Frequently Asked Questions
What is your MOQ for custom stainless steel tumblers?
MOQ varies by model, decoration type, and lid configuration. Share your target SKU and quantity goals — our export team will confirm MOQ per item.
Do you provide LFGB and FDA test reports?
Yes. LFGB and FDA food-contact test reports are available for qualified buyers during supplier evaluation.
Can you do laser engraving in-house?
Yes. Laser engraving is done in our own facility alongside UV printing, heat transfer, and sublimation.
What is your sample lead time?
For ODM projects, mold lead time depends on type: hand board prototype 3–5 days, silicone mold 5–7 days, metal (hardware) mold 15 days, plastic mold 40–55 days. Catalog SKU samples on existing molds are typically 5–7 working days after artwork approval.
Do you manufacture RCS- and GRS-certified drinkware?
Yes. We offer models aligned with RCS 2.0 and GRS requirements for sustainability-focused retail programs.
What capacities do you offer?
Core catalog covers 350ml–1000ml tumblers, bottles, mugs, and food jars. Large-format lines also include 64oz handled thermos flasks and 1200ml–2000ml insulated coffee carafes (SN-TM series). Rated volume is confirmed against the approved sample.
Which lid types are available?
Screw lids, flip lids, straw lids, handle lids, clamp-lock lids, one-touch pour lids, and car-cup compatible bases depending on model.
Do you make cola-shape stainless steel vacuum flasks?
Yes. SN-SF110 is a 500ml cola-shape double-wall stainless steel vacuum flask for OEM and private-label programs. See /product/500ml-cola-shape-double-wall-stainless-steel-vacuum-flask-cola-bottle/.
Do you supply large-capacity thermos flasks and coffee carafes?
Yes. SN-TM101 (64oz handled flask), SN-TM102–103 (1000ml cup-lid flasks), and SN-TM104 (1200/1500/2000ml one-touch coffee carafe) are available for outdoor, hospitality, and household OEM programs. Overview: /solutions/large-capacity-thermos-flask-carafe-oem/.
How do I request a product catalog?
Email admin@jhsonin.com with your company name, country, and product interest. We will send a catalog PDF within 1 business day.
What materials do you use?
304 and 316 stainless steel for most models. Select lines use pure titanium for premium builds.
Which customization methods are available in-house?
Laser engraving, UV printing, heat transfer, and sublimation — all handled in our own facility.
Do you support OEM and ODM?
Yes. We manufacture for private-label brands, promotional distributors, and retail programs worldwide.
How do you protect our designs?
We treat artwork, tooling drawings, and mold specifications as confidential project data. A mutual NDA can be signed before technical exchange, or we can work under your standard confidentiality terms. Client-owned designs are used on a project-only basis with limited internal access.
What certifications does your factory hold?
LFGB, FDA, BSCI, WCA, SQP, RCS, and GRS. Relevant documentation is available on request.
Which export markets do you serve?
Europe, North America, Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Latin America.
Can I visit the factory or meet at trade shows?
Yes. We exhibit at Canton Fair and Hong Kong trade fairs. Factory visits can be arranged for qualified buyers.
How do I get a quote?
Use our contact form or email admin@jhsonin.com with model reference, quantity, and customization requirements.
What is your monthly production capacity for stainless steel tumblers?
Typical output is about 200,000–300,000 units per month depending on model complexity, lid type, and decoration method.
Which third-party factory audits does your facility hold?
BSCI, WCA, and SQP social compliance audits. Certificate summaries are available on our certifications page at /certifications/.
How long has Jinhua Sonin Hardware been manufacturing drinkware?
Since 2003 — over 20 years of stainless steel vacuum flask and tumbler export experience from Jinhua, Zhejiang, China.
What quality standards do you use for vacuum flask inspection?
We evaluate stainless steel drinkware across three dimensions: food-contact safety (LFGB for EU-oriented programs, FDA for US-oriented programs), physical performance (tests aligned with EN 12546-2 for domestic thermal containers), and pre-shipment factory QC (leak check, visual inspection, packaging). Safety reports are model- and lid-specific; performance targets are confirmed per SKU before bulk production.
What is EN 12546, and why does it matter for buyers?
EN 12546 is the European standard family for insulated drinkware performance — it measures whether a product is practical, durable, and leak-resistant, not just chemically safe. For procurement teams, it is the reference for thermal retention, impact resistance, sealing, and labeling accuracy. EN 12546-2 applies specifically to domestic thermal containers such as vacuum flasks and travel mugs. EN 12546 addresses product performance; it does not replace LFGB or FDA food-contact testing.
How do you test thermal insulation performance?
Per EN 12546-style methodology, insulation is tested under controlled ambient conditions: hot water is filled to the rated level, the container is closed, and temperature is recorded at set intervals (commonly 6-hour and 12-hour checkpoints). Results depend on capacity, lid type, and model design — we confirm retention targets for your SKU during sampling, rather than publishing one number for all products. Example benchmark from our QC checklist: 60°C or above after 6 hours for qualifying models (actual results vary by item).
