resistance | Foodservice & regulated markets | US / EU / global |
| ISO 9001 | Quality management system at the factory | Baseline for B2B buyers | Global |
| BSCI / Sedex (SMETA) | Social compliance / labor standards audit | Retailers & public tenders | Global |
Compostable vs Biodegradable vs Recycled
- Compostable — breaks down in industrial composting to harmless biomass; backed by ASTM D6400 / EN 13432. The claim buyers and municipalities trust.
- Biodegradable — a weaker, often unverified claim; can take years and may leave microplastics. Prefer "compostable + certification".
- Recycled — made from recovered fiber; lowers footprint. Verify de-inking and food-safety compliance for printed stock.
PFAS-Free: A New Baseline
PFAS chemicals (used for grease resistance) are being restricted across the US, EU and beyond. PFAS-free napkins remove regulatory and reputational risk and are now an expectation for foodservice procurement. Ask suppliers for a written PFAS-free declaration.
How Jinman Certifies Your Order
Jinman Paper supplies FDA-compliant and EU food-contact napkins, offers PFAS-free and compostable options, and provides FSC-certified fiber on request. We hold ISO 9001, with BSCI/Sedex available, and issue a Declaration of Compliance matched to your market. Tell us your destination and eco claims and we'll assemble the right certification package.
Related Tools & Guides
- Napkin Size, Ply & GSM Guide — specify the right napkin.
- Napkin Quantity & Cost Calculator — estimate volume and budget.
- Custom & OEM / private-label page
- Food-safe napkins: FDA explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Are paper napkins food safe?
Food-contact paper napkins are safe when made from compliant pulp and additives. In the US they must meet FDA food-contact rules; in the EU they fall under Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and plastic/paper food-contact Regulation (EU) 10/2011. Always request the supplier's food-safety compliance statement and, for printed napkins, confirm the inks are food-grade.
What certification do napkins need for the US market?
For the US, napkins should comply with FDA food-contact requirements (21 CFR). There is no mandatory single mark, but reputable suppliers provide an FDA compliance / food-contact statement. BPA-free and PFAS-free claims are increasingly expected by US buyers.
What certification do napkins need for the EU?
EU napkins must meet Framework Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and, where applicable, Regulation (EU) 10/2011 for food-contact materials, plus national rules such as Germany's LFGB. Compliant suppliers issue a Declaration of Compliance. FSC or PEFC is expected for fiber sourcing.
What does FSC mean for napkins?
FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council) certifies that the fiber comes from responsibly managed forests with verified chain of custody. FSC napkins appeal to eco-conscious buyers and are often required in tenders and green-procurement programs.
What makes a napkin compostable?
A napkin is compostable when it breaks down in industrial composting under standards like ASTM D6400 (US, certified by BPI) or EN 13432 (EU). 'Biodegradable' is a weaker claim; 'compostable' with a certification is what municipalities and buyers recognize.
Are PFAS-free napkins important?
Yes. PFAS ('forever chemicals') used for grease resistance are being restricted in the US, EU and elsewhere. PFAS-free napkins avoid regulatory and reputational risk and are quickly becoming a baseline requirement for foodservice buyers.
Do I need social-compliance certifications to import napkins?
If you supply retailers or public tenders, social audits such as BSCI or SEDEX (SMETA) are often required. They verify working conditions and labor standards at the factory. ISO 9001 covers quality management and is a common baseline.
Can Jinman provide certified napkins for my market?
Yes. Jinman Paper supplies FDA-compliant and EU food-contact napkins, FSC-certified fiber on request, PFAS-free and compostable options, and holds ISO 9001 with BSCI/Sedex available. Tell us your target market and we'll match the certification package and issue the relevant compliance documents.