EU Revises Regulation on Food Contact Plastics: Key Updates

The main change is an adjustment to the deadline for the European Food Safety Authority to confirm the validity of authorization applications for "untreated wood flour or fibers," providing applicants with reasonable time to complete their applications.

1. For plastic materials and articles made using salicylic acid or untreated wood flour or fibers of specific wood species, if the following conditions are met, they may continue to be placed on the market for the first time from February 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026:

(1) A substance authorization application has been submitted to the competent authority before August 1, 2024, in accordance with Article 9 of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004;

(2) The aforementioned substance is used in the production and use of plastic materials and articles in strict accordance with the intended conditions of use described in the application;

(3) The materials submitted to the relevant agency in accordance with Article 9, paragraph 1(b) of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 contain a declaration of compliance with this paragraph.

If the substance authorization application for plastic materials and articles meeting the above conditions is deemed valid by the relevant agency before January 31, 2026, they may continue to be placed on the market for the first time after January 31, 2026.

2. Plastic materials and articles that meet the above conditions and are placed on the market for the first time may continue to be sold on the market unless the applicant withdraws the application or the European Commission provides a clear response pursuant to Article 11, paragraph 1 of Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 regarding the authorization for the use of salicylic acid or untreated wood flour or fibers of certain wood species.

firstly, closely monitoring the progress of the European Food Safety Authority's assessment to ensure that the application materials meet the requirements by January 31, 2026; secondly, optimizing supply chain management to reduce inventory risks; and thirdly, strengthening communication with EU importers to ensure product compliance and obtain the latest regulatory updates.

Qualified Jumbo Bag Recommended