China's market regulator advises checking the product name, material, standard, maker and conformity information on ceramic tableware. Decorative-only ceramics must not hold food, so buyers should separate intended use from appearance and sales stories.
Ask whether it is made for food contact
At a market, studio or showroom, say whether the cup, bowl, plate, jar or teapot will hold tea, hot food, stored food or only be displayed. The regulator states that decorative-only ceramics must not hold food; a tableware shape does not establish food-contact suitability.
Look for the product name, material, applicable standard, maker's name, address and contact, plus instructions or conformity information. Handmade status, uniqueness or an artist signature does not replace use information. If the seller cannot explain it, consider the piece decorative rather than daily tableware.
Check decoration, damage and appliance use separately
Official guidance recommends sound shapes and intact glaze without odor, cracks or chips, and cautions against excessive or raised decoration on food-contact surfaces. For children, also consider weight and the injury risk if a piece falls and breaks.
Microwave, oven and dishwasher use requires explicit product marking; do not infer it merely because ceramics are fired at high temperature. Ask especially about metallic rims, gold decoration and unknown finishes. Retire cracked or damaged pieces from food use.
Keep records tied to the exact pieces
Record item, quantity, intended use, material, price and maker on the order or receipt, retaining labels, conformity papers and photographs for valuable sets. For overseas shipping, separately confirm packing, declaration, insurance, duties and destination food-contact requirements with the carrier.
A multilingual guide can help ask and translate but cannot issue a maker's conformity document or guarantee compliance abroad. This is a verification checklist, not an endorsement of any stall, studio or brand.