Consumer Council Publishes Surveillance Report on Tumblers Travel & Mugs

On January 15th, 2025, Hong Kong’s Consumer Council had published their surveillance report on tumblers and travel mugs where 18 models of tumblers and travel mugs were purchased from different retailers, raising concerns over discrepancies in claimed capacities and potential safety hazards, thus falling short of the relevant labelling requirement of the European standard.

All samples passed durability and safety tests related to corrosion and staining. However, the nominal capacity—measured at a specific water level—revealed significant inconsistencies.

Out of the 18 tested, 14 of them recorded a nominal capacity that was 3.33 percent to 20.24 percent below the stated capacity. In five models, the discrepancy even exceeded 10 percent, thus failing to comply with BS EN 12546-1 that allowed for a 10 percent discrepancy.

The Council also noted that even if the water level was filled right up to the lid or with the lid partially immersed in water to measure the maximum capacity of each model, in one model with a purported capacity of 600ml, its maximum capacity was only 532ml, which was 11.33 percent below the stated capacity.

Moreover, the Council’s test also revealed significant differences in the insulation capabilities of each model where only two mugs maintained a temperature above 60°C after six hours when filled with hot water, reflecting the varying efficacy of the models.

In terms of usability, the report also highlighted challenges associated with models that included drinking straws, as many were prone to clogging when used for beverages with toppings. This further complicates the user experience for consumers seeking convenience.

While all tested mugs met safety standards, the Council noted that some designs featured narrow openings, making them difficult to clean and thereby increasing the risk of bacteria growth. Regular cleaning of components, particularly silicone gaskets, is recommended to ensure hygiene.

How can SGS help?

As a leader in FCM services, SGS can help stakeholders to ensure their products to not only comply with global regulatory requirements but exceed such expectations to protect your products & brand.  We offer services such as:

Food Contact Materials (FCM) services from SGS ensure compliance with requirements for sale and distribution in global markets.

For more information, please contact our Sales team.

To obtain a copy in PDF version, please click here.