How do you test impact and drop resistance?
Impact testing follows EN 12546 principles: the vessel undergoes controlled drop or impact from a defined height, then is inspected for deformation, cracking, or vacuum failure. This validates that the double-wall structure and base survive normal handling and transit — a common failure point for thin-wall promotional tumblers. Models with handles or protective bases may be tested under separate conditions.
How do you verify leak-tightness and sealing?
Sealing is tested in two layers. EN 12546-style checks: the filled container is inverted and shaken to confirm no liquid escapes through the lid–body interface or gasket. Factory QC before shipment: production units pass a leak test on our inspection line — cap fit, thread alignment, and gasket condition are inspected batch by batch. Lid type (screw, flip, straw, handle lid) affects the test setup; specify your lid when inquiring.
Are handles and carrying loops strength-tested?
For models with a handle, strap, or carrying loop, EN 12546 requires a load-strength test: a standard force is applied to verify the attachment does not break or deform under normal carrying weight. This is especially relevant for food jars, large tumblers, and outdoor bottles. Handle-less slim tumblers are evaluated under impact and sealing tests instead.
How do you check cleanability and hygiene design?
EN 12546 includes a cleaning performance assessment: the internal structure is reviewed for washability and absence of hygiene dead zones — narrow threads, trapped corners, or non-removable components that trap residue. Wide-mouth bottles and removable lid assemblies generally score better. If your market requires dishwasher-safe or wide-mouth specs, share this at inquiry so we can match the right model.
How do you verify rated capacity and product labeling?
Capacity verification compares actual fill volume against the marked rating (e.g. 350ml, 500ml, 750ml). Labeling review checks that mandatory information — material, capacity, care instructions — is accurate and consistent with the tested configuration. Mismatched capacity or incomplete labeling are common causes of retail rejection in EU programs; we align label artwork with the approved sample before mass production.
How does EN 12546 relate to LFGB and FDA testing?
The three standards answer different questions. LFGB proves EU food-contact safety — no odor transfer, heavy-metal migration, and chemical compliance. FDA (21 CFR) proves US food-contact safety for metals, plastics, and silicone gaskets. EN 12546 proves physical performance — insulation, impact, sealing, capacity, and cleanability. LFGB packages may include some EN performance tests; FDA does not cover thermal performance. For a complete EU retail file, buyers typically need LFGB material reports plus EN 12546-aligned performance data for the specific SKU.
Can I request performance test data for a specific model?
Yes. Share the model reference, lid type, and target market when you inquire. We will confirm which reports and QC records apply to that configuration. Test data is tied to the tested SKU — results from one lid or capacity do not automatically transfer to another variant. If a report is not yet on file for your spec, we indicate available upon request and scope the testing before bulk release.
What is checked on your pre-shipment QC checklist?
Before cartons leave the factory, our line inspection covers: leak test (invert and shake; no leakage), visual QC (surface finish, logo/decoration, lid fit), capacity spot-check against rated volume, packaging integrity (bubble wrap, inner box, export carton), and label/barcode match to approved artwork for retail programs. Performance benchmarks (6h/12h retention, drop test) are validated at sample approval; bulk runs are held to the approved spec with spot checks per batch.
What is the best method for sublimating insulated stainless steel bottles?
For double-wall vacuum bottles, a convection oven with shrink wrap usually outperforms a mug press because it applies even heat and uniform pressure on curved surfaces. See our full guide at /blog/sublimation-troubleshooting-insulated-stainless-steel-bottles/ for temperature ranges, coating checks, and tape selection.
Why are my sublimation prints on vacuum bottles faded or dull?
Faded colors usually mean insufficient heat transfer — ink has not fully bonded with the polyester coating. Verify 180°C–200°C (356°F–392°F) with a thermometer, start with room-temperature bottles, and keep sublimation paper sealed from moisture. Full troubleshooting steps are at /blog/sublimation-troubleshooting-insulated-stainless-steel-bottles/.
Do your vacuum bottles support sublimation printing?
Select models ship with a sublimation-ready polyester coating. Sublimation ink will not bond to bare stainless steel — always confirm coating compatibility before bulk orders. Our export team can verify the right SKU and decoration method when you inquire.
Can Sonin support supplier onboarding documentation?
Yes. We can provide audit summaries, certification files, and model-linked compliance documents for qualified buyer evaluation.
What information should buyers share to start an OEM project?
Please share target SKU, capacity, lid type, decoration method, quantity range, and destination market compliance requirements.
When does bulk production start after inquiry?
Bulk production starts after sample approval on logo, color, lid configuration, packaging direction, and compliance scope.
How are compliance documents aligned with production?
Required reports and certification scope are aligned during sampling before bulk release.
Can Sonin recommend SKUs by retail or gifting scenario?
Yes. We can map catalog SKUs based on retail shelf, promo gifting, outdoor, or corporate-use scenarios.
Can buyers request quote and sample directly from product pages?
Yes. Product detail pages connect directly to quote and sample inquiry flows with SKU parameters.