Lab Reports: Lead-Free Testing & Copper Purity
We make our copperware ourselves, so we can show you exactly what goes into it. Below are two independent lab reports: a lead and cadmium safety test of our finished products, and the purity certificate for the copper sheet we buy.
1. Lead and cadmium test to FDA limits (finished products)
Result: PASS. Lead and cadmium were both below the lab's detection limit (0.03 ppm) in every reading.
| Laboratory | RTC Laboratory (Research, Testing and Calibration Laboratory), a division of the Metal Handicrafts Service Centre under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, Moradabad |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Accredited scope, certificate no. TC-6683 (ILAC-MRA) |
| Report no. | RTCL-39325/2025-26, dated 4 September 2025 |
| Products tested | Kaarigar copper jug, with the copper bottle, copper mug and copper glass reported in the same group |
| Test | Lead and cadmium leaching test as per FDA, method ASTM C738-20 |
| FDA limits (large hollowware) | Lead 2.0 ppm or less, cadmium 0.5 ppm or less |
| Our result | Lead: below detection limit. Cadmium: below detection limit. |
View the full lead and cadmium test report (PDF)
Why this matters: the biggest risk with cheap "copper" drinkware is not the copper. It is lead or cadmium from low-grade metal, solder or coatings. Our bottles are formed from one seamless sheet with no solder, and this test checks what actually leaches into the water.
2. Copper purity: mill test certificate (raw copper sheet)
Result: 99.51% copper, rated 99%+ copper grade.
| Supplier | Mittal Engineering Industries, Jagadhri, Haryana (ISO certified, BIS IS 1897 and IS 410) |
|---|---|
| Certificate no. | 20697, dated 26 September 2026, issued to Kaarigar Handicraft Inc. |
| Material | Soft copper circles, 10 inch diameter, 0.81 mm thick (the blanks our bottles are formed from) |
| Copper (Cu) | 99.51% |
| Lead (Pb) | 0.002% (limit 0.05%) |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 0.00027% |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.0223% |
| Zinc (Zn) | Remainder |
View the mill test certificate (PDF)
Why we say 99%+, not 100%
No copper bottle is 100% copper. Pure copper is too soft to hold its shape, and commercial copper sheet always carries tiny traces of other elements. Sellers who claim "100% pure copper" are rounding up or guessing. We publish the number our supplier's certificate actually shows.
How to check any copper bottle
- Ask for a lead and cadmium leaching test on the finished product, not just a purity claim.
- Ask for a mill certificate for the copper sheet, with the copper percentage.
- Check the bottle is made from one seamless sheet. Joints are often soldered.
- Pure copper tarnishes with use. A "copper" bottle that never changes colour is likely plated or coated.
Questions about our testing? Write to contactus@kaarigarhandicrafts.com.