The European Commission announced new measures in the field of BPA in the context of food contact materials. No formal proposal has been presented yet by the EC but some clarifications were given to the stakeholders.

Today the BPA is authorized under the Plastic Regulation (EU) 10/2011 for use as a monomer in the manufacture of plastic FCMs, with some exceptions related to infants and children (polycarbonate bottles, feeding cups as well as varnishes and coatings).

The intention of the EC is to prohibit the intentional use of BPA in all food contact plastics, varnishes and coatings, inks, adhesives, and rubber. The forthcoming prohibition would include the intentional use of BPA in housewares (e.g., kitchen and tableware) and in food processing equipment.

The compliance, as requested by the EC, will be verified through a Declaration of Compliance issued by business operators in the supply chain.

This new decision follows the EFSA re-evaluation of all available scientific data on BPA, which was published on April 19, 2023. The unintentional presence of BPA would not be subject to the prohibition.
The publication of the regulation is estimated for Spring 2024, with a fixed 18-month transition period which is foreseen after entry into force of the prohibition.

Post 06/09/2023