Topic

Substances of concern & PFAS

Packaging must be made so that substances of concern in its materials and components are minimised, including in emissions and in the resulting secondary raw materials. The combined concentration of lead, cadmium, mercury and hexavalent chromium must not exceed 100 mg/kg. From 12 August 2026 PFAS limits apply to food-contact packaging: 25 ppb for any individual PFAS measured by targeted analysis, 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS, and 50 ppm for total fluorine including polymeric PFAS. The Commission must report on substances of concern by 31 December 2026 and review the PFAS limits by 12 August 2030.

What you must do

• Collect substance declarations from every packaging supplier.
• Test food-contact packaging for PFAS against the 25 ppb / 250 ppb / 50 ppm thresholds.
• Record results in the technical documentation and be ready to show fluorine content on request.

Dates that apply

• 12 August 2026PFAS limits in food-contact packaging

Source: Article 5 (substances in packaging).