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Recently, the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) reported 15 cases of food-contact materials failing sampling inspections. Of these, 9 originated from China, 1 each from Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands, and 3 from unknown sources. The main reasons for non-compliance in this batch of notifications were: excessive migration of heavy metals — 10 cases; excessive migration of aromatic amines — 3 cases; missing compliance documentation — 2 cases; and insufficient product testing — 1 case.

The EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40), will become mandatorily applicable across the entire EU from August 12, 2026, replacing the 94/62/EC Directive that has been in force for nearly 30 years. PPWR is upgraded into a directly applicable regulation and it imposes full-chain requirements on all packaging placed on the EU marke

On 12 August 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, Regulation (EU) 2025/40) will become fully mandatory. This is not a "recommendatory" guidance document. It is a regulation with direct legal force, uniformly applicable to all EU Member States. From that date onwards, packaging that fails to meet requirements – including excessive heavy metals, non-compliant PFAS levels, incomplete EPR registration, or missing mandatory labels – may face product delisting, customs detention, heavy fines, or even exclusion from the EU market.

In May 2026, the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) issued multiple notifications concerning food contact materials (FCMs). The alerts highlight ongoing compliance issues related to heavy metal migration, primary aromatic amine (PAA) release, and incomplete documentation.

Food contact plastics entering the European market are regulated by EU regulation EU 10/2011. EU legislation is based on the "positive list" principle, where substances used to manufacture food contact plastic materials must be selected from the list in Annex I of EU regulation EU 10/2011. Only substances listed can be added as monomers, additives, or production aids in the manufacturing formula. In the actual production process, apart from substances intentionally added during the process, there are also Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS).

On November 18, 2025, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) announced a public consultation concerning two new varieties of food-related products, including polyvinyl alcohol.

On September 25, 2025, the National Health Commission and the State Administration for Market Regulation jointly issued Announcement No. 6 of 2025, releasing 32 new national food safety standards and 2 amendments. Among these, four standards related to food contact materials include: GB 4806.10-2025 Coatings and Coatings for Use with Food Contact Materials and Articles GB 4806.16-2025 Silicone Rubber Materials and Products for Food Contact GB 31604.21-2025 Determination of Migration of Benzoic Acid, Phthalic Acid, and Terephthalic Acid in Food Contact Materials and Products GB 31604.64-2025 Determination of Migration of Citrate and Sebacate Compounds in Food Contact Materials and Products

As a fundamental chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, Bisphenol A (BPA, CAS No.: 80-05-7) is extensively utilized in plastic additives, coatings, and various other products. However, its endocrine-disrupting properties, reproductive toxicity, and potential immunological and developmental toxicities have raised health concerns. BPA can migrate into the human body through food contact materials and everyday items, posing significant risks, particularly to infants, pregnant women, and immunocompromised groups. Consequently, BPA has been included in the global regulatory focus list for stringent control.

On July 3, 2025, the China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment (CFSA) issued a significant announcement, officially soliciting public comments on the draft revision of the National Food Safety Standard - Standard for Uses of Additives in Food Contact Materials and Articles (Industry Draft for Comments). Commissioned by the National Health Commission (NHC), this revision aims to further enhance the safety of food contact materials.

On January 22, 2025, the European Union officially published the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (EU) 2025/40, also known as PPWR. This regulation will fully replace the existing Directive 94/62/EC on August 12, 2026, becoming the primary EU legislation for the management of packaging and packaging waste.