European Union Proposes Revisions to Food Contact Plastics Regulation to Enter into Force in Q2 2023

The European Union (EU) has informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to revise its regulation on food contact plastics. The revisions are proposed to take effect in Q2 of 2023 and will be attached to WTO document number 23-0494. The draft regulation contains several significant changes to Annex I of Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and is proposed to be adopted on March 31, 2023 and published on April 3, 2023.

The draft regulation revokes the authorization for food contact material (FCM) substance nos. 96 (untreated wood flour and fibers) and 121 (salicylic acid) on the Union list. However, food contact plastics manufactured with these substances may still be placed on the market 18 months after the date of the amendment, subject to authorization and other conditions. Nine FCM substance nos. will also be replaced, including strengthened specific migration limits (SML) for DBP, BBP, and DEHP and new requirements for the restriction of group substances. Five new entries (FCM substance nos. 1078 to 1083) will also be added to the regulation.

In addition to these changes, three entries in the group restriction of substances will be replaced and three new entries will be added, including the consideration of DIBP in group restriction no. 32. The draft regulation highlights several changes for DBP, BBP, DEHP and DINP, including requirements for not using DINP in combination with FCM substances 157, 159, 283, or 1085. The proposal also allows food contact plastics that comply with the regulation prior to the amendment to remain on the market until stocks are exhausted.

SOURCE: www.sgs.com