Switzerland Revises Two Positive Lists for Food Contact Materials

SG 90/24

Switzerland has amended the nation’s positive list for food contact plastics and food packaging inks. These will become effective on July 1, 2024. 

On June 5, 2024, Switzerland issued Official Collection 2024 250 to amend two Annexes falling under the nation’s Ordinance on Materials and Articles Intended to Come into Contact with Foodstuffs (RS/SR 817.023.21).

These two Annexes are:

• Annex 2 ‘List of substances permitted for the manufacture of plastic materials and articles and related requirements’
• Annex 10 ‘List of substances permitted for the manufacture of packaging inks and requirements’

Changes in Annex 2 Edition 3.1 when compared to its (previous) Edition 3 version include, but are not limited to:

• Introduction of substance no. 5347 (bis(2-ethylhexyl)cyclohexane-1,4-dicarboxylate, DEHCH) with specifications (Table 1)
• Addition of substance nos. 5346 and 5348 to 5351 (Table 1)
• Inclusion of diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP, CAS 84-69-5) for group substance restriction no. 32 (Table 2). Per group restriction no. 32, DIBP is not among the authorized substances listed in Table 1. It can be found in the presence of other phthalates as a consequence of its use as a polymerization aid and is included in the group restrictions as substance no. 5353
• New group restriction nos. 41 and 42
   

It is interesting to note that Switzerland has permitted substance no. 5103 (wood flour and fibers, untreated) to be used as an additive or aid in the manufacture of plastics. This substance was delisted from the positive list for food contact plastics in the European Union (SafeGuardS 89/23)

Both Annex 2 Edition 3.1 (positive list or plastics) and Annex 10 Edition 3.1 (positive list for packaging inks) will apply from July 1, 2024

SGS has the expertise to help manufacturers and suppliers of FCM achieve compliance with markets around the globe. Our technical experts have extensive experience of testing materials and articles for many markets. We offer the full range of FCM testing, including migration tests, along with expert advice on emerging regulations, compliance issues and documentation review. Our experience can ensure your products meet the appropriate territorial regulations for food contact materials and help pave the way for compliance. Contact us to know more or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.