SG 055/26
South Korea revises standards for food contact utensils, containers and packages.
In South Korea, food contact utensils, containers and packages are regulated by the Food Sanitation Act (the Act). Chapter 3 of the Act prohibits the presence or use of toxic/harmful chemicals in food contact utensils, containers and packages that could endanger human health. It also directs the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to establish standards and specifications for these products.
In March 2026, South Korea’s MFDS issued Notice No. 2026-24, updating the nation’s ‘Standards and Specifications for Utensils, Containers and Packages’ (the Standard). This notice replaces the requirements and specifications detailed in MFDS Notice No. 2024-29 (available in Korean or unofficial English translation).
What does this regulation require?
Key changes in Notice No. 2026-24 include:
- Restructuring of ‘General Rules’ and ‘Common standards and specifications’
- Introducing a new section defining multiple terms and their definitions (Section I)
- Updating the migration requirements for di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials (see Table 1 below)
- Expanding the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in food contact utensils, containers and packages to include polypropylene (PP) under specified conditions (see press release by KFDA)
| Notice No. 2026-24: The Standard, Section V, Clause 1, 1-8, a3 ‘Migrant specification for PVC’ (New Standard) | Notice No. 2024-29: The Standard, Section III, Clause 1, 1-8, a3 ‘Migrant specification for PVC’ (Former Standard) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | ≤ 1 mg/L | ≤ 1 mg/L |
| Potassium permanganate consumption | ≤ 10 mg/L | ≤ 10 mg/L |
| Overall migration | ≤ 30 mg/L ≤ 150 mg/L (n-heptane) | ≤ 30 mg/L ≤ 150 mg/L (n-heptane) |
| Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) | ≤ 0.3 mg/L | ≤ 0.3 mg/L |
| Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP) | ≤ 30 mg/L | ≤ 30 mg/L |
| Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) | Not detected (ND) | ≤ 1.5 mg/L |
| Di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP) | ≤ 5 mg/L | ≤ 5 mg/L |
| Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) | ≤ 9 mg/L (sum) | ≤ 9 mg/L (sum) |
| Di-(2-ethylhexyl) adipate (DEHA) | ≤ 18 mg/L (but ND for wraps) | ≤ 18 mg/L |
Table 1
Who is impacted?
Stakeholders across the food contact material and article supply chain are affected by the new standards and specifications, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, retailers and other intermediaries operating in the South Korean market.
When does it apply?
Except for the specifications concerning DEHA in PVC wraps and DEHP in PVC, which will take effect on March 27, 2027, Notice No. 2026-24 became effective upon publication on March 27, 2026.
We help manufacturers and suppliers of food contact materials (FCM) achieve compliance with markets worldwide while supporting sustainability and market growth through product certification. Our experts offer extensive experience in testing materials and articles for multiple markets, ensuring they meet regulatory and environmental standards.
We provide comprehensive FCM testing, including migration tests, along with expert guidance on evolving regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Our expertise ensures your products meet the appropriate territorial regulations for food contact materials and helps pave the way for compliance. Contact us to learn more, or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. This publication or website is a property of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. All contents including website designs, text, and graphics contained herein are owned by or licensed to SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. The information provided is for technical and general information purposes only and offers no legal advice. The information is no substitute for professional legal advice to ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. All information is provided in good faith “as is”, and SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, and does not warrant that the information will be error-free or meet any particular criteria of performance or quality.
