Regulatory Updates

Breaking News from the UE: 18th Amendment on Food Contact Plastics

The UE has released the draft amendment of the Food Contact Plastics Regulation (Reg. 10/2011/EU) for public consultation until 10 April, with the aim of adopting it by 2024.

This draft includes several points of interest, providing clarifications or changes to the current version of the regulation.

Admitted Substances

The amendment introduces purity requirements for authorized substances and establishes rules for the use of authorized natural materials. It places greater emphasis on controlling and evaluating Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS). Furthermore, it removes the provisional list (Art. 7).

Labelling Requirements

For articles intended for repeated use, the amendment mandates the inclusion of maximum durability and instructions to limit deterioration. For materials intended to come into contact with food but not yet in contact, it requires labels that guide the end user on the suitable types of food for contact, along with usage times and temperatures.

Scraps & Offcuts

These must be collected in accordance with the GMP Regulation and originate from plastics that comply with the Plastics Regulation 10/2011. The focus is on ensuring these materials do not contain prohibited substances.

Declaration of Conformity

The amendment plans updates to the information required in the Declaration of Conformity, including details on the use of recycled materials.

Migration Testing & Analytical Methods

  • It clarifies that, for multi-layer multi-materials with the food contact side made of plastic, the simulation and reference limits will follow Reg 10/2011/EU.
  • The amendment eliminates the derogation related to applying the conventional surface/volume ratio (6 dm² / kg) for containers smaller than 500 ml.
  • It also updates the migration tests for contact with certain types of cheese and clarifies compliance verification methods, especially for repeated-use materials.

Transitional Provisions

A transitional period of 18 months from the date of the amendment’s entry into force is provided.