Bradley Beach, NJ, Release: For Immediate Release.
The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA) has released an updated edition of its Engineering Standards for Cookware and Bakeware, the industry’s primary technical reference for product safety, performance testing, and materials compliance. The most significant addition to the 2026 edition is a dedicated, 32-page chapter on nonstick coatings, a topic that has grown in regulatory and consumer importance in recent years.
The revised standards are now available for purchase at cookwareandbakeware.org/engineering-standards.
Updated Chapter on Nonsticks
Section 21, titled “Manufacturers Testing for Nonstick Finishes on Cookware and Bakeware,” outlines standardized test methods to help manufacturers evaluate the performance and durability of nonstick coatings across a simulated product lifecycle.
The nonstick chapter arrives as the category faces heightened scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike, with federal and state-level legislation targeting PFAS and other chemical compounds associated with certain coating chemistries. Having a standardized testing framework gives manufacturers and retailers a consistent benchmark for evaluating products and for demonstrating that products meet established safety criteria.
Recognizing the chapter’s standalone relevance, for the first time, the CBA is making it available as a separate purchase. The nonstick chapter can be downloaded as a PDF ($250) or obtained as a PDF plus printed copy ($350), giving companies the option to access that section without purchasing the full manual.
The Full Standards: 25 Sections Covering the Industry
Beyond the nonstick additions, the 2026 manual spans 25 sections covering the full range of cookware and bakeware materials and construction methods, from aluminum, stainless steel, and cast iron to porcelain enamel, silicone, glass, and clad materials. Sections address everything from handle and fitting specifications and metric sizing procedures to mechanical safety guidelines, induction compatibility, and organic thermoset exterior finishes.
The standards are developed and maintained by volunteer representatives from CBA member companies who serve on the Engineering Standards Committee and its subcommittees. The committee meets regularly to evaluate emerging materials, technologies, and regulatory developments and to update or create new standards accordingly.
Access and Pricing
For CBA members, the full Engineering Standards manual is available at no additional cost through the member portal at cookwareandbakeware.org. The CBA points out that comparable technical standards purchased independently through organizations such as NSF International or similar bodies typically run $1,500 to $3,000 per year, making member access a meaningful part of the overall value of CBA membership.
Non-members can purchase the complete manual in two formats: a PDF-only download ($1,000) or a PDF plus printed copy ($1,100).
A Note for Overseas Manufacturers
While CBA membership is open only to companies with substantial operations and headquarters in the United States, the organization notes that overseas factories supplying the U.S. market have equal reason to work from the same standards. Compliance with U.S. safety and quality benchmarks has become a practical necessity, driven by consumer demand for transparency, and by an expanding body of state and federal product safety legislation.
For overseas factories, purchasing and implementing the CBA Engineering Standards signals to U.S. brands, importers, and retailers a commitment to the same safety and quality framework their domestic partners follow. Fran Attilio, CBA Managing Director, frames it this way: “Factories around the world can show their dedication to quality and product performance by purchasing and following the engineering standards. This is an incredible message to U.S. manufacturers and retailers showing their commitment to coming together as one industry to create safe consumer products.”
Overseas factories can purchase the standards through the same non-member pricing structure available to any non-member organization.
Why the Updated Version Matters
Industry professionals working from earlier editions of the standards may be operating with outdated testing criteria, particularly in areas like nonstick coatings where both technology and regulatory expectations have shifted. The CBA recommends that manufacturers, product developers, quality assurance teams, and compliance staff confirm they are referencing the current 2026 edition.
The full standards and purchasing options are available at cookwareandbakeware.org/engineering-standards. Questions can be directed to info@cookware.org.
About The Cookware & Bakeware Alliance (CBA)
The Cookware and Bakeware Alliance is a vital housewares trade association, delivering critical industry resources as a voice of authority and influence uniting the industry by setting engineering standards for product and consumer safety.
The CBA is recognized as a leader in developing and communicating product safety standards and innovative solutions for the cooking and baking industry. For more information about the Alliance, its upcoming events, and how to become a member, visit https://cookwareandbakeware.org/.